Marcus Wadhams, the 21 year old star of the Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway team, endured a heart-breaking British Final at Poole (Dorset) on Bank Holiday Monday.

The brilliant home grown speedster stormed into the final at the picturesque Poole venue after negotiating the semi finals, also held on the south coast last Sunday, to reach his second British Final – Cycle Speedway’s major domestic honour.

Wadhams was joined in the final by fast emerging teenage whiz-kid Chris Timms, also of Birmingham Monarchs, the reigning British Under 19s champion, who qualified for his first ever open British Final.

England International star Wadhams was soon on the pace in a thrilling final. He romped home in heats 4 and 5 to set the early pace, being the only undefeated rider after each competitor had completed two races.

With several of his potential rivals for the British title dropping points, Wadhams was in a commanding position at the interval, his years of absolute dedication and commitment seemingly about to yield his biggest ever championship.

Then, disaster struck the quietly spoken and un-assuming young Brummie. From the outside grid in his third race, he produced a trademark super-charged start, to round all his opponents to hit the front.

However, the packed gallery was stunned when the referee stopped the race and excluded Wadhams for a first bend infringement. Sportingly, Wadhams withdrew from the arena without protest, head bowed - his dream of becoming British champion over in a tantalising few seconds.

He emerged in resolute fashion two heats later for his fourth ride, coming from the back on the final lap for a superb win, before easily winning his last programmed ride in heat 20 to finish on 16 points from his four completed rides to sensationally recover to earn a race-off for the bronze medal.

In a fantastic duel in the run-off, Wadhams trailed his opponent for three laps before brilliantly diving through on the final lap to take the chequered flag and clinch third place on the podium.

Southampton superstar Gavin Wheeler won the final on 18 points, with Wednesfield (Wolverhampton) ace Terry Norman taking second place with 17 points and Wadhams third on 16.

Wadhams, who trains up to five nights a week, would have been crowned champion but for his third race exclusion. He was typically gracious afterwards, managing a brave smile, perhaps knowing his rare talent, finely honed physique , application and dedication will bring him the ultimate prize sooner rather than later.

Timms let the occasion get to him, incurring two early exclusions before recovering well, netting two seconds in his final two rides to finish on 7 points.

Birmingham are back in action this Sunday (31st August) when they look for their 6th successive Midland League win when entertaining Leicester Lions at Perry Hall Playing Fields. Tapes up at 2pm.