A FEARLESS four-year-old 'daredevil' is already competing in electric motocross as dad watches the young protege with his heart in his mouth.
River Mathias of Kempsey, near Worcester, has been racing since he was just three years old and his dad says he appears to have no fear whatsoever when he gets on the track.
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River has regularly been travelling up to SX Worx in Sheffield for the Revvi Cup, joining around 300 other riders with a passion for this burgeoning sport.
Typically about ten youngsters compete in one race at a time and so far all the races River has competed in have been indoors.
River's dad, Craig Mathias, who also raced motocross at club level, said his son grew up on the motocross track and he remembers being similar - but it is a different story when he has to watch, describing it as terrifying.
"He's crazy - fearless and crazy, a little daredevil.
"He's the first generation taking part in electric motocross racing - and it's what he wants to do forever.
"River has had some big crashes but he just wants to carry on," said Mr Mathias, a hairdresser.
One of River's bikes can get up to 25mph. Fortunately, River is kitted out in a lot of protection for peace of mind - helmet, boots and body armour.
"He is fearless but I am quite nervous watching him because he's another level. It's scary and amazing at the same time. He has no fear whatsoever," said his dad.
River could ride a push bike at one year old without stabilisers - and his interest had progressed from there.
He has already come second in his group and hopes for more success in future.
River has three electric motocross bikes and, when he goes to Sheffield to compete they all go as a family - Craig, 37, wife Emma, 31, daughter Isla, ten, and River. The bikes are transported in a camper van.
Mr Mathias said: "It's not the most well-known to the public but youngsters from all around the UK turn up to race each other at SX Worx in Sheffield for the Revvi Cup. It's great."
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