THE FOREST has a new motocross ace – Josh Waterman.
Though he is just nine years-old, Josh, who lives near Coleford, and attends school in Yorkley, competed against older youngsters to win the first round in the 65cc class in the national motocross championships held in Cardiff.
The son of Philip and Sonja Waterman, Josh is profoundly deaf but he does not let that get in the way of his riding expertise.
He rode brilliantly at Cardiff to take first place – after being mismounted in a collision with a back-marker, he still had time to retrieve the situation and win the final.
"Thrilled to bits," was his comment on achieving a memorable victory.
Josh, who is enjoying his schooling at Yorkley, is coached by his father who is a former motocross expert.
"He did outstandingly well and his win was very popular as he was competing against many older riders," said an observer.
Younger brother Jack, aged six, is also at home in the saddle but rides horses instead of bikes