WITH no domestic racing last weekend, the attention was focused on the European Nations and Individual Championships in Poland, and in particular, Bury-Pedalsports' 18-year-old Ben Scranage who was included in the official England party.

As expected, events were dominated by Polish riders competing in familiar surroundings and tracks, and as usual on these occasions, interpretation of rules sometimes perplexed the visitors.

Ben held his own in the Junior European Nations final when he scored 15 points from five rides, topping the England score sheet jointly with East Anglian, Daniel Pike. The only other northern rider in the team, Tameside's Chris Eaton, struggled a little, scoring seven points. Poland won 98-76.

In the European Senior Nations final an epic battle ensued, which Poland won by a single point 68-67, over England, a reversal of England's 71-70 triumph in the world team cup at Astley and Tyldesley last August. This time Wales came third with 44 points, ahead of Holland with 34 and Ireland 28. No northern riders were included in the England team.

In the European Individual Championship, Ben was unlucky and missed out on a place in the final when he scored 12 points in his semi-final, having been selected as a seeded rider, to miss the earlier qualifiers.

Both Junior and Senior Championships were won by Polish riders unfamiliar to us in this country. The Junior champion is Remignsz Burchardt, and the senior, Damian Zarfra, underlining the overall strength of the sport in Poland. Horspath's Steve Harris was the highest scoring senior Briton with a lowly 11 points in the final.

On Sunday, a long run of away matches comes to an end when Bury-Pedalsport entertains Scotia from Edinburgh, in national league matches which double up for Midland/North Regional League points.

Second team 2pm, followed by first team at 3pm. A feast of high speed sporting action is promised at the Goshen track.

The Summer Fun campaign continues on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm, when everyone is welcome to try the sport at first hand.

There is a £1 fee per head, per session, but bikes and other equipment are available for use free of charge, and tuition is given by experienced team members.