A MOUNTAIN-biker who trains near Oswestry has claimed a mammoth 39th world cup victory.

Rachel Attherton, who trains in Llangynog, took the gold medal at the UCI MTB World Cup in Vallnord, Andorra on Saturday.

Crossing the line in a time of five minutes, the 32-year-old claimed yet another world cup victory.

To add to the success, she broke the record for the highest number of podium finishes by a female racer, as she placed for the 74th time in her career.

After defending her title, Atherton looked back on her race and noted how difficult the track was.

“It’s a super hard track and everyone was struggling and was going super fast,” she told the BBC.

“I knew it was going to be on the limit – I was really riding on the edge right at the bottom.

“I was really tired and I can’t actually believe that I stayed on.

“It was pretty mad really.”

The win means Atherton moves up to second in the world rankings.

Second place on the day was taken by French rider Marine Cabirou who finished almost three seconds behind Atherton.

Third place was taken by Australian rider Hannah Tracey who remains at the top of the world rankings.

The Wales-based biker is set to return to action on the weekend with another world cup event in France.