JACOB CROWNED IRISH CHAMPION

It’s a remarkable achievement for the Dromore High School pupil, considering he only moved into the sport a few years ago.

Already Jacob has amassed an incredible list of achievements. These include coming third in the Irish National Point Series, which was ran over six races; winning the one day event Irish Championship in August and becoming Ulster U14 champion.

Not only that, but he is currently ranked third overall in the UK for his age range.

“I raced motocross for four years, but I didn’t any opportunities to go across to England,” said Jacob.

“Through getting sponsored by Garry at MBW Racing and help from the Irish Development Squad I have achieved more then I ever thought possible by competing in the BDS, doing the full Irish series and winning the Irish Championships.

“Through getting sponsored by MBW, I have became very good friends with my team mates and we are a very good unit and with Garry as our manager, I feel we have the best set up in Ireland.

“Racing in England has helped me become good friends with different competitors, of all ages, whom I would have never met without racing.”

He added, “Racing and riding my bike is a big part of my life and it’s all I ever think about; whether it be MTB or BMX, as long as I am on my bike I am happy and very fortunate and happy to be in this position. Through racing I have made friends which I know I will know for a long time because we are all on the same level. I have had experiences I never thought I would have, both good and bad.”

His dad, Mark, says the support he has been getting has been incredible.

“He’s really starting to get noticed now and it is down to a lot of hard work,” Mark said.

“I’ve been racing bikes for years but Jacob has only been doing it for a short time and he has really taken to it. He has the potential to do very well in the sport and we are all very proud of him.”

And there was more good news for Jacob and his team mates when their team secured a major sponsorship from a German company.

Kona will be supplying Jacob with two bikes within the next few weeks, one for training and another for racing, and it’s hoped that these will help advance his fledgling career even further.