YOUNGSTERS are being given the chance to be trained by a six times world champion BMX biker.

When Dan Atherton started to build Dyfi Bike Park in Pantperthog, helping people to improve their riding and racing was a big part of his vision.

He said: “Developing young riders was one of the key drivers for us in deciding to open Dyfi Bike Park to the public.

“Part of the reason I wanted to open the Bike Park was to have a place where I could keep building the kind of visions I’ve always had in my head for how mountain bike tracks should be. And a big part of that vision was to create a strong local mountain bike scene, which would feed in to strengthening the depth of riding across the whole of the UK.

“The younger generation are key to building that scene mountain biking is all about freedom, that’s what’s so amazing about it, being able to turn up somewhere and have a huge choice of things to ride, completely unrestrained, but on the reverse of that there are a lot of people who want a bit more guidance and some help to improve their riding so they can get the most out of what’s in front of them.

“I’m also hugely motivated by bringing on the next generation. I feel like the way we’ll run these camps is quite in line with giving people that freedom. Watch them ride and work with what you’ve got; every case is different and every rider different – no one rule fits all. Moving forward we’re looking to expand these camps and do a lot more.”

There will be two camps on offer this October half term.

The first, led by Dan Atherton and Al Bond on Wednesday, October 30, is for children aged 10 to 16 years and aims to build confidence and transform riding skills.

The second camp, on Thursday, October 31, focuses on race skills. There is a charge – £180 for the coaching and £250 for the race camp with Rachel Atherton.

For further information or to book your place email ride@dyfibikepark.co.uk

n Places are limited to 12 riders per day so there is an additional half-term uplift day on Friday, November 1 (booking through www.dyfibikepark.co.uk). Gates open at 9am, the course runs 10am to 4pm.