An aspiring paramedic has been deemed the fastest Deliveroo rider in the South East.

Aleksander Genov, 29, from Watford, is currently studying for his SATs in hopes to secure a place at a US college. He began working with Deliveroo in February because of the flexibility of work hours.

Months later, he was crowned the fastest Deliveroo cyclist after coming first in the food delivery company's Riders Race track cycling competition at Preston Park Velodrome in Brighton.

Mr Genov, who has years of experience completing triathlons in Bulgaria 10 years ago, will be competing at the grand final at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in September in hopes to become the fastest Deliveroo rider in the country.

Watford Observer:

(Aleksander Genov receives his award)

He said: “I want to train to become a paramedic in the United States, so I’m currently studying for SATs to get a place at a US college.

“It’s been really great working for Deliveroo as it has given me the freedom to work or to study whenever I feel like it.

“It was a really fun day and as underdog with no competitive experience it feels great to be crowned the fastest.

“I have to admit it was a bit of a surprise to come first, I thought I would maybe finish somewhere in the top four but had no idea that I would win.”

Mr Genov continued: “I was never a natural at sports like football and volleyball but the moment I learned to ride a bicycle, I fell in love and it has been the same ever since.

Watford Observer:

(Matthew Shorney, Aleksander Genov, and Henry Ahlemeyer - the three winners)

“Since I really enjoy cycling and I’ve been doing it quite actively for the last 20 years that makes my job feel more like a fun experience.

“I’ve always had a thing about track cycling and wanted to see if I had a talent for this sport, so winning this race has given me the motivation to train and see how well I can do at the Olympic Velodrome in September.

“It would be amazing if I could win and become the fastest Deliveroo rider in the whole UK.”

Second and third place contenders Henry Ahlemeyer and Matthew Shorney will also be representing the South East in the final.

Deliveroo's managing director for UK and Ireland said: "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 can’t wait to see if Aleksander can go on to be crowned the fastest rider in all of the UK."