sport
BRITISH SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX
GET set for the return of the British Speedway Grand Prix, one of the biggest events in the motorsport calendar taking place at Cardiff’ s Millennium Stadium on Sat 1 June. The adrenalin-fuelled event arrives in the city for the fifth round of the Speedway World Championships. 16 thrill-seeking individuals will compete against one another in the Grand Prix series. Of the 16 riders, 15 are regulars and one is a wildcard nomination in each of the 11 rounds. Racing 500cc single-geared bikes reaching speeds of up to 70mph with no brakes, each race around the oval track lasts four laps and is completed in less than a minute. The grand prix consists of multiple heats, semi-finals and a final, all leading to the ultimate title of being crowned chamipon following 12 rounds of competing against the sport’ s elite. Not a sport commonly associated with Wales, the Speedway Grand Prix offers a unique action-packed spectacle. A popular sport in central and northern Europe, the riders will stop off in various international venues including New Zealand, Poland, Prague and Gothenburg over the course of 2013. Australian rider Chris Holder will defend his 2012 World Championship title against the likes of Nicki Pedersen, Greg Hancock and Tomasz Gollob. British hopes of an overall winner will rest on Scunthorpe’ s Tai Woffinden, but there has only been one British champion in Cardiff – Chris Harris, winner of the 2007 Grand Prix. Now in its 13th consecutive year, the Millennium Stadium has played host to the event since 2001. The event will return to its more traditional slot in June after switching to August last year due to Olympic events taking place. Exciting, energetic and dramatic wheel-to-wheel action combined with the electric atmosphere ensures an entertaining spectacle for the whole family.
British Speedway Grand Prix, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Sat 1 June. Tickets: £ 31.40- £ 99.30. Info: 08442 777888 / www. millenniumstadium. com
SURF’ S UP
WHETHER you’ re an ardent surf enthusiast or a willing novice keen to give surfing a try for the first time, Cardiff International White Water’ s latest development is the perfect place to give the sport a try and perfect your skills whilst the conditions at the beach arn’ t looking favourable. With its on-demand surf, CIWW’ s new Indoor Surfing centre guarantees great swell and the perfect practise ground for novice surfers. The double-lane surfing experience allows families and friends to sample the surf together, and with the opportunity to body board or stand up surf( height restrictions dependent), you can have a go on the water whatever your level of experience or age. The new surfing facility is the latest addition to CIWW’ s white water facility in the International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay, and if you want to use the flat water area for paddle boarding or the variable flow of the internationalstandard white water rafting course, there are great opportunities to get your adrenalin fix. Prices start from £ 29 with all the specialist equipment you could ever desire being available on-site. After a few sessions – or maybe you only need one – you can experience the thrill of riding the crest of an endless, reliable wave in the heart of Cardiff Bay. Whilst it may not be Hawaii, it’ s definitely a favourable option whatever the Welsh weather conditions throw at you. GARETH LUDKIN
Indoor Surfing at Cardiff International White Water, Cardiff Bay. Info: 029 2082 9970 / www. ciww. com
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