Josh Whatley is one of those up and coming talents to keep an eye on… Still very young – currently just shy of his 14th birthday, in 2019 he is competing with the renowned KRP squad in the European Talent Cup in CEV Repsol as well as the HEL Performance British Motostar Championship. Prior to that he has ridden for Hector Faubel’s FAU55 squad in the RFME CEV (Moto4) and also in the British Talent Cup.

It’s been a busy year for the young Brit – bouncing between the BSB paddock and the circuits of Spain to compete in the various championships. So how does Josh feel that his 2019 season is going so far?

“Yeah – I think it’s pretty good to be honest – of course in Spain I’m really happy to be getting some solid results in the European Talent Cup, which is hugely competitive, with the KRP squad, and I always love to represent my country on the international stage – CEV is popular far beyond Spain, and so it’s nice to be a Brit riding hard and bringing home the points. I’m also looking forward to taking the next step up to the Junior World Championship next month.”

And what has been his highlight so far this year?

“I’ve had a really positive last three rounds in the British Motostar championship in BSB for certain, but I think winning my first race in this class last weekend at Cadwell Park has to be the particular high point. I’ve really been enjoying making progress and working with such a good team, so it’s nice to see it all paying off with moments like that.”

In between racing and schooling and other things like engagements for sponsors and backers, Josh is naturally keen on maintaining a top level of fitness like the best of riders. What form does that take?

“I love to go out on my mountain bike and Road Bike mainly – that’s a very natural way of keeping fit when riding is what you do, but I also go to the Gym daily and work really hard there. Fitness is one of those things that is so important for a rider. I think it’s so important if you take your riding seriously and if you want to make a career of it that you are in the best possible shape to ride and compete to your fullest. It’s the professional thing to do – thankfully I also like doing it!”

And what are Josh’s aims for the rest of the season both in the UK and abroad on the international stage?

“Well I’m currently lying third in the British Motostar Championship, and I’d obviously love to win it, haha, but to finish in the Top Three would also be a good achievement as far as I’m concerned. In respect to the Junior World Championship I will be racing in the last 3 rounds of that in Spain so to score points would be really really great – that would feel like something pretty special.”

Photos: David Watson and Vroom Media

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