ROSALIE Newcombe is aiming to become Mid Wales’ latest downhill mountain bike star.

The Bishops Castle rider has targeted emulating Machynlleth’s Rachel Atherton and Llanfyllin’s Tahnee Seagrave, both stars of the world downhill series, having taken up the sport 18 months ago and progressed from beginners routes to full competition.

Newcombe, who works at Newtown’s Greenhous Ford dealership, said: “Some of the distance runs are between 40 and 60km through woodland or other natural terrain.

“There are not a lot of women taking part in mountain bike racing and I hope to see more take up the sport.

“It is a great sport and challenging as well as exhilarating.”

Injury prevented Newcombe from competing in the Welsh Enduro Series so far this season but remained undeterred and targeted a podium place by 2019.

Newcombe also hopes to enter downhill competition.

“Downhill racing is more extreme, travelling as fast as you can over rocks, tree roots, gravel, mud and other surfaces. It is much steeper than most enduro tracks.

“I would like to do well and encourage other women to take up the sport I love. I am determined to win a trophy. Every time I go out the ground conditions can be different due to the weather and that tests your skills each time you ride.

“The bike you ride is important and so for beginners it is good to try out a few different ones before committing to the expense of buying one to make sure what you buy is the right bike for you.

“Lighter, stronger more durable bikes are very expensive. I ride a Trek Remedy at the moment, but I’m sure when funds allow I shall be upgrading to the next level of bike.”