Evie Richards hopes that she can inspire the next generation to take up mountain biking after her week of success at the World Championships.
The 26-year-old from Worcestershire took the bronze medal in the elite women’s short track final on Thursday evening before finishing sixth behind France’s Pauline Ferrand-Prévot in the Olympic cross-country race.
Ferrand-Prévot won gold in both events continuing her dominance in female mountain biking.
Speaking to the media after finishing in the top ten in Glentress on Saturday, Richards said that she hoped her success along with that of Tom Pidcock and Charlie Alridge could spark further interest in the discipline from younger up and coming riders.
She also explained that her medal winning performance earlier this week had taken its toll on a wet and wild afternoon in Glentress forest.
“I was tired to start,” Richards said. “I just tried to hang on for dear life after getting a good start. I pushed as hard as I could and couldn’t stay with that medal – but I gave it all that I could. I think I was still tired from the short track, to be honest.
“It was amazing. I just felt I was really happy that I could push, that I was competitive, I wasn’t off the back – and the crowds were amazing. I feel really lucky that I got to race in front of them today."
Despite missing out on the cross-country podium, Richards said there were plenty of positives to take from her performances in Scotland and those of the other British mountain bikers competing.
Tom Pidcock came third in the men’s short track final to grab another bronze medal for Great Britain to match Richards. Charlie Aldridge was also crowned under 23 cross-country world champion on Friday.
“It’s been an amazing week,” she said. I feel so lucky. When I was washing up in the kitchen, even, I was thinking it was so nice to race in the UK.
“I’m just so happy that all my friends and family are here. With the medals for Charlie, me and Tom, I really hope we can inspire the next generation.
“Because it would be great if we can keep this course and get more riders coming up in the UK. It’s really great having it here.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
'We were talking about going to the Giro d'Italia': Jonas Vingegaard postpones Giro-Tour attempt - for nowThe Danish two-time winner of the Tour de France is seeking to regain the yellow jersey in 2025
-
Why are so many women cycling in the gym, but not outside?Gender imbalance persists in outdoor cycling, but inside, it is a different story. Isobel Duxfield explores why
-
Tom Pidcock opens up on departure from Ineos Grenadiers: 'Things weren't going how I imagined it'The former winner of Strade Bianche and Amstel Gold is targeting a Grand Tour podium with his new team
-
Tom Pidcock expected to make Q36.5 debut at AlUla TourBritish star likely to begin career with new team at stage race in Saudi Arabia
-
Tom Pidcock's coach leaves Ineos Grenadiers, likely to join Q36.5 Pro CyclingKurt Bogaerts confirmed to have left Ineos Grenadiers and is expected to imminently follow Pidcock to Swiss team along with soigneur
-
Tom Pidcock to miss cyclocross season to build for road with new Q36.5 teamFormer world champ says he won’t race his CX bike this winter, Wout van Aert will ride six races
-
Tom Pidcock signs for Q36.5 Pro Cycling after Ineos Grenadiers departureOlympic MTB champion hails 'start of something special' in three-year deal
-
Wout van Aert’s cyclo-cross campaign still up in the airBelgian said to be struggling to run after serious knee injury sustained at the Vuelta a España
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tensionSpeaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since JuneAnnouncement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
