Bike-mad Bradford boy takes motocross tracks by storm

Roy Townley, a pupil at Swain House Primary School, has been "bike-mad since he was born", said his mum, Krista Townley.

"He was riding a two-wheel push bike with no stabilisers by age three.

"Roy started riding motorbikes when he was four and he was racing by the age of five-and-a-half.

Bradford rider Roy Townley with his motocross bikes and trophies (Image: Newsquest)

"He just got hooked," she said. "In the last six months, Roy has really been doing well and is starting to be successful.

"There are not many winter motocross events, but in recent weeks they have been holding an indoor Arenacross British Championship series.

Young Bradford motocross rider Roy Townley (Image: Newsquest)

"It's a four-round series with events in Belfast, Aberdeen, Birmingham and the final at Wembley."

He recently travelled to Scotland with his family to compete at the event in Aberdeen.

Roy Townley in action on a motocross track (Image: Newsquest)

"It was exciting because this event was in front of 10,000 people and it was live-streamedmed on YouTube."

Roy finished in second and qualified as a top four rider in the age six to nine category.

Roy Townley on his motocross bike (Image: Newsquest)

"He was in with a chance at winning but a bigger kid crashed into Roy and he fell off at the final corner, so he finished second. But this happens sometimes, it's just part of motocross," said Krista.

"He rode his socks off. He missed out on first place by a hair, but we're so proud of him. He's definitely one to watch for the future."

The grand final of the Arenacross British Championship at Wembley takes place today (Saturday).

"If he can win, he wins a new bike," said Krista, who explained Roy's dedication to the sports he loves.

"He puts a lot of time and effort in and he trains one day a week with RMJ Academy on tracks all over Britain.

"He had a few race wins last season and he is looking forward to competing at the British Championship level.

"It's pretty full on but motocross is a good thing for kids.

"We're a motocross family, and his dad (who is also called Roy Townley) raced many years ago.

"For this grand final he is up against some of the best in the country. It's very exciting for this little local boy."

Krista said Roy's Facebook page (Roy Townley #80 aka rippinroy) already has 700 followers but the youngster is aiming for more.

"He would really would love to get his Facebook followers up to 1,000," added his proud mum.

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