WHITTLESEY: Brothers ready to take on the best of Europe in Denmark next month

Story by: TOM JACKSON

BROTHERS Jonathan and Nathan Hastings are heading to Denmark to take on the best BMX racers across Europe - just weeks after one of them suffered a career-threatening crash.

Fifteen-year-old Jonathan suffered a horrific crash in the BMX National Race Series last month, which left him unconscious with a dislocated shoulder, broken collarbone, separated shoulder and ligament damage.

The crash cost him the chance to train with the British Cycling National Talent Team in Belgium earlier this month.

But he almost instantly got back in the saddle - and trained at the gym - and now both brothers are ready for action at the European Championships.

The Whittlesey boys' dad Simon said: "Jonathan has come through and we are now on target for Denmark in a few weeks - and we are looking forward to it."

After his crash 15-year-old Jonathan still trained at the Manor Leisure Centre, complete with his arm in a cast.

Mr Hastings said: "The Manor said that, if he was to come back, he needed a doctor's certificate. But he had specialist laser treatment, went back to the centre, told them he didn't need the cast any more and just started training."

Jonathan has is sights on representing Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics and is hoping to secure his place on the Olympic Development Programme in October.

Eleven-year-old Nathan started racing aged four and is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for his age group. He is aiming to go one step better than in 2007, when he just missed out on making the world finals.

The brothers have been helped financially by the town's branch of the Round Table, the Whittlesey Charity and Peterborough City Council.

Mr Hastings said: "Without their help the duo would not have been able to fulfil their dreams and would like to express their thanks to these organisations."

Both boys were also British Champions in 2007 and have represented Great Britain in events across the world.