A SCHOOLBOY cycle champion with learning difficulties had a surprise in store for his mum when he became the youngest to win the eight to 12-year-old category in the local heats of a top competition -- making it through to the national finals.

Although he is only seven, Nathan Livesey, of St Clares Avenue, Fulwood, Preston, is aiming to pedal his way to success at the Raleigh Challenge 2001, at Preston Sports Arena on Sunday (July 15), where he will compete against other biking buffs for top prizes.

It was Nathan's enthusiasm for the sport that encouraged mum Lisa to contact Ibby Khan, regional youth development officer for the British Cyclist Federation.

Although she had reservations about her son joining the contest, due to the trouble he had coping in a learning environment, Lisa was more than happy to help him on his way.

She said: "Nathan is going through tests at the moment to figure out why his attention span and concentration is so much more limited than other children.

"He is having problems because he either doesn't listen, forgets or doesn't seem to understand the things that you tell him."

Despite his learning difficulties Nathan, who is also a blue belt in ju-jitsu, proved to be a whizz on the track and was entered to a heat for older children.

Mr Khan said: "When he arrived at Preston College to take part his mother asked me to keep a special eye on him -- he really shone through and ended up winning.

"Nathan's mum gave up a lot of her spare time to supervise him and it has really paid off because Nathan was actually too young to enter that heat. But he was very diligent and keen, his ability was outstanding and I really thought he was amazing."

Lisa added: "He is extremely excited, especially as a bike is being offered for first prize -- I'm very happy that he has achieved this in light of all the setbacks he has had which means I have to be very protective."

Olympic bronze medallist Yvonne McGregor will present the winners with their prizes after the contest this weekend.

And bosses at Raleigh are keen to encourage more young cycling enthusiasts -- aged four to 13 -- to get on their bikes and join the competition. For information call Mr Khan on 751000.