DORCHESTER motocross rider Tristan Daniels claimed a very creditable 12th place in the junior class of the Weston-super-Mare Beach Race.

The youngster may well have done better but for an accident just before the race got underway.

Daniels was making his way to the start line when he was knocked off his bike and run over by the rider behind him.

He said: “I was sore but got myself back on the bike and was ready to go just as the start gates opened.”

Pushing hard throughout the 75-minute race, Daniels suffered further problems when a stuck throttle late on cost him 10 minutes and a place in the top 10.

Looking back at his achievement, the youngster said: “The first two laps were very hard as I have done nothing like this before, but I settled down and tried to pick the best lines around the course.”

The event, which sees junior riders race down the beach for half a mile before returning through a course of large dunes, puddles and jumps, is watched by thousands of people on the beach and from the seafront.

“It was really helpful to see so many people cheering me on around the course,” he added. “They were very nice and it gives you a boost.”

Father Stuart said: “Straight after the race I could not describe the huge sense of pride we felt.

“He was one of the youngest competitors and despite early problems battled on, and when he crossed the finish line the whole family were very emotional.

“We would especially like to thank grandparents Mandy and Carl Robinson for their support and the pit crew of Stephen Rolls and mechanic Alan Coles who helped Tristan during his pit stops.

“He is already talking about returning next year with his sights firmly set on at least a top-six placing.”