Calum Magowan, Britain’s top juvenile cross-country racer, has been awarded £500 by the Mars Refuel Drink Fund after winning the first three rounds of the British Mountain Bike Series.

The 14-year-old, who has been mountain biking for nine years, has a 100 per cent record after topping the podium in Sherwood Pines, Dalby Forest and Wasing, and has now set his sights on the British National XC Championships and Scottish XC Championships, as well as selection for September’s UK School Games in Sheffield.

The Mars Refuel Drink Fund was created to help people overcome the financial barriers to sport by offering £500 awards to teams and individuals.

And Magowan, from Peebles in the Scottish Borders, insists the cash prize will help propel him towards a career as an international rider.

“My coach has recommended that I do more road cycling and road racing to build up my strength and endurance for cross-country mountain biking,” said Magowan.

“I have also been selected to ride in a major event with Scottish Cycling, however I currently only have an old third-hand road bike to train with which is too small for me.

“With this donation from the Mars Refuel Drink Fund I can now afford a new road bike. This will be a great boost to me as it means I can train to a level which will help me compete effectively at British national level in mountain biking and cycle longer.”

The fund, which runs until September 30 2011, has £5,000 to donate each month. Applications can be made online at www.marsrefuel.com