Leading cyclists believe a surge in the number of pump tracks opening across the Scottish Borders can help generate the next generation of superstars.
Former Scottish mountain bike champion Kerry MacPhee and rising star, Ben Allan, enjoyed a spin around the latest track to open in Stow recently.
Both are confident the increased facilities are helping drive forward the sport – in the Borders and across Scotland.
Ben, who is one of British Cycling's top hopes in mountain bike cross-country, said: "I grew up near Peebles with a pump track on my doorstep and it taught me everything I needed to know with basic skills."
Pump tracks are designed to create a safe, fun and inclusive area for the likes of BMX bikes, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades.
Their design combines rolling jumps with turns that teach the basic skills of carrying momentum, balance and speed.
Over the past couple of decades the Borders has produced an endless string of road and off-road cycling champions.
While the likes of Ruaridh Cunningham, Isla Short, and Reece Wilson have shone on mountain bike courses, the likes of Oscar Onley and Callum Thornley are regular challengers at some of the biggest road races in the world.
