I HAD the privilege to meet the young and talented Pete Spalding during his break while working at Bridge Motorcycles in Southampton.
Pete, pictured, is currently competing in Metabo British Superbike Cup, and after another podium finish is looking at earning some large silverware by the end of the season.
Talking to him at work, I asked how did he fit working full-time with racing competitively?
"I'm starting with a new sports psychologist - he's helping me with all my health and fitness.
"I live in New Milton which is 20 miles away.
"I start work here at 8.30am, so I'm leaving the house early to get here on time.
"When I get home about 7pm the gym is not a favourable option! By the time I get there it's 8pm, it shuts at 9.30pm, so the only time I get free is weekends.
"I'm 17; I still have to have a social life, so getting time in for fitness is really hard.
"I'm going to Applemore Gym, which is nearer to work, which my sponsor is paying for.
"My girlfriend is doing it with me - she is very supportive, and my Brolly Dolly! We bought her a new outfit for this weekend."
What sort of fitness regime does your trainer have you on?
"As I'm such a small person, I'm working mainly on weights. I have to build a lot of top-end muscle. This enables me to move my weight around on the bike to get it to turn as fast as taller people.
"I do a lot of running and rowing to keep the rest of the body fit too.
"At Mallory Park the lorry broke down and we had to get everything from the lorry into two vans so I was tired before we got there with all the lifting.
"On the qualifying day, when I fell off, I was tired mentally as well as physically. It's very hard.
"I suffered a bruise the size of my hand on my bum and suffered concussion. I've had to keep my body sugar levels up by eating bananas, pasta, rice and chocolate and no exercise, to build up my body mass for this weekend.
"It's going to be a tiring one as the sessions are longer at Oulton Park, and a lot faster.
"Eight or nine more corners than Mallory Park."
With lorries breaking down, this must mean more expense for you.
As well as working full-time, how do you cope with the ongoing costs?
"I have two main sponsors - Kas Plant, owned by Gary Stubbington, run the bikes, Centurion the plastics, garage hauling and the canopy. Other cash sponsors pay for bits we need like food. There are 11 or 12 members of the team to look after as well as an extra 16 sponsors on race days to look after, at which Gary's wife Barbara does an excellent job!
"Then there is the cost of running the vans and lorry, new leathers which cost £600 - every time I fall off, I may need new leathers.
"All the money I earn at Bridge, who are very supportive, goes on my racing too.
"I want to be British Superbike Champion, may-be World Superbike Champ-ion. I'm not a very self-confident person, but I am good at this and I feel I can achieve this high level."
Pete is obviously very focused and with a proven record so far this season, a good prospect for any sponsor. "None are too small," says Pete.
With Sky Sports giving five hours coverage every Sunday on race days, and Pete currently second, it's a lucrative branding exercise for any company.
For further details and sponsorship offers, check out www.artracing.co.uk
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