IT'S a hard life being a cycle speedway rider, when you're only eleven.

Whilst the established veterans', seniors and top juniors of Bury Pedalsport, have been involved in a long and congested fixture list including several different leagues, cup and individual championships, a small group from Besses O'th Barn, Whitefield, have separately been travelling the length and breadth of the country contesting the British youth and junior league, a season long competition devised specifically so that youngster and newcomers to the sport can compete at their own level.

Original trialists at last year's "Summer Fun" campaign, Declan O'Shea, now 11 years old, big brother Ryan, 12, and their friend and next door neighbour Michael Collins, also 11, took to racing in earnest at the start of this season at the Goshen track. Following the first round at Bury, back in April the trio started out on a trek to the remaining three regional rounds at Stoke, Coventry and Hull. Only an elite few from each region progressed to the second phase, the national rounds, and although Michael didn't make the cut, the brothers were delighted to find both their names among the qualifiers at the end of June.

Undaunted at the prospect of more long distance trips, mum and dad O'Shea, Sarah and Paul, along with Michael, now only as a spectator, continued to load up the elderly estate car with bikes and equipment and now some six months after the start have completed some 1,400 miles with visits to Swindon, Ipswich and finally the local trip to Astley and Tyldesley last week.

Battling all season the lads have improved dramatically and brought great credit to the club, it's a remarkable feat and a great family example to some of the older, more established riders, that they have not missed a single event all season.

Declan has finished a very creditable fifth nationally in his age group following an excellent showing at Gin Pit with second place in the 'A' final, for the top four scorers on the day and amassed 118 grand prix points in total.

Ryan has found the going a little tougher in his older group but finally got his reward for perseverance and determination winning the 'D' final at Astley. Ryan scored 59 grand prix points in 13th place nationally.

Both boys picked up awards for their performances during the national rounds and in particular, the final. At least dad, Paul, who earns his living as a postman, can look forward to two local trips to end the season.

The penultimate round in the northern fours and junior league is at Bury, this Sunday, September 18, starting at 11.30am. The final round is again at Astley and Tyldsley next month.