Champion of Europe

The 17-year-old took top spot in the European Mountain Bike Junior Mens Downhill Championship in Hafjell Norway.

Sam, a former Greenfaulds High School pupil, signed up with prestigious French team Lapierre earlier this year.

Sam has been in the saddle since the age of around six when his father Mark, himself a former cross country cyclist, bought his son his first cross country bike.

And Sam's many cross country races through Cumbernauld Glen over the years, have certainly paid dividends.

Sam pointed out that the sport is not only physically challenging, but also mentally.

While taking part in competitions downhill riders can reach speeds of

anything up to 60kph.

"The course at Hafjell took about four minutes to complete," said Sam.

"There is a lot of vibration and the tracks are always changing – the slightest mistake can knock you off."

When not jetting around the world taking part in competitions, Sam can often be seen riding through Cumbernauld and along the Tak-Ma-Doon Road in Kilsyth.

But it will not be long before he is off on his travels again, heading to America to take part in the World Cup.

Then at the beginning of September its off to Canada for the World Championships.

"I will definitely be looking for a podium place there, and will be going all out for a win," he said.