BMX rider, 14, to compete in world championships

Harrison, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, will represent Great Britain next year

A 14-year-old boy is taking his BMX bike to the other side of the world to compete in the world championships.

Harrison, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, has qualified to represent Great Britain in the UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Australia in 2026.

The teenager, who is starting his GCSEs this year, was inspired to get into the sport as a child and started riding competitively when he was five years old.

"One day I just went down the [BMX] track with my dad, and then from there, I just really wanted to do it," he said.

To get him to the championships, Harrison and his family have been crowdfunding online, with an aim to raise £6,000 to to cover flights, accommodation and race expenses in Australia.

"We're about half way there so we should be able to get there," Harrison said.

The teenager, who trains with Nuneaton BMX Club, is a two-time Midlands Series Champion, and recently finished 11th in the National Race Series, earning his place in the upcoming world championships.

He told BBC CWR his coach and the team at the BMX club had been "really helpful".

"The coaching and stuff it really helps, after school you're looking forward to it," he added.

Harrison started riding BMX bikes competitively when he was five years old

The 14-year-old now has his sights set on the National School of Racing (NSR) and the Olympics.

"I'd like to go to NSR, because I'm in RSR which is the Regional School of Racing," Harrison explained.

"And then the next step is National Schools of Racing and it will guide me onto Olympics."

Harrison's coach at the BMX club, George Hunt, said he quickly became "one of the best riders that I coached".

"I'd do everything I can to get him there," Mr Hunt said of the competition.

"And from there the GB coaches will take over."