A thirteen-year-old BMX rider from Ely has finished second at the UEC BMX Racing European Championships.

Jess Marriott, a member of Peterborough BMX Club and Team Hype rider, travelled to Besançon, France, on July 7-9, picking up a silver medal in the under-13 girl's category.

The Witchford Village Academy pupil made the podium in the sweltering 35-degree heat after battling it out against 47 competitors from 11 different countries.

Ely Standard: Jess was given time off school by Witchford Village College to allow her to chase European medal.Jess was given time off school by Witchford Village College to allow her to chase European medal. (Image: Navada Photography)

The qualifying rounds were straightforward for Jess, who won all but one race. 

Jess lined up in lane 2 for the final, and when the gate dropped, she jumped her way to the front of the pack, slightly behind the Latvian rider Cudar on the outside.

She stayed composed in a busy first corner and began chasing down Cudar, who had opened quite a lead.

Jess could not make up the gap but stayed smooth and cruised to the line to take European number 2.

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Jess' Mum, Lisa, said: "I'm extremely proud of her commitment to BMX as it's not just a hobby but a lifestyle, and although it takes up much of her time, she is still managing to achieve highly at school.

Ely Standard: Jess Marriott came second on the podium out of 47 other competitors.Jess Marriott came second on the podium out of 47 other competitors. (Image: Navada Photography)

"Also would like to add how supportive the school have been in authorising days off so that we can travel & get track practice."

Jess' next race is at the UCI World Championships in Scotland on August 8, where she is hoping to improve on her World number four ranking from last year's championships in Nantes, France.