MOUNTAIN bike star Beth Crumpton is used to tackling tough terrain but as she gears up for the World Championships in Austria, she’s looking for sponsors boost her efforts.

The 17-year-old will take on the best young riders from across the globe in September in the under-18s category, aiming to improve on her first appearance last year with a top-five finish.

To make sure she is at her peak for the tournament, the former Redditch Road and Path Club rider wants to take part in the sixth round of the MTB World Cup in Val d’Isère, France next month.

There she will sharpen her skills in one of the continent’s major cycling hot-beds, but to make it Crumpton is looking for sponsors to help raise £500 to pay for her travel.

With British Cycling concentrating its efforts on the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, GB is not sending a team but Crumpton is making her own way to France determined to continue her preparations.

“The standard in France is very strong, it’s a hot bed of cycling and that’s why they have dominated events and tournaments over the years,” said Crumpton.

“I want to improve on my first appearance in the World Cup and coming up against really strong opponents will only help me get better.”

Crumpton is a rising star of mountain-biking and was crowned national junior cross country champion in 2011.

She is a member of Great Britain’s development squad, Halesowen Athletics and Cycling Club and also races for the all-women Scott Contessa Epic team.

She has already been showing what she’s capable in three rounds of the World Cup.

She came 16th in Belgium, ninth in the Czech Republic, despite having her bike stolen, and 15th in France.

Anyone who wishes to contact Crumpton to sponsor her or to find out more information can e-mail bethc_cyclemad@hotmail.com