Yorkshire downhill skateboarder fourth in world

Phil Spencer described the world championship track as "ridiculously fast", with the course reaching speeds of about 75mph (120km/h)

A man who only took up downhill skateboarding two years ago says he's "really chuffed" after finishing fourth in the world championships.

Phil Spencer, 48, from South Yorkshire, took to the slopes of Erzincan, Turkey, last weekend, with the rapid route covering 1.9 miles (3km) and featuring an average incline of 12.5%.

Mr Spencer, who competes in the open street luge category, was the highest placed British entrant at the 2025 World Downhill Skateboarding Championship, with the course reaching speeds of about 75mph (120km/h).

"It was a fast run - I sort of frightened myself to death a bit but I stayed on and made it to the bottom," he said.

Mr Spencer's event sees riders positioned feet first and lying on their backs, with competitors using their feet as brakes and to steer.

The Doncaster skateboarder took up the extreme sport after seeing video clips of it on social media and has been competing for two years.

Phil Spencer (left) with fellow British competitor Ian Martland (right) and Dutch competitor Ulrich Becker (centre) at last year's championship

"I'm not one to sit around doing nothing," said the car parts delivery driver.

"I've always been into daft things - motorbikes, boxing, all sorts."

Discussing weather conditions during racing, he said: "Turkey was more than 30C and when you've got a leather suit on all day, plus crash helmet, gloves and boots, that's quite warm.

"I qualified fourth and there were some really fast Brits there, so I was really happy to get the fourth spot."

Mr Spencer finished ahead of six other Brits in his event

Mr Spencer said training in the UK requires finding hills with a similar incline, usually in the Peak District, along with regular gym sessions.

Abdil Mahdzan, from Malaysia, finished first in Mr Spencer's category.

The Brit added: "Some of the guys are seven-time world champions, so for me it's just getting a bit more experience, learning the tracks and we'll go from there.

"Getting to be world champion would make all the hours in the gym worthwhile, so that's what I'll push for and it'd be brilliant to get that spot."

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