Leading cyclists believe that the surge in the number of pump rails open to Scotland's borders could help generate the next generation of superstars.

Former Scottish mountain bike champion Kerry Macphee and rising star Ben Allan recently spun a spin on the track that opened in Stow.

Both have confidence that the facilities are increasing are helping to drive the sport - both on the border and across Scotland.

Ben, one of the biggest hopes for cycling off-road in the UK, said: “I grew up near Peebles, grew up on the pump tracks at my doorstep and taught me everything I needed and learned with basic skills.”

The pump rails are designed to create a safe, fun and inclusive area for BMX bikes, scooters, skateboards and roller skates, etc.

Their design combines rolling jumps with turns and teaches the basic skills of carrying power, balance and speed.

Over the past few decades, the border has created a series of road and off-road cycling champions.

While the likes of Ruridh Cunningham, Isla Short and Reece Wilson shine on mountain bike courses, the likes of Oscar Onley and Callum Thornley are regular challengers for some of the world's largest road races.

Continue to invest in pump rails, as well as upgraded mountain bike facilities in the Tweed Valley and Newcastleton – encouraging more young people to get into the two wheels than ever before.

Ben, who is about to start his first international season in the 23rds, said: “Even in a small village like Stowe, you can see that the appetite there is cycling.

“Pump rails are an accelerated form of bicycle skills – you really learn something.”

Now almost every town on the Scottish border has its own pump rails, with three in Gideburg, Walkerburn and Stowe over the past year.

EDF Renewable Energy Community Liaison Officer Kerry MacPhee participated in the 2014 Federal Games for Mountain Biking.

She said: “I often see all the community benefits of EDF renewable development, but this is especially special to me.

“I was told that the children would never leave it because the pump rail was opened.

“The pump tracks are fun – as they get older, this fun will lead them to take cycling more seriously.”

Stow's track funding comes from the Scottish Borders Council, as well as Sports Cortland, Scottish Bike, EDF Renewables, SSE Renewables and the National Lottery.

Jo McBeath from the Stow Pump Track fundraising group said: “Roads are not always safe for children to ride, so we think it is crucial to have such a facility in the village.

“Since opening, we have kids from all over the valley riding pump tracks.”