Newport-based recruitment and training agency Acorn is sponsoring an employee who will be taking part in the World Cycle Speedway Championships.

Nick Evans, an engineering recruitment consultant based at the company’s Newport head office at Celtic Springs, is set to compete in the World Cycle Speedway Championships across the UK, including in Birmingham, Exeter and Poole until August 9. The sport is completely self-funded and Acorn’s sponsorship will help Nick by covering his expenses, including his travel arrangements.

Nick said: “I’m privileged to work for such a supportive employer. The sponsorship deal I have been offered is second to none and has really benefited my sporting career - I am very grateful to have their backing.”

Cycle speedway is an intense form of sprint bicycle racing on short oval dirt tracks. Like motorcycle speedway, riders use machines without breaks or multiple gears. Six countries are taking part in the event, including Wales, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and Poland.

Nick, who is from Newport, has participated in the sport for more than 15 years and is the current manager and committee member of Newport Cycle Speedway Club. He is representing Wales in the World Team Cup and will also take part in a number of test series including World Best Pairs and World Individual Championships. In addition to this, Nick will also be part of Team Great Britain in a three match Ashes Test series against Australia.

Nick said: “The last six months have been incredibly important to me, as I have had to find the correct work and life balance. In preparation for the championships I have been training five times a week and I have been very fortunate to have had access to some of the best training coaches in the world.

“I have total belief that the Wales Team is more than capable of being crowned World Champions this year. There is a huge hunger flowing through the camp at present and everyone is working extremely hard. The spirits in the Team GB camp are also at an all-time high and I am truly honoured to be part of this squad of riders to take on the Australians in the first ever Ashes Test Series to be held on British shale.”

Scott Liddle, Acorn’s director of technical operations, said: “We are thrilled and proud to be able to support Nick in his efforts to be crowned a World Champion. Here at Acorn, we have always believed strongly in supporting our employees and this has always been a priority for us. We wish Nick good luck in the forthcoming Championships and we are looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”

The World Team Cup and World Individual Finals will be broadcast on Sky Sports Unlimited after the live events have taken place.