AFTER being dethroned at the recent BMX World Championships in Colombia, Preston Pirates’ Ross Cullen is out to show he is still the best in Britain.

The 2012 and 2015 world champion finished second in this year’s under-15 event but could not complain about his performance on the day.

With six rounds to go in the British BMX Series before the season ending British Championships in late August, Cullen is determined to climb up from his current second spot in the standings before taking the title in Derby.

“I want to retain my British title,” said the six-time British champion, who benefits from being part of the SSE Next Generation scheme.

“It gives me quite a lot of confidence when I’ve got a single-digit world plate, especially a top three, and it makes me a little more determined going into that race.

“Even with the worlds race I didn’t go in thinking about the one plate, I go into every race as it’s a fresh race, take it step by step, make the main final and then try down the best lap I can.”

Cullen was philosophical about surrendering his world title but is determined to keep his eyes on the ultimate prize, a senior world title and a spot at the Olympic Games, be it in 2020 or 2024.

Being an Olympic development apprentice Cullen has regular contact with the best British senior riders, including two-time BMX World Cup champion Liam Phillips.

The teenager is upbeat about his riding for the rest of the season and said he can’t help but dream of what might be in years to come.

“I’m feeling really good, I was extremely happy about the worlds result because I’d been consistent throughout the whole day, even though it was really hot and the altitude tired me a little bit and it was a long track,” he added.

“I might have lost my title but I’m still incredibly happy with how I rode, it’s one race so it’s not like I did anything wrong, the other guy just had a better lap.

“You dream about Tokyo, I’ve been dreaming about the Olympics since I was a kid, but you’ve got to go through the pathway at British Cycling.

“So if you make it onto the podium pathway then there’s a chance they might choose you to go.

“It’s definitely something I look to.”

n SSE’s Next Generation programme partners with SportsAid to provide financial support and training to the sports stars of the future. Keep up to date with the latest @SSENextGen