MICHELIN'S MX TEENS TAKE ON LE TOUQUET

Young riders from the Michelin sponsored Motocross Challenge Project (MXCP) in Dover have completed the gruelling Le Touquet beach race.

The event was part of a charity initiative with the CYC Youth Project, a Medway Council supported scheme which aims to give young people skills and life lessons through motocross.

MXCP riders finished 37th and 93rd out of 150 starters on their Suzuki RM125s fitted with Michelin's Starcross Sand 4 tyres.

Patrick O'Neil from Strood finished 37th. The 16-year-old said: "I've learnt different techniques; the way to move around the bike in the sand, how to perform and different ways to ride the bike. This is something I would never have had the opportunity to do, so I am so grateful to everyone involved in making this happen."

Jordan Chapman, a 15-year-old from Chattenden, added: "Motocross is something I really enjoy doing, ever since my dad bought me my first bike when I was two. I have really loved this experience and to get the chance to represent Medway in this race is something I would never have dreamed of."

Jack Staples, Charlie Knight and Stuart Galloway took part as technical support and co-ordinated pit stops using skills learnt back in the UK.

Stuart, aged 18, said: "I got involved in this by going to a trial day in Essex and I was picked out of 40 to work with the MXCP on this project. I have learnt so much, but the main thing I have taken from this experience is the importance of listening and working as a team, as without that I would not have been able to do this race."

The CYC Project is supported by Medway Council and backed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Ric Newton, founder of the MXCP, commented: "We work with a number of riders and young people, so whittling the selection down to just six was a difficult job for us. Over 150 applied and picking the final selection was incredibly hard with so many great young people to choose from.

"The selection process took place at our centre in Dover, and those applying had to go through a series of tests, not just based on their motocross skills, but fitness, mechanical ability and their team-building skills.

"This was a great opportunity for everyone involved and we're really proud of everyone's efforts and achievements. We'd like to thank everyone at the CYC, the ERDF and of course our sponsor, Michelin, for helping make this possible."

Find out more about motorcycling with Michelin at moto.michelin.co.uk 

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