Introduction to SCRL

Since the late 1990s, the number of riders at the SCRL meetings has been steadily increasing year by year and there is now a thriving and friendly racing band of Preston Park addicts, with meets regularly attracting between 50 and 65 riders.

Among the regulars, there are several past and present champions. Young star Peter Mitchell (who started his racing career here at Preston Park in 2003) won the World Junior Team Sprint championship with his two GB team-mates in 2007. Also in 2007, 14-year-old wunderkind Felix English won the GB under-16 Track Series title, the BSCA National Hill-climb championship and also posted the fastest time by a 14-year-old in the 2007 National GHS 10-mile TT. A slightly more veteran of the track, Lee Povey, who has won the league title several times during the past 17 years, became the national 30-34 years masters sprint champion in 2006.

But fear not, because at Preston Park we do also have our fair share of riders who are simply here for the fun. In fact, Preston Park has been dubbed “the friendliest track league in the country” and a warm welcome is always given to new riders of all abilities and ages.

The quality of refreshments is second to none, and there is also a league newsletter which is published five times each season with updated points scores, track-racing tips, rider profiles, etc. Detailed weekly reports and results will appear on this website and other cycling sites (see the links page). There is also a generous prize-list amounting to around £1,500 during the season. Spectators savour a top-class experience, basking in the Brighton sun, admiring the top riders participating, listening to the race commentary and almost enjoying views of the sea.

Most of the youngsters in the league’s youth races are members of two local youth cycle clubs, VC Jubilee and Preston Park Youth CC, with a growing team from In-Gear Development swelling the numbers.

If you live within an hour or so of Brighton, you really are missing out if you don’t come along and sample the delights of Preston Park track, either as a rider or as a spectator. But be warned, if you attend once, you’re guaranteed to be here all season. 

For details of how to get in touch with SCRL and where to find the Preston Park track jump to contact page. Thank you for visiting us at Sussex Cycle Racing League and we hope to see you at the track next summer.