After the disappointment of Shanaze Reade’s crash in the Olympic finals, one local rider was determined that his biggest race would not end up the same way.

Daniel Pullen has been making waves in the sport, since he arrived on the scene a couple of years ago and finished third on his debut in last year’s British Championship at Burnham-on-Sea.

This year’s event was held at Peterborough and in front of a packed crowd, Pullen rode well during the qualifiers for his age group (13 year olds), to qualify for the semi-finals.

It was a similar story in the semis as Pullen won his race to earn first pick when it came to gate positions for the big final.

In the final, Pullen got away to what he felt was the best start he has made as he powered down the start hill into first place.

The youngster was still in front after the first berm as the field headed down the back straight, where Jacob Roberts from Lancashire began closing Pullen down and before taking the lead over one of the jumps.

As the pair headed down the third straight, Roberts still led but Pullen was still not giving way without a fight and continued to battle hard all the way to the final straight, Roberts held on to take the win with Pullen taking runners-up spot well ahead of the rest of the field.

Pullen started racing four years ago at the Hersden BMX track and has gone through the regional ranks right up to National level, where he is sponsored by Tibb’s Cycles Store in Stour Street Canterbury.

He said: “I couldn’t believe how well my gates were going – a lot better than last year.

“ I was happy with the rest of the race too. Jacob’s a strong rider but he knew I was giving him a great race, so I’m looking to go even better next year.”

Phil Beer of Tibbs Cycles added: “This was a great result for Daniel, as his hard work over the last couple of years racing with the best riders in the country and now Daniel can now be considered right up there with them.”

Next stop for Pullen is the next round of the National Series on Sunday, September 14, at Coppull near Wigan followed by the South Region Championships at Herne Bay on September 28.