EVIE Richards made her mark on the international stage as she claimed the silver medal at the cross-country UCI Mountain Bike World Cup of 2017 in Czech Republic.

It was the first time Richards had landed a place on the podium in an international mountain bike race and overcame a crash to finish in the top two.

Richards pushed on through the back end of the start loop in first place, together with American rider Kate Courtney and the pair got a good gap on the chasing field.

A collision for the Great Britain Cycling Team rider on the rock garden gave Courtney the gap on the first main lap. But Richards regained her rhythm and crossed the line in second place.

“I am really happy with my race performance,” she said.

“My goal was not to attack at all costs as I needed to bank a top five result. I felt very strong and my lap times were sound.

“To secure a silver medal in front of my family means a great deal to me.’ Malvern Cycle Sport (MCS) riders were also out in force at the Midlands mountain bike cross country series.

Ryan Milne took first place in the veterans, which featured Greg Fitzpatrick. There was also some good racing from Jayden Randell in the youth category.

Competing in the u12 categories were William Moseley, Jack Bristow, Elliot Roberts, Tom Bristow, Lochie Roberts, Lucas Kent, Harriet Dale and Pippa Dale. Both Harriet and Pippa gained a podium place with the latter awarded female under eight regional champion.

Also riding for MCS was Tom and Daisy Williams in their first Go Ride race at Tewkesbury.

Tom came away with two golds.