Chris Harris was paid 17 points in the defeat at Monmore Green
Coventry Bees opened the season with a 52-41 defeat by neighbours Wolverhampton Wolves in the first leg of their Grand Challenge.
Despite the loss Bees captain Chris Harris was in fine form during Monday's meeting at Monmore Green, top-scoring with 16 points.
"Hopefully I'm back to my best with more to come," Harris told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.
Among the debutants for Coventry was Edward Kennett, who added 10 points.
Harris, who became British champion and won the British Grand Prix in 2007, got his bike to the front of the field in his first four heats but was unable to claim a maximum-points haul.
"I enjoyed my racing tonight. Last year wasn't a very good year and I wasn't enjoying it," he added.
"I've had the winter off and got myself fit and I'm now looking forward to the season."
The second leg of the Grand Challenge is at Brandon on Friday 20 March (2000 GMT).
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?