RIDING motorbikes is in the blood of teenager Daniel Rosamond as he follows in his father Philip's footsteps after first sitting on a bike at the age of two.

Always around bikes as a young boy, he was soon riding on the moto-cross scene, but this year he will leave the dirt behind for a season on the circuit tracks.

For the 14-year-old from The Hurst school will be competing in the Aprilia RS 125 superteen challenge, for the top riders in the country between the ages of 14 and 18.

The opening two rounds of the championship are on the weekend of March 19 and 20 at Brands Hatch.

Last season, the teenager rode in the last two rounds of the same event, also at Brands Hatch, where he finished 23rd and 27th, and this season he has set himself a target of a top 10 finish in a championship that has a field of 30 riders.

Rosamond said: "I felt it was the right time to move from motocross to circuit racing. The major difference is getting used to leaning into corners, which I have mastered now. I think a top 10 finish is not beyond me for a first full season."

The bike he rides is a standard production machine, so with this being a one-make championship, the riders will have the chance to shine.

The machine has a top speed of 95mph and Rosamond has had a couple of run-outs on the bike, but, like all young riders, he finds it very difficult to get track time during the winter.

Rosamond said: "I'm looking forward to the season and especially going to Cadwell Park, as that is very much like a motocross circuit. You even get to take off when you come up over the mountain there."

The 16 rounds of the championship are split into two rounds at each of the eight meetings.

After the Brands Hatch meeting, the rest of the dates are as follows: April 16/17, Croft; May 21/22, Silverstone; July 2/3, Snetterton; July 30/31, Knockhill; August 20/21, Cadwell Park; September 17/18, Pembrey; October 15/16, Brands Hatch.

The family are originally from Guernsey and Daniel's father used to race on the island. He is also competing in a 400cc series on the same race days as his son, so the teenager will have plenty of support and a mechanic should he need one.

The young rider's hero in the motorcycling world is current British Superbike Champion John Reynolds.

Rosamond said: "He is just a good rider and someone for me to aspire to."

Looking to the future, the teenager is keen to get his national licence and move up to ride something like a Suzuki SV650 in seasons to come.

To help him get fit for the stresses and strains of the season, Rosamond has been given sponsorship from Chineham-based Fitness First and has his own personal trainer putting him through his paces.

Rosamond said: "I would like to thank my parents for all their support, Fitness First, especially James Tenconi and my personal trainer Sandra Letford, Motrax and Wiz Racing Products."

Anyone else wishing to sponsor this young star can do so by contacting him on 07881 673341.