A CHAMPION motocross rider from High Wycombe is appealing for sponsorship so she can take part in next year's world championships.

Sophia Paull, 20, needs to raise a total of 3,500 Euros to compete in the seven-stage SIM World Championship, which begins in April.

Entry fees have been introduced this year as part of television coverage of the event.

It has been televised before – but this is the first time entrants will be charged to take part.

The three-times British schoolgirl motocross champion said: “We've tried to get everyone together saying we can't afford to ride because it costs so much, but they said they would just scrap the championship.

“It's quite bizarre but that's the way it is. Now we're just looking to beg anyone we can for any money.

“There's no way I could take part otherwise. I could maybe enter a couple of the closer ones but it's not really worth it as you don't get an end result or a ranking.”

The world championship is set be screened on 15 TV channels, including Eurosport and the Extreme Sport Channel.

Rounds are taking place in Bulgaria, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Holland and USA.

Sophia, from Mill End Road, has entered the competition for the last three years, as it has been free to enter until now.

After five rounds last year she finished 24th in the world.

She said she was disappointed with her final ranking and is aiming for greater success this year if she manages to enter.

And she is hoping for greater luck than in her first entry into the contest in 2005 – when she broke her collarbone while racing in Sweden.

“We drove all the way there to do two laps,” she said.

Sophia has been interested in motocross riding for 17 years. She said: “My dad used to do it. Ever since I was born I have been on a bike.”

This winter she is heading to Spain to train – where she will also be spending time teaching English.

To sponsor Sophia, call her on 07845 528523 or email rmz_23@hotmail.com.