Rochester will welcome elite cyclists this weekend when the town plays host to the HSBC UK National Circuit Championships.

Among them will be Frindsbury resident Joe Sutton, who will be gunning for success in the mile-long route.

Joe, who grew up around Strood, has been cycling for four years and rides for Richardsons-Trek Road Team.

Scroll down to hear from Joe Sutton ahead of Sunday's race.

It consists of eight elite-level cyclists and is based in Essex.

The 21-year-old said: “I have always been fascinated by things with wheels, especially bikes.

“When I was four, I rode along the Caledonian Canal in Scotland with my dad and that was the starting point for my interest.

“I joined a team in Darent called Team Darent.

“I was quite nervous, really, but as I got older I got over that and started doing more events and treat it like a job.”

Joe’s current team travel across the country, competing every weekend in events ranging from 30 miles to 100 miles in distance.

“Teams can approach you or if you get some very good results, there’s nothing to say you can’t approach teams yourself.

“Most of the races are quite fun. There are some races in Kent, but many of them are at least a four-hour drive away.”

When he’s not away racing, the former Rochester Independent College pupil lives with his mum Debbie and dad Julian.

He added: “We often go to Belgium for midweek races.

“I have always been fascinated by things with wheels, especially bikes." - Joe Sutton

“It’s more often easier to get to Belgium than it is to come to some of the races up north.

“We all stay in the same hotel and go out to dinner where we have our debrief.

“It’s so nice to have a race so local and I’m looking forward to being in front of a home crowd with friends and family.”

Jonathan Rigby, British Cycling’s commercial director, said: “We’re thrilled the 2019 HSBC UK National Circuit Championships is in Rochester.

“The area is steeped in history, and will provide a wonderfully picturesque backdrop to what will be some fantastic racing.

“The championships are one of the highlights of the road-racing calendar, and always prove a huge draw for spectators.

“Rochester will be no exception, and we look forward to working alongside Medway Council to deliver another truly memorable championships.”

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for community services, said: “The national cycling event provides a fantastic opportunity for residents to watch elite cyclists compete on their doorstep and will no doubt inspire some residents to take up cycling.”

Everything you need to know about this weekend's National Circuit Championships

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