A MOTOCROSS star from the district is riding high after excelling at a national event in Lincolnshire.

Hexham’s John Robson went up against competitors from home and abroad at the Skegness Beach Race last weekend.

Th 27-year-old won his first 450cc race by three clear minutes on Saturday, and finished runner-up in the event’s elite race on Sunday.

The double achievement followed an impressive summer season for the joiner, who has ambitions of turning semi-professional next year.

John started in position 197 out of 200 riders on Saturday, before making his way through the field in the 450cc race.

Then on Sunday, he went up against professional riders in the elite race, and finished second only to seasoned champion, Todd Kellett.

“It’s very satisfying.” said John. “In terms of performance, I would say I am riding as well as ever.

“I had a very good weekend. I had a lot of work to do on the Saturday after starting so far back, and to finish second in the elite race was an outstanding achievement.”

The races challenged competitors to complete as many laps as possible of the sand-based track, at the beach in Skegness, within a specific time period. John’s first race was three hours, while the second kept wheels turning for an hour-and-a-half.

During the summer season, which runs from March to October, John competes on the ACU British Championship, and travels the country to attend beach race meetings during the winter months. Last month, he excelled in a beach race at Weston Super Mare, finishing 16th out of 1,000 competitors.

He was on course for a top-10 finish, but required a second pit stop for refuelling, which cost vital time.

“It has been a very good season, and fortunately I have stayed injury free,” said John.

“That is key because injuries, and the time it takes to recover from those injuries, can have an adverse affect your progress.”

John was introduced to motocross as a child by his dad, also called John, and was both a rider and a car rally driver.

He added: “I’m now at a stage where I would like to become semi-professional. I already have some sponsorship which I am grateful for, but more would be welcome.”

To sponsor John, email robson-92@hotmail.co.uk.