Grand Prix ace searches for new team

Downing, who began last season with hopes of starting a career racing as a professional in America, had hoped to secure a contract for next year after continuing to ride for Healthnet despite being barred from the USA following visa problems.

His victory in Bermuda might have helped persuade team bosses of his worth.

But none of the team management were on the North Atlantic island, while his colleagues on the Healthnet squad told him of impending budget cuts.

"Things aren't looking good. I'm going to have to start enquiring and see what I can do about getting on a team for next year. It's still early, but it would be good to get something sorted by Christmas so I can relax and concentrate on preparing for next year.," he said,

"Perhaps I'll do the same as my brother, Dean, did last year and come back to England."

Young Dronfield ace Adam Blythe celebrated securing a place on the Great Britain Olympic Academy in style, winning the National Madison Track Championship at Scunthorpe. Blythe, who has a number of good wins with little backing, has finally been rewarded for his determination with a place on the national training scheme.

Therider teamed up with friend Luke Rowe for the national Madison Champion-ship at Scunthorpe's Quibell Park Stadium, and they won comfortably with 37 points, 10 more than their closest rivals.

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