Olympics are the long-term aim for junior champions

Gregg and Ffyona Booker have won the under-16 and under-14 East Midlands Mountain Bike series’ respectively.

Both the young bikers will now represent the North West in the National Inter-Regional Mountain Bike Championships on the Olympic course at Hadleigh in Essex next month.

The pair, who are both members of Matlock Cycling Club, say they ultimately want to chase Olympic glory.

Gregg said: “I have finished eighth in a national series event and Ffyona has a third-place finish so it is not unrealistic but there is a lot of hard work ahead.

“My priority is to improve my performance in the national series and then get into the national squad.”

He added: “I train for around eight hours each week and also do both track and road work with Matlock Cycling Club.

“We have one of the best locations in the country to train and the often use the Monsal Trail between Buxton and Bakewell and on ridge above Thornbridge.”

Gregg insists that there is a lot of hard work and devotion that goes into the sport.

He added: “You need speed, tactics, skill, bravery. endurance and strength to compete at the highest level.

“At this stage we are both trying to develop all those qualities.”

Ffyona, aged 12, said she enjoys training alongside Gregg and is aiming to replicate her elder brother.

She said: “love training with my older brother. He is very supportive and pulls me along.

“We are not really competitive because I am not in his league as yet, but give me time!”

Gregg and Ffyona are appealing for any company or private individual to sponsor one or both of these Olympic hopefuls.

Those interested are invited to contact Lisa Booker on 01625 260000.

The inter-regional Mountain Bike Championships run from October 4-6 at Hadleigh Farm in Essex.