HAWORTH bike trials rider Jack Carthy has enjoyed a sensational first year competing at elite men’s level.

The 19-year-old was crowned European champion in Italy and only one mistake prevented him doing the double in the World Championships.

His slip-up meant he had to settle for the runners-up spot in Andorra behind Frenchman Vincent Hermance.

However, an overall World Cup triumph and an incredible 13th British title confirmed him as one of the sport’s most exciting talents.

The former Oakbank pupil said: “I was hoping to win everything but I messed up in the World Championships when I slipped off a wet log but it’s still been a great year.”

In bike trials, riders must show balance and skill on mountain bikes in tackling a series of obstacles without their feet touching the ground.

Carthy has excelled at the sport for years at junior level and is now taking the senior world by storm.

He won three World Cup events out of four – in Poland, Austria and Belgium – with the highlight coming in Antwerp.

He said: “That is my favourite event as it is well organised and right in the town centre. There were 8,000 people who came to watch and about 2,000 passers-by.”

Carthy, who is able to practise indoors at Keighley firm Abbey Artstone, has already set his sights on going one better next year and winning the World Championships.

But he also has another focus in a new venture with fellow trials rider Dan Clark, who is also from Haworth.

The pair have joined forces to run Xtreme Stunt Team, which involves putting on displays across the country.

The difference with Clark is he performs his stunts on a motorcycle rather than pedal bike.

“It’s been going well and we’re hoping it progresses next year,” said Carthy.