Young Commissaires Officiate At Brighton’s Preston Park Track

Story posted August 3rd, by Gavin Smith, photos by Daniel Dunbar and Sally Page

Last year, two young riders at Brighton’s Preston Park track attended the British Cycling commissaires’ course and achieved their accreditation. Daniel Gerrey and Ben Miller, both members of the thriving local youth club VC Jubilee, were aged only 18 at the time. Towards the end of last season, Daniel and Ben each took charge of one of the league meetings which usually involve around 70 riders and their excellent performance was commented on by several riders.

Ben Miller at work off the track

This season, with regular commissaires Vern McClelland and Rob Fuller both sometimes unavoidably absent from meetings, Daniel’s summer return from university came at just the right time. Having been a judge at the league for the last three seasons, he has now competently taken charge as commissaire for three meetings. And he may complete the season in this role, having just received official notification that he has been appointed as a Regional Track Commissaire. He is one of only a handful of under 25 year olds in the country to reach this level.

For his part, Ben is one of the most successful riders in the senior B-league and is currently lying in fifth spot despite dropping out at least one week to help with the officiating. He is ready and willing to take control of a meeting if the usual commissaires are absent. Away from the track, Ben has organised this season’s very successful 'Hove Park' season for youth riders as well as a recent circuit meeting at Goodwood for all categories.

Both Daniel and Ben have been recognised by British Cycling for their support of the sport as young volunteers. British Cycling’s Officials Education Officer Robert Jefferies fully supports the involvement of youngsters in a commissairing role. “British Cycling is very committed to increasing the amount of young people who can participate in our sport by officiating”, he said. “Eventually it would be great to see every youth meeting at least in part officiated by young officials.”

Daniel Gerrey working to make the sport of track racing better.