A GEOGRAPHY student certainly knows the way when it comes to rising from the junior ranks to recording success in competition.

Horwich Cycling Club member Joe Peatfield continues to make huge strides in mountain biking after impressing in events.

The 17-year-old said: "The Nutcracker series is the best series in the North of England, and has a lot of good riders and technical courses which helps me prepare for the national series.

"Last season I finished sixth overall in the Nutcracker series but this year I improved on that performance by taking third junior overall.

"That was the highlight of my season as well as finishing second in the midweek MTB madness series where I was racing against older riders.

"Most races have between 15-30 junior riders but national events have a higher quality field.

"The national series has rounds all around the UK so there is lots of travelling to each event.

"My parents are really supportive to take me everywhere.

"My best result this season at the national level was 15th at the Cannock chase.

"The courses are really hard, physically and technically and the competition is the highest possible in the UK.

"There was a great atmosphere at lots of local venues in the local mid-week mountain bike madness series."

However the youngster admits he did better than he thought he would in the event.

He added: "I wasn’t expecting to be able to compete with the older riders, beforehand I was just focusing on my category and I surprised myself with my performance."

The Turton Sixth Form pupil is currently doing PE, graphics and Geography and has been doing the sport for six years since he was 12.

But juggling globes, computers and bikes are just part of life for Peatfield.

He said: "I enjoy cycling and it helps take the pressure off school."

The sport is a family affair as his siblings enjoy getting in the saddle.

"My two younger brothers, Isaac, aged 14, and Benjamin, aged 12, and my younger sister, Imogen, aged eight, all race. They mainly race road and cyclocross for a local youth club, Bolton Hot Wheels."

The rider has been a member of Horwich Cycling Club for one year and he now turns his attentions to another style of racing.

He said: "I will be racing cyclocross over the winter season competing in the North West League and the national series.

"I am hoping to finish first junior in the North west league and get a top five finish in a round of the national series."

n If you want to find out more about Horwich Cycling Club visit the website: www.horwichcycling.co.uk