Track’ s roll of ‘honour’

Fife’s only competition standard pump track is to host its first national event within a year of its opening.

Pump tracks are smaller, tighter, looped BMX tracks.

The obstacles on pump tracks are smaller but placed closer to each other, so the circuits can be ridden with pumping only.

Kennoway pump track is the solo Scottish venue in the British Pump Track Series, with competitors expected from across the UK this weekend.

Other locations include St Albans, Sheffield and Bristol.

It comes after the track hosted a qualifying round for this summer’s Race The World finals in May.

The £180,000 state-ofthe-art facility opened last July and has already become a destination for cyclists, scooter riders and wheelchair users from miles around.

It will welcome serious competitors on Sunday.

The driving force behind the venture, Gavin Harrower, is delighted to be involved in the prestigious event.

He said: “What an honour it is to host the second round of the British Pump Track Series after some top racing in St Albans.

“This is the only round in Scotland, so please come along to watch some of the

country’s best riders take to our track.”

A pump track includes rollers and banked turns designed to encourage riders to generate momentum through upand-down body movements rather than pedalling.

In Kennoway, an old BMX track was transformed following a huge fundraising drive and two large grants.

UK BMX champion Mark Ducat was a special guest at the opening and

Scotland’s stunt team The Clan provided entertainment.

The track is floodlit and free to use, and several volunteer coaches are on board.

Levenmouth SNP councillor David Alexander said the track had proved a huge boost for the area.

“It’s fantastic,” he said. “You can’t move for kids.

“It’s making a big, big difference.

“It’s busy with kids of all ages who come from all

over Scotland to try it out.”

A group of supporters are trying to open a similar venture in Dalgety Bay and a fundraiser has so far realised more than £2,000.

The British Pump Track Series is organised by Gravity Events UK.

Races are sanctioned by British Cycling and include two heats of three timed runs.

Winners of the series will be presented with an official British Cycling jersey to wear next year.

This is the only round in Scotland, so please come along to watch the action

JOY RIDE: Kennoway’s £180,000 state-of-the-art pump track is based at the Sandy Brae Centre.