A STUDENT is on track to be named the fastest fast food courier in the country.

Colchester Institute student Jan Jungwirth has booked his place in the final of the Deliveroo Rider Races - a national championship for cyclists working for the takeaway company.

Jan, 26, of Stanway, flew through his heat at the Herne Hill Velodrome in South London finishing in first place. The velodrome is one of the oldest in the world and hosted cycling at the 1948 Olympics.

Jan was the quickest in his field and sped around the 450 metre circuit in 35.01 seconds.

The experienced cyclist competed in the Full Gas Winter Track League at Lee Valley Velodrome last year which helped him post the winning time.

He and two other competitors have now qualified for the finals at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in September.

Jan hopes his diploma in vehicle mechanics at the institute will help him secure his dream job restoring classic race bikes and cars.

He said: “I’m really pleased about making it into the final. All I knew was that I was going to give it everything and that the results were going to be what they were going to be.

“I knew there was going to be a lot of competition because the other riders were going to be in quite good shape.

“It was great to be around people that do the same kind of thing as you because everyone’s got different backgrounds, different lengths of times they’ve been riding, and different reasons for doing it.”

Deliveroo chief operating officer Rohan Pradhan said: “We’re thrilled Rider Races has returned for a second year, this time bigger and better.

“It’s a brilliant way to celebrate the talented individuals who make it possible to deliver great food to people right across the country.

“Our riders are already the champions of our community, but these races give them a chance to show who’s a champion on the track too.

“I want to say a big thank you to all the riders who came down and took part. I can’t wait to see if Jan can go on to be crowned the fastest rider in all of the UK.”