COLCHESTER’S Chris Welham wants to prove himself on the biggest stage at this weekend’s World Masters Track Cycling Championships.

The 52-year-old has only been velodrome cycling for a year and booked his place in the men’s sprint (50 to 54 age category) in February.

Now he wants to shine on the world stage – and he already has his sights set on becoming champion one day.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to race at this level and my goal is to become world champion in my category,” he said.

“My times are consistent and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

“I’m getting faster and closer to a world-winning performance, but at the moment my aim is just to establish myself at this level.

“I’m not expecting a podium finish at the first attempt and would be happy with a top-ten finish.

“That would be great and give me something to build on.

“It would give me some indication of where I’m at, but, like anyone, I want to strive for the best.

“My goal is to become world champion one day and I’m determined to do it, hopefully in the next year or two.”

Welham, an HGV lorry driver who was previously a highly-successful motorcycle rider, had not set foot in a velodrome until April 2014.

He became an accredited track rider, eligible to compete in national races, in just six weeks.

Initially he concentrated on endurance but, since the start of the year, he has been focusing on sprint racing, persuaded to try the discipline by coach Tom Newman.

He has spent the last year training at the former Olympic centre in London, now called Lee Valley, and, in his category, he already has a world ranking in the top 20.

Now he is looking forward to his first taste of world competition, at the Manchester Velodrome.

“I’m not the kind of person to be nervous,” said Welham, who was diagnosed with a defect that makes his heart beat abnormally fast in 2007.

“It’s more excitement because this is what I love doing.

“This is the biggest challenge I’ve faced.

“You have good days and bad days in this sport and sprint racing is tactical – something I don’t have much experience of.

“However, I’ve been working very hard in the last year and feel I’ve given myself the best possible chance.

“My training has been difficult and intense, especially in the last month or two.”

Welham’s rapid progress have been given a big seal of approval by coach Newman, of Capital Cycle Coaching.

“Chris’ achievements so far have been phenomenal,” he said.

“He’s making extraordinary progress and it takes others many years to reach anywhere near his current performance levels.”