Jacob Roulstone
Local champion races towards his MotoGP dream
Jacob Roulstone is taking the motorcycling world by storm.
The sixteen-year-old from Jamberoo, NSW has become the first Australian in his class to win the FIM CEV European Talent Cup at the international championships, held in Portugal this year. As well as finishing the season in Valencia with two races and two podiums – 2nd and 3rd, which placed him 9th overall in the championship from an entry of over 60 riders.
A recipient of the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program, Jacob is one of many aspiring young athletes who have received a grant to support their participation in a sporting championship.
‘It was amazing for me to start off the 2021 season with the win,’ said Jacob.
‘My ultimate goal is to compete at the MotoGP level. This is the equivalent of competing at the Olympic Games – the highest level in the sport,’ he said. ‘The FIM CEV championship provides a pathway for juniors to achieve this. All the highest-level juniors from around the world come to Spain to compete.
‘My family have spent countless hours travelling Australia and Asia for me to compete. In 2020, my mum and I moved to Spain so I could live, train and compete in the championship with my team,’ noted Jacob.
‘Due to the pandemic, we did not see family and friends until Christmas. Mum and I have done the same thing again this year.
This move overseas, along with my training, shows the commitment I have to my sport - this is where I need to be,’ he said.
The LSC program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 18 years, who participate in state, national or international championships. Successful applicants receive between $500 and $750 toward the cost of attending their championships.
‘Every bit helps these young athletes in their quest, and we are greatly appreciative,’ said Jacob’s mother Leah.
‘We are pleased for Jacob and his team; they all work so extremely hard.’
For more information on the LSC program visit sportaus.gov.au/lsc
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