A CYCLING star in the making had a successful end to the biggest season of his life.

James Knox, 18, from Levens, has just finished his first stint living abroad and racing for cycling team Zappi in the UCI Europe Tour.

The QES Kirkby Lonsdale school pupil faced a tough start to his season because he was trying to juggle studying for his A-levels with striving to become a professional cyclist.

The step up in class to Under 23 level also proved tough for him.

"I spent until June finishing my A-Levels so had a rather slow start to the year," said James.

"It took me until September or October to be in contention in the races. I was finishing my exams this year and I don't manage juggling school and cycling well so my mum forced me to concentrate on school until it was finished - a wise choice in hindsight! I had some good results last year as a junior but moving up the ranks there are bigger and harder courses. There's a significant step up. The riders are stronger and you get a lot more classy competitors."

However, by the end he was challenging for victory in tough under 23 races against a field of international rivals, completing a 200km race and training for 25 hours a w.

"After a slow start it was really special to finish the year with my best results in the biggest races. It gives me a lot of confidence going into next year," said James.

He managed to finish 14th at the Trofeo Rigoberto Lamonica, 11th at the Trofeo Bianchin and ninth at the Giro Dell Emilia.

But his proudest achievement was coming a credible 14th at the Piccolo Giro Di Lombardia.

James explains: "The highlight was without a doubt the Piccolo Giro Di Lombardia. It is one if the biggest under 23 races and on the same roads that the men compete on the following day. To be in the front group fighting it out for the win was something very special."

These achievements are made even more special by the fact he only took up cycling two years ago.

James, who was offered a place to study biochemistry at Sheffield University, said: "It's really a great experience living and racing abroad. There's such a great culture of cycle racing in Italy and you get treated really well by locals simply for being a cyclist! I should have learnt more Italian, although I am now a master of their hand gestures. Cycling is a growing sport in the UK but it has been big in Italy for 100 years. I think we are growing as a cycling nation."

Having deferred his place at university for a year he is currently taking a break before his pre-season training starts in Portugal in January.

A relaxed James said: "When it matters I have to be completely dedicated but now I need to take a couple of months taking it easy, seeing friends. When training starts there's not much of a social life to be had."

James is currently trying to raise money for his career on www.talentbacker.com.