Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway riders returned some outstanding performances in the 2008 European Finals held in Poland last weekend.

Star man Marcus Wadhams, in his first major international competition, was one of only three English riders to qualify for the European Senior Individual Final held at Rawicz in searing 30 decree temperatures over three days of intense action.

Wadhams used his trademark jet propelled gating ability to ease through his first qualifier last Friday afternoon, thus qualifying for the quarter finals last Saturday as temperatures soared.

In his quarter final, Wadhams looked to be cruising in his quest for a semi final spot after two rides. However, disaster struck the Birmingham rider in his third outing. Following heavy track watering, Wadhams was well ahead before sliding off on the wet surface, leaving it all to do to reach the semi finals.

Showing increased maturity, Wadhams remained cool to win his fourth outing before sensibly settling for the required second place, and three points, from his final ride to ensure progress.

In the semi finals, Wadhams stepped up his performance to total 15 points and take his place as one of Europe’s top 16 riders in the final.

In the European Final, held last Sunday, Wadhams, at only 21 years of age, one of the youngest finalists, was hit by sunburn and dehydration to finish on 7 points. He can be proud of his superb performances in his first major outing on the International stage.

Domininik Rycharski, Birmingham’s Polish ace, racing in the colours of home town team Czestochowa, also qualified for the European Final and finished well up the placings on 13 points.

In the European Junior Individual Final, at Ostrav, in central Poland, top Monarchs teenage whizz kid Chris Timms survived an astonishing early scare to reach the European Final in his first ever international competition.

Timms, from Tresham Rd, Great Barr, was seeded to the semi finals as the top English rider. However, a mix-up with arrangements, meant that all his racing equipment, including machine, were mislaid as Timms, and his fifteen rivals, lined-up for the opening races.

He hastily borrowed a machine for his first ride and dejectedly trailed in last, his dream of glory seemly in tatters. It then went from bad to worse for the former Great Barr schoolboy. Timms incurred the wrath of the referee, earning a disastrous exclusion. He had scored just one point from two rides – the worse possible start.

Needing 13 points to progress, nothing less than a full return from his remaining rides was required. However, in an astonishing recovery after the arrival of his own gear, Timms netted the required points to just make the final amid scenes of jubilation in the English camp.

In the European Junior Final, Timms battled hard all the way in his first major international final to finish on 7 points. The experience gained will insure that he will be better prepared for future international racing.

Monarchs stalwart Phil Widdas, representing Ireland in the European Team Final, was always in the thick of the action as Ireland just lost out on third place. Hosts Poland, retained the European Team Final, with England as runners up.

Birmingham stage two major British Finals this Saturday (2nd August) at Perry Hall Playing Fields, Perry Barr. They present the British Under 19s Individual Final, together with the British Woman’s Team Final. Racing starts from 1pm.