Fourteen-year-old Bradley Linfield of Bunbury has had his potential recognised by Fitzroy Cycles – in the form of a $4,500 racing bicycle.

The junior athlete is a member of the West Australian Junior Elite Talent Squad and averages about 350km per week, with training on five or more days.

The owner of Fitzroy Cycles, John Starr says he noted copious talent and considerable potential in Linfield.

“We like to develop aptitude in the South West area,” Starr says.

“And Bradley is obviously a very talented young man. We help out when we can.”

And only weeks before receiving his new carbon fibre asset, Linfield took part in a national under 16 time trial in Zimbabwe – and brought home the gold.

Linfield had been visiting family, including his father who used to ride for Zimbabwe, when he decided to try his luck in the race.

“I didn’t think I stood a chance,” Linfield said.

“I’m usually more of an endurance rider, and this was only about 15km.”

Linfield has been involved in sports since he began competing in triathlons – at the ripe age of three and a half.

“He used to go faster than I did,” Linfield’s mother, Christine Gordon says.

“We would go riding together and I would get left behind!”

Linfield says he found his swimming and running abilities were similar to those of the other kids – but it was the cycling section that would see him take the lead.