Police Sport UK Track Championships

Thu 11 Feb 2016

On Saturday 20 February, the top riders from Police forces across the UK will visit Derby Arena to go head-to-head in an exciting day of competition at the inaugural Police Sport UK Track Championships. 

The event organiser, Alan Davies, admits to his huge passion for cycling, especially track racing, having raced at numerous events (including the European and National Police Championships) himself and in what is his 30th year as an Officer, Davies has decided that he wants to give something back to the racing community that has played a huge part in his life.

Since Derby Arena's inception in 2015, track cycling was brought to Alan's doorstep. Over the last year, he has not only witnessed an increased enthusiasm for cycling at the velodrome, but also on the road, commuting to work, for leisure and as a tool for keeping fit.

"Derby's central location and fantastic countryside is a magnet for many cyclists from a variety of cycling disciplines. The people of Derby are dedicated and devoted to cycling," said Alan.

With this in mind, Derby Arena was a natural choice for the location of the Police Championships. With an entire afternoon dedicated to the racing, there will be both police races and open races that allow men and women to race competitively.

These Championships will be attended by officers from as far afield as Scotland, Wales and the South of England. A former Commonwealth Games rider, a multiple Masters and European Track Champion are all to ride the boards on the day, ensuring that the competition will be at the very highest level.

Perhaps the highest profile name set to race is current Irish National Sprint Champion, Eamonn Byrne. Byrne – who is an officer with the Garda – will be heading over from Dublin for the event. Having dominated the sprint in the Reading Grand Prix last year, it will be extremely exciting to watch his electrifying turn of speed on February 20.

Places are getting snapped up very quickly, and Davies believes that the event will soon be sold out. There’s a huge eagerness to race as professional riders will line up alongside those who simply ride the track regularly. It will be a fascinating spectator sport as fast racing will be held throughout the afternoon. Following the Police Championship Group, which is a totally standalone event, the Open Groups will be racing in five events each. These will culminate in a 64 lap race for Group A and B and a 40 lap race for the women. Alan is expecting the races to be fast, and with prize money for all the races, each place will be contested right up until an inch of the finish line.

There will be local heroes to cheer on and encourage and with Cafe 42 providing the catering throughout the afternoon it will be a wonderful family event. 

To help the event run smoothly, Davies wanted to enlist the help of a local independent bike shop. Davies had his mind set on one shop in particular – Samways Cycles in Derby. Samways Cycles will be displaying a selection of the bikes they sell too – whether you’re a racing snake or just starting out, there’ll be plenty for you to have a look at. The Samways team will be on hand throughout the day to chat to you about anything and everything. 

If you haven't been to watch track racing before this will be an exciting afternoon of skilled, tactical and demanding cycling that will push all riders to perform their very best.

For details of how to register for the race, please go to the British Cycling website.

Join us from 11am until 6pm on Saturday 20 February at Derby Arena. Spectator Fee is only £1.00 per person.