A YOUNG athlete is enjoying a cycle of success as he proves to be among the best competitors in the country.

Richmond School and Sixth Form College cyclist Ben Partridge was first across the line in the National Series Road Race, his latest success at an elite level.

The 13-year-old was also selected recently to be part of a four-man team to represent the North East at the British Cycling Inter Regional Track Championships held at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome, Glasgow.

His strong sprint finish secured him first place from a field of 72 in the U14s 60km National Series Road Race, staged on closed roads at Torbay.

“They were the best riders in the country and I wasn’t expected to win,” said the student of Caldwell, near Richmond.

“I was able to take the lead at about the half way point. I had been saving myself for the sprint finish because that is what I am best at and I crossed the line about 2m ahead.”

A member of the Hetton Hawks Cycling Club, Sunderland, Ben covers around 70 miles a week in training. He has been riding competitively for the past four years and hopes to compete for Team GB one day at Olympic and World Championship events.