Abergavenny motorcycle rider - 10 year old Theo Jones celebrated winning his class at the Welsh Open Youth Hare & Hounds motorcycle enduro championship last month.
The series attracted 200 riders from all over Wales and further afield and took place over five weekends.
Theo has been involved in motorcycle sport for the last five years, helping out at events but his first race was a wet day at Llandidloes in August which got the series under way.
The events involve a mass start similar to motocross, but are over a longer duration. Despite wet and muddy conditions, Theo took the overall win as well as his class in a well supported event.
The following week, Theo was marshalling at the Wales & West Club’s event at Ewyas Harold.
One week later, at Brongest in west Wales, the Dyfed Dirt Bike Club hosted the next round, and an equally wet day saw Theo lead from start to finish, lapping riders on his Honda 110. The 4 stroke power was ideal for the conditions, and Theo made sure of the class and overall wins again.
Many spectators commented on Theo’s ability to ride well in the mud, showing his experience in riding in wet weather.
The third round was at the famous Cwmythig Hill circuit at Rhayader, where the local club again saw 140+ youth riders take part in three races.
In the novice race, Theo again proved his skill, taking the win despite almost looping out his bike at the start. The final round, organised by the Dyfed Bike Academy at Saint’s Well near Newtown was the most challenging track of the series.
Featuring motocross track, woods and streams, the course was in great condition, and Theo once again took the class and overall victories.
Theo attends Llantilio Pertholey School, and apart from motorcycling, lists playing rugby at Aber and mountain biking among his interests.
Theo’s friend Alys Roberts (11) from Usk also made her competition debut at the same weekend.
The first year pupil at Monmouth Comprehensive made a steady start and beat some much more experienced riders to finish in the top half of the field and take second place in the girl’s class.
Both plan on practicing hard through the winter for next year’s series.