At just 20, Josh England has already been cycling competitively for seven years.
Now he hopes to make New Zealand's under-23 road cycling team.
``You're only given one chance in life so why not? It's just one of those addictions.''
Josh spent last winter training in France and will soon travel to Belgium
for more European experience.
``It opened my eyes up a lot to what my potential is if I'm prepared to put in the effort that those guys do over there. And I wasn't put off,'' says Josh.
Having already competed in senior world cups for track cycling, the experience at the New Zealand European Training Centre allowed him to train with the under-23 development team.
``Europe is where your career can be made in cycling.'' Last year, he juggled his first year of an engineering degree with travel to France but found it too much.
``I could either do both, and do them average, or do one and do it well. I decided to do the cycling,'' says the Coatesville resident.
This year, he is focused solely on cycling, making the transition from the track to the road.
``A lot of my top performances so far have been on the track. Only in the last couple of months have I taken on the road as my number one thing.''
Josh has just competed in the North Shore City Grand Prix Cycle Race, in Takapuna, and, despite his experience, was nervous going into the event.
``It's a big race for the North Shore and a lot of friends and family watch. I felt a bit of pressure about pulling through and doing well.''
The pressure wasn't a factor though, with Josh winning the elite men's grade comfortably.
His next race is the four-day 360km Twin Coast Cycle Challenge in March, taking in Whangarei, Dargaville, Opononi, Paihia and Russell.
Josh says he loves the fitness side of competing and plans to dedicate the next three years to the bike. - by Kirsten Grant
