Workington speedway star through to final

Kyle Bickley in action. Photo: Adrian Randall

Workington speedway star Kyle Bickley is through to the final of the British Under-21s.

Bickley, a reserve for the Comets when they enjoyed a successful last season in 2018, finished second in the semi-final on Sunday at Mildenhall.

He dropped only one point to finish on 14, as his conqueror Jason Edwards scored a 15-point maximum on his home track.

Edwards, who rides in the Championship for Redcar and in the Development League for Mildenhall, heads the six qualifiers for the final which will be staged at Birmingham later in the year.

The meeting was subject to an extensive delay when local youngster William Richardson suffered a serious leg injury in a freak accident in Heat 2.

Mildenhall co-owner Phil Kirk said: “Firstly I’d like to go on record thanking our supporters for their patience – there were certain issues that we will be resolving ahead of next Sunday’s meeting.

“Also a big thank you to the riders, our track staff and the referee and GB Young Lions co-ordinator Neil Vatcher, who worked with us to ensure we could complete the meeting; it was a real team effort.

“We have been in touch with William’s father and are saddened to hear he faces a lengthy break from the sport following the accident.

“It has taken the gloss off the day for us as William is a fine young man and already very popular around the club. We look forward to welcoming him back to the club when his recovery allows.

“On a brighter note, Jason was immaculate and showed what fans can expect from this impressive rider this year. He fully deserved his victory, and we wish him well in the final at Birmingham.”

Behind Edwards and Bickley, Plymouth’s Henry Atkins completed the top three on the day with Sam McGurk (Belle Vue Colts), Sam Hagon (Oxford Chargers) and Harry McGurk (Belle Vue Colts) taking the other qualifying spots for the final – the latter defeating impressive reserve Jody Scott (unattached) in a run-off.