USA SHORTS

THANKS TO WORLDS ORGANISERS - posted 27 April 2011

I would also like to take the opportunity to say "thanks" to a few people,
without whom it wouldn't have been a success.

Firstly to Pete Barnes for his organisation before and during the event. All of the travel arrangements went without a hitch, and things ran smoothly thanks to Pete's management whilst we were in Edenton - well done Pete - you've earned a rest!

Thanks also to the Aussies for amount of effort and time you put into preparing the track.  All of us could see the improvement as the tournament progressed.

Thanks to Edenton CSC for organising the event and in particular Brian White (pictured left) who worked tirelessly during the week.



 

I will particularly miss Brian's race commentary which was absolutely top-class and really brought the racing to life (I look forward to hearing the phrase "...now lets go trackside" at meetings around the UK soon!).

And finally, I'm sure I speak on behalf of all visitors to thank Roger and Jamie who did the gates, flags and maintained the track during the matches. They did this all week in 80+ degree heat, and their own unique sense of humour kept us smiling all week.

Well done to all.

Dave Chambers

ANGELL FAVOURITE FOR WORLD TITLE - posted 25 April 2011

With less than an hour to go before the World individual final, Spokesman readers are united in the prediction that the title will rest between four riders who attracted a staggeriing 67% of all votes cast.

After closing our straw poll after 100 votes were cast, readers are convinced the title race will be between pre-match favourite Andy Angell (21 votes), Lee Aris (18 votes), Lukasz Nowacki (15 votes) and Paul Heard 13 (votes).

Thank you to everyone who voted.

TWO INNERS DRAW AIDS ARIS CHALLENGE - posted 25 April 2011

The junior and senior draws for the World individual finals took place at Edenton at the conclusion of the World Cup.

In the junior event Lee Kemp (England), Cody Eaves(USA), Matt Smith (England) and Vicky Brown (England) each have two gate ones.  In the
seniors the riders who have the two gate ones are Joel Chadwick (Australia), Daniel Pudney (Australia), Przemek Binkowski (Poland) and Lee Aris (England).

PRAISE FOR STEVE COPPING - posted 24 April 2011

Further to the recent comment's by Dave Murphy on Viewpoint in
respect of the efforts by the Australian and England squad members,
the Edenton club would in addition offer their sincere thanks to Steve
Copping for his excellent "admin" backup assistance during the event.
Well done Steve - great job appreciated by all.

LITTLE SPECTATOR INTEREST IN USA - posted 23 April 2011

Reports coming out of North Carolina have highlighted a growing concern, from various international riders, that local spectator interest has been disappointing so far at the World Championships being staged at the Edenton race track.

Although racing has proved exciting with close-fought international test matches and a Junior World Pairs last heat decider, it seems that the crowd has been limited to the overseas visitors so far with hardly any local spectator interest at the track.

ICSF spokesman Dave Murphy said "I do understand that interest has been muted so far" following reports from the Aussie team that the only locals watching the recent Australia v Poland test match were two acquaintances they'd brought along from the neighbourhood where the Australian team are staying.
 
However, as Murphy added, "It may well be that spectators will be attracted to the various championship finals over the weekend, especially following much media coverage aimed at generating such local interest.  Based on the efforts put into marketing the event, by Edenton supremo Brian White, I would hope to hear more positive feedback during this coming weekend with an anticipated influx of local
spectators - especially those who have become aware of their overseas visitors, in and around the town of Edenton, during the past week."

Lets hope so - bearing in mind that the championships have been specifically targeted at promoting the sport in the USA and generating more local interest for the Edenton club.

BRIT APPREHENDED IN EDENTON - posted 23 April 2011

Yesterday Louise Watson, mother of top lady rider Laura, was interviewed at length by a local law enforcement officer after being apprehended for exceeding the highway speed limit.   Although the officer indicated the serious nature of the offence, his deep south upbringing seen him unable to understand the broad Manchester accent of Louise.  

It would appear that his final words on the matter were " too much paperwork so you are free to leave."

ARRON MORGAN TREATED FOR PNEUMONIA IN HOSPITAL - posted 21 April 2011

After scoring 19 in the North Carolina Open on Monday, Arron Morgan (Poole) was taken ill and went to hospital for tests and treatment. He has received medication for a gastric infection and pneumonia. It is understood that if fit to ride in Monday's Junior final he will receive one of the four seeded places.

NERVE-WRACKING ROAD TO EDENTON - posted 18 April 2011

Well - our arrival in America was a lot more exciting than we expected. As we were passing through immigration, storms and tornados were passing through Raleigh and across North Carolina. When we left the airport we saw some trees ripped up and road signs down reports Dave Chambers.

We had a nerve wracking two-and-a-half hour drive to Edenton. We had the radio on and they kept issuing tornado warnings for places we just passed or where driving towards. I think we were basically following the storm system. Luckily, the worst we experienced ourselves was just torrential rain!

Anyway - its beautifully sunny this morning and we're off to see GB vs USA U15s this afternoon. 

TORNADOES HIT NORTH CAROLINA - posted 18 April 2011

The death toll from three days of severe weather across the southern United States has risen to at least 45.  The latest state to be hit is North Carolina where 62 tornadoes left a trail of destruction in the worse storms to hit the state for decades.

FRONT PAGE NEWS - posted 18 April 2011










When they did eventually arrive in Edenton, the tourists found that they were front page news in the Sports Section of the "Daily Advance" newspaper. 

Increase  your browser magnification to read the preview.