MALVERN’S Evie Richards produced a superb display in the Union Cycliste Internationale Mountain Bike World Championships junior women’s cross-country race.

The 17-year-old pupil at The Chase School finished sixth in Hafjell, Norway, in a career-best ride as her Great Britain under 18s team secured second overall.

Richards was wearing a GB shirt for the first time on her carbon Giant 650b, supplied by Back On Track Cycles of Malvern.

“I’m never really aware of what position I’m in so I was really pleased when I found out,” said the delighted teenager.

“But I think I got too excited and kept falling off after that because I was so excited I was in sixth place.

“It’s been such an amazing experience, learning off of all the other people about different race situations and how to prepare for it.”

Richards started well from 36th on the grid and tore though the field, tackling the brutal climbs at speed.

She made it to sixth at the first intermediate split, 21 seconds behind early leader, Denmark’s Malene Degn, with GB champion Isla Short in eighth.

At the end of the first lap, Richards and Short moved up to fifth and seventh with teammate Ffion James in 19th.

Short briefly led but, at the halfway point of the four-lap race, slipped back to seventh with Richards fifth.

Early in lap three, a crash for Short saw her lose more than a minute to Richards, who began the final lap one minute and 55 seconds behind a two-way fight for the title.

Switzerland’s Nicole Koller took the world crown with Degn second and Sina Frei third.

Three minutes later, Richards came through for sixth followed by Short in seventh and James in 13th.

Richards put her success down to support and encouragement from coaches, sponsors and family and friends at Malvern Cycle Sport.

She added: “I am so lucky to have travelled to Norway. The country was so beautiful and the result a real bonus. It was an experience I will never forget.”

Richards’ next goal is possible selection for the British Cycling Olympic Development Programme trials in Derbyshire next month.

The Birchwood Bash, a mountain bike coaching weekend for youth and junior riders organised by Malvern Cycle Sport, will be tomorrow in Birchwood Road, Storridge.

The coaches will include top Malvern riders Tracy Moseley and Liam Killeen.

Cost is £10 for the day with the sign-on for a 10am start.

On Sunday, there will be races for all abilities including children, youth, juniors and adults For more, visit the British Cycling web page or call Ian on 01684-563273.