THE Red Bull Foxhunt took place in the hills of Machynlleth last weekend when recently crowned world champion Rachel Atherton took on 200 mountain bikers over two days.

The riders took on a purpose built, 2km technical course over open grassland, woodland berms and technical rock sections in a bid to out ride Llanrhaeadr based Atherton.

Atherton beat 40 riders but Kate Wakely rode to glory in 2:59.75

Five time world champion Atherton said “The atmosphere was so cool. Everyone has the best run and I was coming down and all the girls were riding so well.

“They rode the best they’ve ridden all weekend. The atmosphere at the finish was 100 per cent stoke.

“It’s been a perfect weekend with the sun and the track is perfect with loads of line choice. Everyone has really pushed themselves and had massive smiles on their faces.”

Atherton, who is now the most decorated downhill mountain biker of all time, is involved in Red Bull Foxhunt as her way of supporting the sport at a grassroots level with the aim to encourage more females to ride bikes and get involved in racing at both entry level and on the racing circuit.