A TAVISTOCK mountain bike rider has been featured in a one page spread in a leading bike magazine following his star performance at a national competition in Wales organised by Mountain Biking UK magazine.

James Scawn won through the six qualifying rounds to be among the six finalists from across the country battling it out for the prize of a trip to Canada.

The feature in the August edition of Mountain Biking UK magazine, came about after James entered a draw to be a competitor in the magazine's Northshore free ride challenge in Wales.

James, 20, a former pupil of Tavistock College was sponsored to take part in the event, by Dartmoor Cycles, in Tavistock, where he works.

Dartmoor Cycles also run a mountain bike team, which last year were in the South West top three at youth and junior level.

James says other rides from the team are also making an impact in the sport. Youth rider Ian McCowan is currently ranked second in the national points series, and junior riders are also performing well.

James said his friends and customers to the shop had been congratulating him on his appearance in the magazine.

James said he had really enjoyed the competition, but the worst part was the journey to the middle of rural Wales which involved several train changes carrying his mountain bike and equipment all the way.