Cycle Speedway returned to Glasgow today (17th Aug) with the running of the Glasgow Olympique Individual event at Cathkin Park. 

This event was run to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first ever Individual Cycle Speedway tournament to be held in Glasgow.

A field of 16 Scottish based riders competed for the Olympique trophy kindly donated by former Cycle Speedway and Motorcycle Speedway rider Jack “Red” Monteith.

After several days of heavy rain preceding the event the track turned out to be extremely tricky which leveled the playing field.

With five rides scheduled for each rider over the 20 heats, racing was close throughout with pre-tournament favourites Alan Smith, Mikey Hewitson, and Craig Newsome all near the top of the leader board as the field all completed three rides.

However, an eventful Heat 16 saw Mikey Hewitson’s challenge disappear as he fell whilst challenging Alan Smith on the last bend.  Referee Alan Hewitson whilst initially excluding Alan Smith as the cause of the accident relented and let the heat win for Alan stand.

A further win for Alan Smith in heat 20 saw him take the title from Craig Newsome with young Jake Slight taking advantage to pick up third place.

A good day was had by all and thanks go to the Glasgow Cycle Speedway History Society.  Let’s hope this is the start of a revival in Glasgow.