Brits at Springfield

Every year, for the last five or six, some of the best riders in Britain have dug deep, saved up, used favours and connections and flown over to the US to race one or two flat track meets. It started with just the UK's Mr Flat Track, Peter Boast, then Tim Greig, also Marco Belli from Italy. Then last year a new, younger crop of riders went and impressed - Tim Neave, Ben Baker and Tom Woolley. They returned, noticeably quicker. This year Tim Neave (Sideburn 10 cover star), Alan Birtwistle and young Ollie Brindley flew to America to race at Springfield and they all made their finals.Ollie went better than that and won his final in the TT. The thing is, you couldn't hope to meet nicer lads. Well done to the Brits and anyone who helped them get out there - especially the trip's manager, Tim Coles. G