WILL Jeffery used his nomination as motivation to achieve Ashes victory, writes JAMES ROBERTS.

The cycle speedway rider learned he was short-listed midway through Team GB’s tour of Australia in November, where he was competing for the junior men’s side.

Jeffery and partner Devon Campbell posted the maximum score in the final match of the series and the Garsington resident revealed the sports awards recognition played a part.

He said: “I was a bit gobsmacked to be nominated – it spurred me on and made me want to be even more successful.

“It would be a massive honour to win.

“At the start of the year, I was not sure whether I would be selected for Great Britain, so I had to knuckle down and change that.”

The Wheatley Park School student enjoyed a golden year on both the domestic and international scene.

Jeffery competed in November’s World Championships in Adelaide, helping his country beat Australia and Poland in the Federation Cup.

He also led Horspath Hammers to Gold Cup victory and second place in the British League play-offs.

This creates a situation where the teenager competes against riders at club level but races with them for Britain.

However, Jeffery believes this dynamic has helped him make 2017 a memorable year.

He said: “Club and country are two completely different things.

“For club, it’s the people you’re racing with week-in, week-out, so there’s a strong bond there.

“For country, I know the lads through competitions and training.

“We’re all similar ages, so it’s more laid back.”