A TALENTED and tenacious young cyclist is proving to be among the best in the country after being crowned the champion of the National Youth Time Trials.

Matty Cole, a year 12 student at Richmond Sixth Form College, scooped the Time Trials trophy after coming in first at the ten mile race at Mallory Park Motor Circuit in just 20.23 minutes on September 4.

Matty, 16, then went on to win the final round of the National Circuit Series in Fife on September 12.

The achievements are all the more special because Matty suffered a crash earlier in the year and had to train his way back to being able to compete.

He said: “I have been passionate about cycling from an early age and I can’t imagine my life without it."

He said he was 'very proud' of his recent success, adding: "I am really looking forward to getting a good winter's training for next year where I will move up an age group, the races are harder and longer."

Jenna Potter, Richmond School headteacher, said: “Matty’s determination and commitment is unbelievable.

"He has pulled himself back to peak performance after injury and through his resilience has scooped not one, but two national triumphs.

"I am so proud of his achievements and I can’t wait to hear how he does next year.

"I am in no doubt that he will continue to succeed and will fulfil his ambition of racing professionally.”

Matty is exceptionally dedicated to his sport and trains between one and four hours every day, including long rides up and down the Dales, attending British Cycling Development Training Sessions and setting up his bike on the Turbo Trainer.