Over 150 downhill riders took to the hills near Machynlleth this afternoon to take on an all-female race featuring five-time world champion Rachel Atherton.

The Red Bull Foxhunt was won by Katie Wakeley, who was first down the course with a time of 02:59.75.

The event took place over two days, with course practice and timed qualification runs taking place on Saturday, September 29, followed by the main event race on Sunday, September 30.

The unique event sees the 'fox', five times world champion Rachel Atherton, chasing the 'hounds', a field of riders from across the country.

The hounds were released with a head start shortly followed by Atherton, who was challenged to overtake as many riders as possible.

Riders had to race over open grassland, woodland berms and technical rock sections before the sprint to the finish field.

A total of 165 riders made it down the course with Rachel Atherton managing to catch 39 riders and finished in 40th place.

Speaking after the event, Atherton said it had been a "perfect weekend".

"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," she said.

"We would all go and do it again immediately if we could. Loads of people have stepped up and raised their comfort level so yeah, I’m really proud of everyone.

"It’s been a perfect weekend with the sun and the track is perfect with loads of line choice up there. Everyone has really pushed themselves and has 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. The event’s aim is to encourage more females to ride bikes and ultimately get involved in racing at both entry level and on the racing circuit. Now in its fifth year, Red Bull Foxhunt provides first time experiences of racing for women of all ages and skill levels showing that females can start to race mountain bikes at any age.