BMX riders Chloe Oaten, 12, and brother Nicholas Oaten, 9

Sibling rivalries can cause fierce tantrums and lingering resentment but not for this pair... who are about to transform their battles onto the world stage.

BMX racers Chloe Oaten, 12, and Nicholas, nine, of Mayfair Road, Dartford, have both qualified for the world championships in Birmingham at the national indoor arena next Thursday.

The promising youngsters have set their parents’ pulses racing ever since they took up competitive riding five years ago after they refused to watch from the sidelines.

They are members of Barking and Dagenham BMX club and have been included in the England squad for the event.

Chloe is in the 12-year-old girls’ competition while Nicholas will take part in two events, one of his own age group and another against riders three years older. Hundreds of riders from across the world will be competing.

Dad Matthew, 41, believes their success is partly because of the pressure the children put themselves under once they are on their bikes.

He said: “They both push each other on because she doesn’t want to lose to him and he doesn’t want to lose to her. They both think ‘I’m not having that’ if they are behind.

“They saw me racing and didn’t want to just watch. They both said ‘I wouldn’t mind a go’ and have progressed.

“It will be tough for them. The more and more people who come in, the harder it gets but they want to get better.

“Chloe qualified first so we were delighted for her but a bit worried for Nicholas, so when he got in as well it was elation all round.

"To have one of them doing well is great but to have both, from a parents’ point of view, is very special.”

Mum Sharon, 37, added: “I think I will be more nervous than them. It is really special. We’ve seen all the work they put in and we’re hoping they will get the results they want. It will definitely be a day to remember.”

Training has seen the family travel to circuits across Kent and beyond so the opening of Cyclopark at Gravesend next Sunday, May 27, will provide a timely boost.

Mr Oaten said his children were looking forward to racing in Gravesend, adding: “Once it has bedded in, it will be a fantastic place to ride.”