The precise beginnings of cycle speedway are not well-documented, though it was in existence by the 1920s. The sport gained popularity in the aftermath of World War II in Britain, particularly in cities left with rubble-strewn landscapes. Influenced by motorcycle speedway, young people began creating makeshift tracks among the debris, riding bikes that were no longer suitable for road use.
London, heavily bombed during the war, became a hub for these races starting in 1945. By 1950, East London alone had over 200 clubs, with more than 20 in Walthamstow. The sport quickly spread across the country, with the Birmingham league featuring 22 teams in its inaugural season, and other cities like Coventry, Leicester, Wolverhampton, and Cradley Heath following suit.
Intercity competitions began in 1946 but faced challenges due to inconsistent rules. This issue was addressed with the establishment of the National Amateur Cycle Speedway Association (NACSA) in 1950, which standardized rules and paved the way for national and international competitions.
A landmark event occurred on 26 October 1950, when 10,000 spectators watched the first international match between England and the Netherlands at Empress Hall, Earls Court, London. However, as post-war reconstruction progressed and National Service drafted potential riders, the sport's popularity waned, and many clubs disbanded.
Efforts to revive cycle speedway in 1958 included organizing a world championship featuring participants from the Netherlands, Sweden, and Poland. Despite this, the sport experienced administrative turmoil until the formation of the British Cycle Speedway Council in 1971, which helped stabilize its organization.
Today, British Cycling oversees the sport, including the regulation of racing rules and competitions through the Cycle Speedway Commission. Membership in British Cycling is mandatory for all riders and referees, providing them with comprehensive insurance coverage.
UK competitions are held annually, with world championships occurring every two years, alternating with the European championships. Approximately 40 clubs remain active in the UK.
Cycle speedway races can involve individuals, pairs, or teams. Up to four riders compete in each race, and a match typically includes eight to twenty-four races. Points are awarded based on finishing positions, with the winning team being the one with the most points at the end of the event.
Races are conducted on oval tracks, with riders racing anticlockwise for typically four laps per race. Competitors use lightweight, single-speed bikes equipped with a freewheel but no brakes. Beginners often use modified mountain bike frames, while top racers use specialized machines. Riders slide their left foot along the track during turns, and physical contact is both legal and common. Protective clothing and helmets have been mandatory since 1999.
Cycle speedway bikes are designed for durability and speed. They are typically made from steel or aluminum, with no suspension, upright handlebars, a low single gear with a freewheel, and 26-inch wheels fitted with heavily treaded tires. These bikes are built to withstand the rigors of cycle speedway racing.
Traditionally, tires with widths below 26 × 1 3/8 (ETRTO:35-590) were common, but modern tires usually range from 30-35 mm in width. Newcomers to the sport often use stripped-down mountain bike tires, such as 27.5 × 1.35 (ETRTO:35-584).
Cycle speedway bikes utilize a roller chain measuring 1/2 × 1/8, similar to those used on single-speed bicycles or city bikes.
Occasionally, cycle speedway races are held indoors in sports halls, where the smooth surface allows for higher speeds. For national events, a sectional track is assembled within these venues, with sections added or removed to fit the space.
The International Cycle Speedway Federation includes member countries such as England, Scotland, Wales, Poland, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States. The sport also has a presence in Sweden, Ukraine, and Russia, with riders from Austria, Germany, and Malta participating occasionally. Ireland is a regular competitor in international events.
Many international cycle speedway riders have gone on to achieve success in other cycling disciplines. Notable figures include Olympic gold medalist Brett Aitken and European gold medalist Jess Varnish, whose father, James 'Jim' Varnish, was the World Cycle Speedway Champion in 1985.
International Cycle Speedway Federation
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International Cycle Speedway Federation
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