THE "final push" for a childhood dream come true begins next month for a Rhyl plumbing and heating engineer.

Matthew Sion Jones, 28, is set to represent North Wales for the first time within the team Dragon Racing at the British Superbike (BSB) championship support series the Ducati Trioption Cup.

From the first round at Donington on Friday, August 7, Matthew and his Colwyn Bay based team - which includes childhood sweetheart and wife Jen Jones - will travel the UK for the competition.

Rhyl Journal:

Matthew Sion Jones will compete across the UK in the Ducati Trioption Cup. Picture: Jen Jones

Jen said: "Matt has always wanted to be a racer, his dad John raced before him with the Wirral 100 race club in Anglesey, then his brother David, and now he does. He always looked up to his dad and brother racing which inspired him to compete."

Rhyl Journal:

Dad John tunes up Matthew's ride. Picture: Jen Jones

The Ducati Cup, originally known as the 848 challenge, began in 2010 as a club championship before joining BSB as a support race a year later.

The competition has become a stepping stone for riders looking to move up the racing ladder and compete in higher classes.

Jen added:"This is the biggest competition and most competitive competition he has entered since his career started."

Matthew said: "I am so excited for the 2020 Race season to start onboard my Ducati 959.

Rhyl Journal:

Matthew has been training out of the saddle too, with three workout sessions a week at the Marine Lake: Picture: Keenan Acton

"We have had a positive pre-season testing and I have been working hard with Keenan Acton, from Act-On Fitness in Rhyl , on my fitness and endurance ready to race.

"Now is the final push before the first round at Donington at the beginning of August and I am feeling great.