THE tapes are up for a new cycle speedway season and Fife Revolutions are on track to enjoy a memorable year.

The club, based at its custom-built track at Queen Anne High School, were due to return to action on Sunday in a Scottish and Northumbria league competition, featuring Edinburgh Falcons, Glasgow Cyclones and Northumbria Vikings.

That will set them up for British Cycling’s North and Scotland season for 2022, in which the Revolutions will field teams in divisions one, two and three.

Last year, they pedalled to a second Division Two title in just four seasons when, after a condensed programme, they competed in one of three mini leagues due to COVID-19 restrictions.

After finishing ahead of Edinburgh and Glasgow, they were one of three teams - alongside Bury Comets and Sheffield stars - that took part in a play-off to determine the overall champs.

As well as gearing up to try and emulate and build on their success, the Revolutions will host the Babcock International Group Home International on May 21, featuring riders from Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland in open, veterans, seniors, juniors and women’s pairs categories.

Craig Masson, the team’s head coach, told Press Sport: “The home international is a highlight of the season. We’ll have the best riders in the country representing the home nations, battling it out to see who the top riders and home nations are. We hope that Scotland, with it being on home soil for the first time since 2009, can put on a show and win. Last year, six riders from Fife represented Scotland, so we’re hoping to have at least the same, if not more.”

Before then, Fife’s British Cycling North and Scotland league season starts on April 3, against Glasgow, and Craig is hopeful that having five riders compete in the top league will help bring through younger riders.

“Having more riders in Division One means there is a conveyor belt of talent and riders see how they can progress,” he continued. We’ve managed to retain all of our riders from last year, and have added a couple more in our division two and three teams. The Scottish league helps to develop them a wee bit more. Because of the success we’ve had, riders can see that progression.”

Last month, for the first time in almost two years, a schools event was hosted by the club with a friendly between Queen Anne and Madras. Craig – who thanked Babcock and D&G Autocare, sponsors of the Scottish league, for their support – is hopeful that schools competitions will soon return to the calendar.

The team train on alternate Wednesdays and Thursdays, and more riders are welcome. For more information, find ‘Fife Cycle Speedway’ on Facebook.