A TROWBRIDGE youngster with some pedal-power kick reached the pinnacle of her sport at national level last weekend when claiming top honours in the British Championships.

Amelie Eaton controlled three motos and a grand final to land the British U7s BMX Championships in Derby – to the delight of proud mum Hannah Eaton and her teammates at Rustynut Racing and Bath BMX.

The seven-year-old’s journey to Derby was far from orthodox, though.

A nasty crash that left Eaton requiring stitches in her chin meant she missed the national riders’ championship round in Bournemouth following a string of eye-catching performance at regional level.

Determined to win the national title, the Wiltshire youngster beat her eight rivals to claim gold.

Her father, Matt, was also in action at the championships – and placed seventh in the 30-39 cruiser category before reaching the semi-finals of the Masters 20-inch.

Proud mum Hannah said she could hardly watch the competition’s final race, knowing her daughter was so close to winning the British title.

She added: “I knew that she would bring home the title if she could stay on her bike.

“I was so nervous for her on the final lap, as so many people can crash in the final and lose it all.

“As soon as she got onto the final straight with a convincing lead my nerves turned to excitement and I cried for joy.

“It was fantastic to be surrounded by the other south west supporters and her Rustynut team mates for such a special moment, the cheers as Amelie crossed the line were deafening.”

Amelie’s journey to the top started five-and-half years ago when she first learned about life on two wheels when using a balance bike.

Her younger brother Bear is also a champion in waiting, having just started competing on two wheels at the age of four.

Despite last week’s success in Derby, the trio’s attention now switches to the South West Championships in the coming weeks.

Hannah added: “Amelie is hoping to follow in her hero and fellow Bath BMX rider Betsy Bax’s footsteps and win the World Championships when she is old enough to qualify at the age of nine.

“She would also love to compete at the Olympics in the future.”