RISING star Jack Spencer has the chance to show off his talents when he takes on the world’s best trials bike riders on home soil this weekend.

The 23-year-old from Bacup is one of a select group of British wildcard entries for the UK round of the World Trials Championship in Penrith.

But Spencer, who has been riding since the age of 13, and is a regular competitor in the British Championship, is no stranger to the world stage.

It will be his third appearance on a British round, and he also contested last weekend’s WTC event in Belgium, finishing an excellent 13th overall.

“I’m really looking forward to it, and I’m targeting a top 10 result,” he said.

“The atmosphere in World Trials is very different to the domestic series.

“The crowds are much bigger, which adds to the pressure. And obviously you are up against the world’s best, although as a wildcard rider, we are ahead of them once the trial gets underway, so we don’t get to see how they ride.

“But there isn’t much difference in the severity of sections and obstacles that we face in the British Championship. You have to attack them in the same way, and make sure you don’t get any penalties in the early sections, as that puts you under immense pressure for the rest of the day.”

Spencer’s displays on the British scene have drawn the attention of trial bike manufacturer Beta, who have struck a deal with him to ride a Beta 300 through their British arm, Beta UK.

And Cheshire-based Team Roundhouse are also helping out with support on WTC rounds.

“They take charge of the bike during the weekend, and instead of me have to ride then look after the bike out the back of my van, Team Roundhouse look after it, leaving me time to relax,” said Spencer.

He has also been helped by John Whittle, owner of off-road activity centre Back Cowm Quarry at Whitworth, who has allowed him free use of the facility to train.

“I didn’t have a great run in Penrith last year, and had to settle for 17th. I’m determined to put on a good performance this time,” he said.