Josh Slater: The future of BMX

Josh Slater on his balance bike

Three-year-old Josh Slater is aiming for a bright future in BMX bike riding after starting to ride at the age of just two. Josh, from Wardle, is already competing in BMX competitions and practices every week at local BMX tracks and cycling clubs.

Kai Slater, Josh's dad said: "He started with a little plastic bike and we couldn't get him off of it so I managed to find the balance bike for him and we can't get him off that now."

Josh attends training every Sunday with the National Cycling Club and has not missed a session since starting. Kai added: "When we leave the training he is always pestering to go back or to get out onto the track and ride."

At training sessions, Josh takes part in balance bike training and has been part of the National Cycling Club for twelve months.

Josh also regularly uses the newly opened track at Mandale Park. Kai also used to ride along that same track. "It brings back memories for me now that he uses the track," said Kai.

Before the reopening of Mandale Park BMX track, the family would travel to Heywood so Josh could use a track. "We would travel to Heywood which was a bit out of the way but now Mandale is open we can just call down on a nice night and ride. Its about time we had something like this in Rochdale."

Already taking part in the British Balance Bike Championships where he reached the final, Josh took part in his first race today and was one of the youngest taking part.

"I is a learning curve for him," said Kai. "He was competing against people twice his age so it is good experience for him."

Bike riding is something that runs in the family with Kai previously having an interest in BMX bikes and Josh's older sister also riding bikes.

The family hope that Josh will carry on with his love for BMX riding as he gets old. Kai added: "When we look back at pictures of him at the track, he always has a huge smile on his face so it is definitely something he enjoys. Hopefully he will be racing at regional level one day."

Trainers at the National Cycling Club and at Platt Fields BMX track also see potential in Josh and often comment on how good he is at what he does. "You always say it about your own child but its nice when other people see something in them and comment on how good they are," added Kai.

"He shows no signs of stopping," added Kai. "He loves riding and we can never get him off his bike. He is on it in the house and wherever we are."