CYCLE speedway star Zac Payne has enjoyed a year of unprecedented success, but is still stunned to find himself among the finalists at this year’s Oxfordshire Sports Awards, writes Matthew Bruce.

The 20-year-old, from Chalgrove, became national champion in September and also represented Great Britain in the World Championships.

But to find himself shortlisted for the Sportsman of the Year award alongside Yorkshire and England Lions cricketer Jack Brooks, as well as MotoGP star Bradley Smith still came as a big surprise.

Payne said: “When my dad showed me the email I was just in shock – I couldn’t believe it.

“I’m a bit nervous to be up against these professional athletes, because what I do is only on an amateur level.

“But I’m really excited.”

The financial rewards may not be as great in cycle speedway as in professional cricket and motorsport, but Payne is no less dedicated to his chosen sport.

As well as his regular work in a furniture warehouse, Payne trains three evenings a week with his Horspath Hammers teammates, coaches the club’s younger age groups and puts in additional fitness work.

And after storming to the British Riders Championship title in September, Payne feels the benefits of the extra work are evident.

“Last year I wasn’t really training as hard as I could have done,” he said.

“At the start of this year I really got my head down and that was when I really started to achieve what I think I’d always been capable of."

“I’ve had a lot of help from the other riders at the club with training and they’ve always given me lots of advice, but there’s a lot of hard work.”

Payne has already started to turn his attention to retaining the title next year and is also planning ahead to the 2017 World Championships in Australia.

But if it is his name being called out at the awards presentation at Oxford's Kassam Stadium on November 27, Payne admitted it would be an emotional moment.

He said: “It would mean a lot to me – my dad as well.

“I know how much effort he puts in for me.”