WHEN Fred Rothwell won the British Grand Veterans' title recently at Astley and Tyldesley's Gin Pit track, he did much more than achieve an ambition to be a British Cycle Speedway champion -- an ambition that has driven him for almost 40 years.

The 53-year-old fork lift truck service engineer finally laid to rest a personal ghost which has haunted him for 30 years, almost to the day. It was on August bank holiday Monday in 1974, at Galley Pirates' track in Norfolk, that the then-23-year-old tied for the British Open Individual Championship with three other riders, but suffered the devastation of trailing in last in the deciding run-off. He missed even the three rostrum places, the cycle speedway equivalent of missing a penalty in the last minute of a cup final and your team losing the cup.

Fred started cycle speedway in 1965 and rode for several local teams around his native Halifax, before settling with the strong Woodside Diamonds where he enjoyed great success winning several open meetings, including Bury's prestigious Wollerton's Trophy. He gained an England cap and qualified for three British Open finals.

The proud Yorkshireman still lives in Sowerby Bridge but has been riding for Bury since 1989. In recent times he has made four previous appearance in the British Veterans' (over-40s) final but that title still eluded him over the years. His hopes were given a lifeline two years ago when the sports authorities introduced the Grand Veterans' for over-50s but he again suffered disappointment as first Colin Wheeler of Southampton, and then Bob Prince of Birmingham took the first two titles. Up until that incredible day at Astley and Tyldesley, when a proud and emotional Fred was able to pull on that long-yearned-for champion's jersey, fully three points ahead of his nearest rival.

A racing trip to Poland, and two visits to America where he captained the Great Britain squad, have been squeezed in along with his other sporting interests of bowls, table tennis, cyclo cross and Velodrome activity. He also has a full diary which includes committee work for several organisations.

Fred is cycle speedway's first accredited national coach, in which capacity he has assisted youngsters to achieve their full potential. Most notably multi-British champion, Andrew Jackson, and Bury's most successful rider, Robert Pearce, who won numerous local and regional championships.

One of the sports' true characters, Fred is often at odds with officialdom on the sports politics, or league structures but he has always been a popular competitor with his fellow riders and spectators. Further trips to America in October, and a first visit to Australia are scheduled, so Fred has a lot of pedalling to do before he considers hanging up his wheels. He also has to consider whether he wants to attempt to retain 'his' title next year.

HISTORICAL NOTE: The cycle speedway record books show that John Watchman of Bury won the 1993 British Veterans' Championship but the former Blackley and Manchester rider never rode for Bury.

He had to register his day licence for the event through a registered club and chose Bury.

Fred Rothwell is Bury's first ever British champion in the 30 years since the club was formed.