Bicycle motocross (BMX) star Maliek Byndloss was crowned Jamaica's first national champion among elite riders at the inaugural Jamaica BMX National Championship held on Saturday.

The 20-year old athlete was in top form as he sped around the Eden Park BMX Track in Oracabessa, St Mary.

He was trailed by runner-up Sanchez Hubbard and third-place Garnet Lopez - both local riders. The elite race saw eight riders competing for the national title.

"It was a good day," said Byndloss. "It was fun seeing all the children coming out to ride. They love this sport." The newly dubbed Jamaican national champion, who has been riding since he was six years old, will be representing Jamaica in the upcoming 17th Pan American Games set for Toronto, Canada, this weekend.

Finishing his 2013 season as the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) No. 6 ranked junior rider in the world, Byndloss - whose parents are Jamaican - switched his riding allegiance from the United States to Jamaica.

The Pan Am Games will be his first competition representing the country.

"I am planning to do my best at Pan Am," said the humble youngster. "I have been training every day."

National Championship titles were awarded to the following: Garnet Lopez Jr (7 years old); Andrew Headley (10 years old); Tyrese Duncan (11 years old); Tristan Morrison (12 years old); Tyrese Matthews (13 years old); O'Neil Johnson (14 years old); the only female champion, Shelly-Ann Peccoo (14 years old); Nikaldo Campbell (15 years old); Zeus Panther (16 years old); and Travis Tyrell (18 years old).

A Respect Jamaica 'Fair Play' award was also given to Jaheim Richardson for his outstanding display of sportsmanship throughout the competition.