Leon's racing to the top

Rider Leon is already a British and National BMX champion – and he is now ready to take on the world.

The Year 9 Priory pupil won the British Championship and National Series for the 13 Boys in 2018 and his performances last year meant he qualified to represent Great Britain for 14 Boys in the World BMX Racing Championships in Belgium in July.

“It will be tougher but it’s exciting to be competing on tracks abroad,” said Leon, who rides for Preston Pirates BMX Club and has already competed in America.

“I train three times a week and have been competing on the BMX since I was seven-years-old.

“In 2017, I finished second in the British and National 13 Boys Championship and last year, I came first in both The British Championship is a one-day race in Derby and I will compete in the Boys 14s this year. The Nationals are 12 races over a season and you count your best seven.

“The Worlds in Belgium will be tough, I want to get to the final and will probably have around seven races on one day if I do get there.

“The final race is down to eight. It is a contact sport and once you start, anything goes. It’s about being physical as well and the Worlds will be brutal. You can cut people up, get pushed off and end up off the track, so you have to have good balance.

“I am just coming back from a broken elbow when I was practising on my bike in Manchester but it’s healed well.

“If I get to the final at Belgium, I will be proud as all my training will have paid off. 

Leon was shortlisted last Friday at the South Ribble Sports Awards having been Highly Commended in 2018.