WORCESTER cyclo-cross rider Simon Wyllie does not have to look far for a source of motivation when he gets on his bike.

While Wyllie gears up for a big national or international contest, his neighbour heads off for a training session with either Worcester Warriors or England.

Wyllie, 16, lives next door to another talented teenager in Ted Hill in the city and is determined to reach the same heights as the Warriors flanker.

“We don’t really see each other much as we are always out training or competing,” Wyllie said.

“But it’s quite incredible to have two neighbours both competing internationally.

“He makes me want to train even harder to match what he is doing.”

It has been a remarkable rise for 19-year-old Hill who burst onto the scene earlier this season and won his first senior England cap in November.

Wyllie has also had a memorable past 12 months as he has travelled across the country and abroad competing in events.

His highlights include finishing third in round one of the HSBC UK Cyclo-Cross National Trophy Series in October and going to the Netherlands for the UEC Cyclo-Cross European Championships a month later.

The Tudor Grange Academy sixth-form student also represented Great Britain in the UCI Cyclo-Cross Word Championships in Bogense, Denmark, last month.

It was a big stage for Wyllie who was among five British junior riders but showed he was not intimidated as he finished in 32nd place.

“That was the biggest race I have ever done,” said Wyllie who is a member of Halesowen Cycling Club.

“I didn’t feel any pressure as I was not one of the favourites to win.

“But it was really special to represent my country and I felt really proud.

“I finished 32nd but I started at the very back so I was really happy with that result.

“I got selected for experience for next year when they will be hoping for me to get a high position.”

On his ambitions in the sport, Wyllie added: “I would quite like to make it as a professional cyclo-cross rider but at the moment I am just taking things as they come.

“I am going into the road season now which will last until August and then go back into cyclo-cross in September.”