Preston Park Track, Brighton – The Lowdown

 

News posted: 27 March 2007
Author: Gavin Smith

 

Thrilling racing will be taking place on this 580-metre outdoor track every Wednesday starting at 7.00pm, from 2 May to 15 August.  Around 20 events are run each meet with the usual mixture of sprints, scratch races, devils, keirins, handicaps, points races, etc.  Seniors on fixed-wheel track-bikes get at least five races and youths on freewheel machines get three.

 

 

 

In 2007, four special “try the track” evenings are being run on each Wednesday in April.  The track will be open to anyone over the age of twelve to ride on fixed-wheel and advice will be on offer on riding position, etc.  These sessions will begin at 6.00pm.  They will be free of charge and refreshments will be available.

 

Since the late 1990s, the number of riders has been steadily increasing year by year and there is now a thriving and friendly racing band of Preston Park addicts, with meets regularly attracting between 50 and 65 riders.

 

Among the regulars, there are two national champions. Several-times league champion over the past 15 years, Lee Povey (pictured above right) is the national 30-34 years masters sprint champion, while young star Peter Mitchell (pictured below right) is the national youth sprint champion.

 

But fear not, because at Preston Park we do also have our fair share of “also-rodes”.  In fact, Preston Park has been dubbed “the friendliest track league in the country” and a warm welcome is always given to new riders of all abilities.

 

The quality of refreshments is second to none, and there is also a league newsletter which is published five times each season with updated points scores, track-racing tips, rider profiles, etc.  Detailed weekly reports and results appear on cycling websites.  Spectators savour a top-class experience, basking in the Brighton sun, admiring the top riders participating, listening to the race commentary and almost enjoying views of the sea.

 

 

 

Preston Park is home to the popular Preston Park Youth CC, who have regular Saturday training sessions at the track and who organise an annual youth stage-race here and also a youth omnium meet.  VC Jubilee is another club which provides several keen and successful youngsters to the league’s youth races.

 

If you live within an hour or so of Brighton, you really are missing out if you don’t come along and sample the delights of Preston Park track, either as a rider or as a spectator.  But be warned, if you attend once, you’re guaranteed to be here all season.

 

The track is located at the north end of Preston Park, in Preston Drove, just five minutes from the southern end of the M23/A23.  For further information and race entry, contact Vern McClelland on 01903 814351 or email macbike@tiscali.co.uk.