KINGSWINFORD cyclo-cross champion Hannah Payton is bidding to compete against the best this season by moving to Belgium.

The 20 year old care worker from Barnett Lane, who is the reigning National Trophy Series title holder, is prepared to put a proposed university course on hold to pursue her dream by competing against the world's top professionals.

She claimed: "I never thought this moment would happen and I'm quite nervous about it - but if I don't do it now, I never will!

Hannah, who has been supported in her venture by Stourbridge funeral directors H Porter and Sons, will be sharing a house with two American riders, one Swiss and a Belgium. She added: "Belgium is where all the top professional riders are based and I will be competing against them on a regular basis. I have never met any of the other girls, but I guess we'll get to know each other and train together.

"I have a new coach in Jacob Tipper, but my Dad Kevin Payton, who is chairman of Stourbridge Cycling Club, will continue to help, but Jacob will decide my programmes and schedule".

Hannah has represented Great Britain on several occasions, but is still some way behind top professionals Helen Whyman, Nikki Harris and Gabby Durrin. Hannah hopes her switch to Belgium will help bridge the gap.

It means she won't be able to defend her National Trophy Series crown and she admitted: "It's a shame I won't be here to defend the title, but I've done that now and it's crossed off the list. It was my breakthrough, winning that title because it got me selected for the World Championships. Competing in that is my biggest achievement to date".

Hannah plans a return to England to compete in both the National Championships and a World Cup series race which is scheduled for Milton Keynes.

She added: "My goal is to represent Great Britain at Milton Keynes, where I know I will get plenty of support".

Hannah got her season off to a flying start by competing in China for Great Britain where she finished seventh.