A CUSTOM motorbike builder from Swindon has ridden away victorious after clinching the top spot at a Las Vegas competition.

Pete Pearson, of Rocket Bobs Cycle Works, in South Marston, was delighted to have been invited to the prestigious Artistry In Iron contest and was blown away at taking first place.

Artistry in Iron is a master builder’s championship - an invitation-only competition that includes 20 award-winning builders who have shaped the industry and are establishing the latest trends in custom bikes and engineering.

Rocket Bobs was the first British bike building outfit to have been invited to take part in the 13-year history of the event.

Pete said: “The event took place two weeks ago and I am excited to say that we won.

“To be the first UK company to be invited was in itself an honour, so to actually come away with the top prize with a Triumph-based build was a humbling experience.

“This show is one of the top of the custom world.”

His winning bike, named the ‘Speed Weevil’, is a salt flat racer and features a number of unique design points.

Pete hopes to make the trip back across the pond next year to run the bike at Bonneville Salt Flats in an attempt to break the speed record in its group.

The Artistry In Iron contest was part of the Las Vegas Bikefest and for Pete it was a welcome return to the city where he and his wife Lisa were married.

Pete, who is originally from Oxford, has more than 30 years’ experience in motorbike building.

He grew up surfing in Cornwall and got the engineering bug from working in his father’s garage on everything from lawnmowers to race cars.

After studying for a design and engineering degree, he began a love affair with Harley-Davidsons which eventually led him to launch Rocket Bob’s Cycle Works with Lisa in 2009.

Pete's machine attracted the praise of many seasoned American builders, the award itself being peer-judged, adding to its kudos.