FANS’ NEED FOR SPEED
SPEEDWAY came to Cardiff yesterday, as tens of thousands flocked to the Principality Stadium to see their heroes compete in the British event of the World Championships.
The grand prix, the fifth in the speedway calendar, took over the city for the day in what has been described by British rider Tai Woffinden as the “biggest speedway event in the world”.
Just a day after the Welsh football team were welcomed back following their Euro 2016 triumph, pubs, bars and restaurants around the city centre were again packed from an early hour as crowds looked to make the most of a warm, muggy day.
People of all nationalities flooded Cardiff with colour, flags and noise, in the latest in a string of big recent events taking place in the city centre.
The Principality Stadium is not new to motor sports or speedway. It has been hosting the Grand Prix of Great Britain since 2001, and 45,000 had tickets to the big race.
The Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix is one of motorsport’s most anticipated events, and roads around the stadium were cordoned off as Cardiff went into match-day mode, with closures starting at 3pm and continuing until around 9.30pm to cater for the crowds.
Like on match days, a queueing system was also put in place after the grand prix by Arriva Trains Wales.
Along with the main event, a fanzone was organised on City Hall lawn, and built up to the big race all day, starting at 11am.
It had a main stage, a big screen and multiple stores, and was the latest fanzone to be installed in Cardiff following the Euro 2016 semi-final on Wednesday, when more than 27,000 filled out the Prinicipality Stadium.
This year’s speedway fanzone was double the size of last year’s, set up on Wood Street, and hundreds went along to the lawn next to the National Museum to enjoy the activities and entertainment thrown on by organisers.
This included BBC Radio 1’s DJ Huw Stephens, who also entertained fans inside the ground later in the day, and took to the stage in the afternoon to perform a live set.
There were also autograph sessions with stars of the track. They included Chris Harris, Antonio Lindback and Robert Lambert, and world champion Tai Woffinden, Danny King and Steven Worrall.
Entertainment also included an FMX show from FMX champion Jamie Squibb, as well as various other speed challenges taking place throughout the day.
There was also no shortage of food and drink on offer, as well as a climbing wall.
Emma Price, 24, from Cardiff, said it was her third time at speedway.
She said although she was biased living in Cardiff, the capital’s event was the highlight of the racing year.
She added: “The fanzone is so much better too, this year.
“It’s great having it in such a nicelooking location where you can chill out and relax with friends. And it’s not raining, so that’s great.”
For Jan Kowalski, from Llanelli, was his first speedway event.
He said: “My friends always come so this year I said I would. I know nothing about racing but it’s absolutely brilliant so far and the atmosphere is incredible. I always like coming to this city.” it