How did you first get involved in your sport?
I've always loved bikes. I originally wanted to be a downhill rider but after looking at the British Cycling website, it advised to start first by entering MTB XC races. On that advice I was introduced to cross country mountain biking in August 2009 by my mum and dad, who entered me for round 3 of the Midlands series on an old dirt jump bike, and I came third. After that I was hooked.
What does a typical week look like for you?
Mon - school & rest day, Tues - school & steady road ride 2hrs, Wed - school & efforts on turbo 1hr, Thurs - school & efforts on rollers 1hr, Fri - school & rest day or recovery ride 30mins, Sat - race/MTB ride (1hr 10mins/ 3hrs), Sun - race/MTB ride/road club ride (1hr 10mins/3hrs).
What do you enjoy the most about being a sportsperson?
The fantastic atmoshere at MTB races and seeing my mates who enjoy the sport as much as me. Winning &/or podiums. Excitement of competing, love the variety of race venues.
What are your targets for the next 12 months?
Win 2012 Youth MTB National Champs, podium for Youth MTB BRMBS & Midlands Series 2012, win Youth MTB Midlands Champs 2012.
What are your long term aims?
For British Cycling to push me as far as they are able - ODP & Academy.
What do you do in your free time?
Snowboarding with friends, cinema, building pump tracks and MTB dirt jumping, movies and music, making MTB movies for youtube.
Key achievements
- British Cycling Talent Team
- 2011 Youth Midlands Champion and Series Winner
- 2011 Youth National Mountain Biking Championships - 4th (First 1st year youth)
- 2010 Juvenile National Mountain Bike Champion
- 2010 Juvenile Midlands Mountain Bike Champion
- 2010 Juvenile Midlands Mountain Bike Series Winner
- 2010 Juvenile National Mountain Bike Series - 2nd
- 2010 South Derbyshire Junior Sportsman of the Year
Aims
- National Series and National Championships 2012
- 2012 European Youth Championships
- British Cyclings Olympic Development Programme (ODP) 2012 - 2013
"William has been selected onto the Talent pathway for cycling for 2012. He has achieved this level through consistently good results at a National level of competition in 2010 and 2011 and will look to gain access to international competition in 2012 at the European Youth
Championships as the next progression in his career." - Mark Mckay British Cycling National Talent Team Coach
