The first ever British Bike Championship series for toddlers will take place this year.
Balance bike supplier Strider has organised the events due to the "growth of interest in balance bike riding and racing in the UK last year".
It has worked with "world class" BMX and cycling venues across the UK.
The 2013 Strider British Balance Bike Championships will have five major qualifying events that will commence in London on Sunday, May 5th at the Merton BMX track.
The championships will then visit Gosport (June 16th), Gravesend (July 21st), Birmingham (August 21st) and finish in Manchester at the home of British Cycling (September 22nd).
At each qualifying event, finalists will win the chance to enter the invitation-only finals, also held in Manchester in September. There, they will ride for the chance to be crowned the 2013 British Champion and represent Great Britain at the Strider World Championships in Florida.
“The Strider British Balance Bike Championships are a great opportunity for riders younger than ever before to get on two wheels and experience riding at some of the UK’s biggest and best venues,” said Sam Foakes, manager and head coach at the National Cycling Centre BMX track.
“Not only will this help build confidence and coordination but will also inspire a generation of children to get on a bike and have a go.”
Alison Oliver, Managing Director of the Youth Sport Trust, which is in support of the championships, added: “We believe that young people should be introduced to an active lifestyle from a young age which is why it is encouraging to see the work of the Strider British Balance Bike Championships.”
Melanie Thomas, organiser of the Strider British Balance Bike Championships, commented: “Not only are we growing the number and capacity for the Strider balance bike races this year, but the new format of the series has meant that the riders who ride in qualifying events and do well, will also ride in the finals and get the chance to win the UK’s first ever co-ordinated balance bike series.”
