'It hasn't sunk in that I am now a world champion'

Charlie Rolls was crowned the world champion at the 2025 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Saudi Arabia

A cyclist said it had not yet sunk in after he was crowned the world champion of bike trials during an event in Saudi Arabia.

Charlie Rolls, 24, grew up on a farm in Longstowe, Cambridgeshire, and started competing in bike trials when he was six years old.

In his youth he made his own course on the farm and now, he has just competed in the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Riyadh, where he won the title.

"It's such a shock," he said.

"I've built up for this for so long and to finally have it, it's more shock than anything so I don't think it's really sunk in.

"It's super surreal."

Rolls was inspired into bike trials by his father who competed in motorbike trials

The sport involves riders balancing and controlling their bike over an obstacle course without putting a foot down.

Rolls had already won the European Championship last month as well as the season's World Cup, and said he had trained a lot to prepare for the world championships.

His training also included sessions in a sauna to prepare for the high temperatures, but preparing his mind was also key.

"I write down in a book how I feel during a session and say what I've done well, what I can work on, and that really helps me mentally to put it together and train efficiently," he said.

Rolls celebrated his win with a well earned dip in the course's water element

Rolls faced tough competition in the World Championship final, but the moment he knew he had won he celebrated by jumping into the course's water element.

"Straight after it was almost like relief because during the competition, it goes on for about an hour, and during that time I am telling myself to stay calm, try not to feel any emotion, not get excited or nervous," he continued.

"As soon as you realise you won, it's like shock and you still can't believe it... you're questioning it."

Rolls said standing on the podium receiving his medal was an "emotional" moment as he reflected on his journey and those that had supported him.

He arrived back in the UK on Sunday morning and was greeted at home by friends and family, along with some champagne.

He now plans to rest and heal a small knee injury before looking ahead to next year's season.