Madd deal for teen star

At 16-years-old, Wanganui's Ben Rountree is believed to be the youngest New Zealander to sign a professional BMX deal. Photo/Stuart Munro

Ben Rountree is just a normal 16-year-old kid who likes taking his BMX down the skate park to try some tricks - if normal involves flipping upside down and "getting paid for it".

The Year 12 Wanganui High School student will spend 2014 travelling to major events with all his expenses paid as he has become what is believed to be the youngest BMX rider to sign a professional contract, after joining the Madd Gear NZ team in December last year.

Rountree's contract with the Australian-based brand, which has professional teams around the globe, was justified on January 18 when he finished fifth overall at the 2014 NZ Allstars Action Sport Event, at ASB Baypark in Mt Maunganui.

The teenager stood out among 70 riders, with the four who finished ahead of him all being veterans in their 20s.

"It was really amazing," Rountree said.

"To be, like, the best in New Zealand, is my goal."

After being a skateboarder in his early years, Rountree took up competitive BMX riding when he was 12.

His best moves are the 'flair' and 'front flip', with a couple of highlights videos available on You Tube.

"I'm not being cocky, but, I'm good for my age," Rountree said.

"The last two years I've gotten really good."

He was spotted at BMX events, with Ricky Malcolm, who is based in Auckland with a head office in Australia, coming on board as his manager.

While already having sponsorship in place with Backflips Clothing, the Madd Gear deal is a major step up.

As well as global exposure on all of the company's online media sites, Rountree receives label clothing, bikes and equipment, as well as expenses to travel the country with at least 10 shows on his schedule this calendar year.

"I'll probably go to the same amount [of events as before], but now everything's paid for."

Rountree will receive money monthly for those endeavours.

His long term plan is to go live in Australia, where Madd Gear are based, then travel the world for his sport, including the ultimate goal of competing at the X Games in the United States.