Biker Shaun, 10, enjoys thrill of victory as motocross champ

MEET the 10-year-old from South Wales who’s set to be the new big name in the world of motorbiking.

Shaun Mahoney first took an interest in the sport of motocross when we was only seven, and he’s already got championship wins under his belt.

Motocross is a form of off-road motorbike racing, full of thrills and spills, hosted on enclosed off-road circuits.

But Shaun, from Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, isn’t put off by the fear of injury – or defeat.

Instead, the youngster hopes to go on to be a professional rider when he’s older – and he hasn’t made a bad start, having just claimed first place in his category at The Power Maxed Arenacross Tour.

His dad, also called Shaun, said: “I bought him a bike when he was younger and I took him out on it.

“He was useless – he was going to go through metal railings at one point and then he didn’t ride for years.

“But one day we were watching the TV and he said ‘come on dad, let’s have another go.’

“He started racing speed is unbelievable.”

Shaun said it was “his dream” to see after that. His his son compete at motocross as he has always had a love for the sport himself.

Shaun junior is trained under the watchful eye of Mark Jones, from Bridgend. The proud dad explained Mark is the only Welshman to hold major titles in motocross and he’s been “amazing” at showing Shaun the ropes.

“Shaun can to things on the track that other kids are unable to do,” added the youngster’s dad.

“He broke his arm on the BMX once and he was out for the season but things like that don’t put him off.

“He just moves on and classes it as part of the experience.

“We are so proud of him as a family. He is the people’s favourite.”

In addition to his latest win, previous triumphs are listed as being the BSMA Bridgestone Auto Champion 2016 and Severn Valley Auto Champion 2016. Unsurprisingly, the youngster’s house is “covered in trophies” and he says he will continue to train to perfect his skills in the sport.