A YOUNG cycling enthusiast with a promising future in triathlon has been sponsored by a Richmond bike centre for 2017.

Matty Cole, 12, is a member of Richmond Triathlon Club in the Junior Progression group, and regularly rides out with his dad Chris – with the Buttertubs in Swaledale being a favourite for its exhilarating downhill section.

He also takes part in the summer Richmond to Reeth time trials with Richmond Cycling Club, and is known as Matty the Bullet due to his speed. He recently achieved third place in his age group for the Triathlon England North West Series held at Salt Ayre in a Junior Duathlon.

His family are customers of Arthur Caygill Cycles, and Scott Caygill has been keeping a close eye on his development over the years.

He said: "Matty is a keen racing cyclist who we are sponsoring for 2017. We wish him well in this years events."