EURO TEST FOR GILKES

GREAT Britain and Kent youngster Daniel Gilkes is preparing for the biggest weekend of his short career as he travels to Nagyhalasz in Hungary.

Gilkes will compete in the first qualifying round of the 2021 FIM European Under-19 Championship on Saturday afternoon.

He was runner-up in last year’s British Under-19 Championship but now rides in Europe for the first time, and due to Kent’s fixture with Leicester on Tuesday being postponed this will also be his first competitive outing of the season.

British Youth boss Neil Vatcher said: “Since the British Under-19 Final last September Dan has been chomping at the bit to have the opportunity to compete in Europe.

“Although this is his first competitive ride of 2021, he has had plenty of track time thanks to the GB Academy, and I know he is ready for his biggest challenge to date.”

Gilkes has been drawn to ride at No.16 and will be aiming for a top-five finish to qualify for the European Final, which will take place in Riga, Latvia on August 7.