A TEENAGE athlete has secured business backing in his bid for European and world glory.

Duathlete Joel Atkin, 18, will represent Team GB in a European championships in Madrid, Spain, later this month (April) and a global event in Adelaide, Australia, in October.

Mr Atkin, from Craghead, near Stanley, County Durham, is being supported by Durham Markets and Azione Custom Cycles.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have secured my places in both the European and World Championships and now more keen than ever to deliver the best performances of my career.

“The support of Azione Custom Cycles and Durham Markets help in different ways, but both enable me to fulfil my ambition to compete at the highest-level possible.”

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets, said: “We’ve known Joel and his family for a number of years. He’s often helped us with events in Durham.

“It’s exciting to be backing him in these elite competitions. He’s worked hard to become a world-class athlete and we’re looking forward to following his achievements in the coming year.”

David Anderson, of Azione Custom Cycles, said: “Joel’s a local lad who’s going places and we want to support him because we admire his dedication and commitment.

“We’re equipping him with a bike designed for time trials, with a highly aerodynamic frame, to give him as much advantage as possible in competition.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him competing on one of our bikes at the highest level of competition around the world.”