AFTER an absence of two years, Heckmondwike Saints Cycle Speedway Club will return to league racing in 2019.

Current team members and all interested are invited to attend the club's Annual General Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 7:30pm on Tuesday, December 18 at The Star Inn, Roberttown.

The discussion will include a strategy for attracting new members to help boost the club's re-entry into the North & Scotland League in 2019.

Team manager, Justin Naylor, is hoping for a good turnout. He explained: "We will not be satisfied with just being back in the league after a two year absence, we want success.”

A key policy in the club's ‘Back on Track’ campaign is to encourage and develop younger members. He added: "Wellbeing is at the heart of our planning.

"Cycle speedway offers the chance of a fit and healthy lifestyle. We have an assortment of loan bikes to help new starters get involved.”

In addition to league status, the club is hoping to attract at least one major national event to the Firth Park Stadium.

Naylor added: "We are in discussion with leaders of the Euro-vets Tournament and hope to stage one of the eight scheduled rounds here at Heckmondwike.” The Euro-vets Tournament is open to riders aged 40 or over.

Although the plans are ambitious, the club is committed to revitalising cycle speedway in West Yorkshire. To achieve this, the club needs to attract new riders and people willing to offer general support on race days.

The Heckmondwike team recently competed in the 'Northern Fours Championship', which saw seven teams from the north of England competing for the title.

They finished in last place but the team showed signs of potential. Naylor put the defeat down to a lack of match fitness and poor luck.

Winter training sessions will alternate between longer mountain bike rides and, weather permitting, track sessions at Firth Park on Union Street, behind the health centre.

New riders of any age, gender or ability are welcome to attend. Loan bikes are available for beginners wishing to try cycle speedway for the first time.

Details of training sessions can be found on the Heckmondwike Cycle Speedway Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/heckmondwikecyclespeedway or by calling Justin Naylor on 07799367370.