A MOTORCYCLIST has earned the title of championship winner at a national race.

Steve Walton, of Latchingdon, snagged gold at the 2019 ACU British Motorcycle Sprint Championship after 15 years of competing.

The 58-year-old reigned victorious in the sprint, which involves motorcyclists racing down a straight track in a time-trial style race against the clock.

Steve said: “I’ve been racing for quite a number of years, about 15, and I’ve been competing and taking part in various motorsport events since I was a boy.

“It was my target for the year. My aim was to win that championship, so I was over the moon - especially to win it by such a small margin.

“I’ve competed in this specific championship several times and I’ve come close before but have never actually won it.

“It’s more difficult than people perceive it to be – I’m talking fractions of a second making a big difference.”

The ongoing support from his family has spurred Steve to continue racing.

Regarded as the ‘Blue Riband’ championship in the world of motorcycle sprinting, the season consisted of nine rounds held at various tracks across the UK.

Despite some tough competition throughout the season, Steve finished no lower than second in class at every round entered.

Going into the last round, Steve was leading the championship by a slender margin over his nearest rival.

Unfortunately, the round was cancelled on safety grounds after heavy rain, but the results stood and Steve was crowned champion

He added: “My wife’s been very supportive of me. Not everybody would tolerate their husband going off around the country every other week.

“I’m looking forward to racing in the championship next year.”