All downhill for young SW riders

This year's WA State Downhill Championships will have a heavy South West representation, with 15 riders from the South West Mountain Bike Club Junior Development Program to compete.

Held at the Goat Farm Mountain Bike Park in Perth this weekend, the championship attracts riders from across the State to compete in one of the toughest sports on two wheels.

One of the favourites from the region is 17-year-old Jake Marshall, who undefeated this year despite being a relative newcomer to the sport.

Jake has won every State round for his age group and is in the top four for the elite men's division in WA.

At the last State round, which was held locally at the Wellington Mills Down Hill Park, Dardanup, Jake finished first in the under-19 age group and second overall.

"Hopefully I win or get into the top-five in the State championships," Jake said.

"I am flat out training at the moment."

Jake said the sport of downhill mountain bike riding was getting bigger in the region.

"I think there is a different community in the sport," he said.

"When people come along and try it, they love it from the start.

"That's what got me into it."

Jake has big goals in the sport, admitting he wants to go as far as he can.

"Eventually I want to be one of the world's best," he said.