2013 London Open Bike Polo Tournament

 

Now in it’s fourth year, the annual London Open hardcourt bike polo tournament will be taking place across three courts in Highbury Fields, Islington on the 23rd – 25th August.

The London Open is the biggest tournament of it’s kind in the world – hosting 82 teams from 16 different countries last year. We’re improving the tournament this year by hosting it over three days, meaning more games for more players!

More details to follow at the London Hardcourt Bicycle Polo Association, or follow the thread on the bike polo reservation on LFGSS.

 

Grass bike polo, Hackney, 1956

Photo courtesy Gary Beckett

I first played bike polo on grass about 20 years ago in the track centre at Herne Hill after a Saturday morning session. This was back when the club-house and changing rooms were still open, and there was never any worry that the sessions might be over-subscribed. I didn't know his name, but the guy who organised the knock-about on the grass polo bikes was Garry Beckett, son of the great Ron Beckett. The Becketts, for those who don't know, are pillars upon which the south London cycling scene is built. Stalwarts of the Bec Cycling Club (whose rollers we borrowed for the first couple of Rollapaluzas), organisers of the Good Friday track meet… And stars of the bike polo scene! Garry used to be captain of the England team, and father Ron was a regular player too. Garry posted this picture to his twitter account.

 

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