A firefighter leaves for Poland today for a gruelling world class cycling competition.

Adrian Hawkins, crew manager at Dover Fire Station, will be in Ponzan taking part in one of a number of races that are on the flat but exceptionally fast.

He is representing Great Britain in the 2019 UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Gran Fondo World Championships.

Mr Hawkins said: "Since joining the fire service in 2002 I have always been into sport and fitness.

"But this World Series will be one of the most competitive races I've undertaken ".

Mr Hawkins has kept supremely fit, running races from 5km (3.1 miles) to multi-day marathons.

He took up cycling in earnest in 2005.

His crew then organised a charity ride from Calais to Monte Carlo to raise money for an appeal following the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004 in the Indian Ocean.

The first time he represented Great Britain was in 2014, in the ETU European Duathlon.

He also took part in a previous Gran Fondo competition, Perth Chrono TT world championships in Australia in 2016.

The 2019 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships began on Monday, August 19, and continue until Sunday, September 1.

Cyclists from more than 50 countries will take part, with a programme that includes a time trial and a team relay.

Mr Hawkins said: "Although I stay active in my job, I still believe it is important to have a hobby or an interest outside of work; something that promotes positive mental health and good physical health."

The Union Cycliste Internationale, based in Switzerland, is the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events.