Evie Richards looks to inspire next generation after World Championships mountain bike success
26-year-old grabbed bronze in the elite-women’s short track final before sixth placed finish in the Olympic cross-country race
![Evie Richards](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NjsKurvp4HNxnQ2YV23mgW-415-80.jpg)
Evie Richards hopes that she can inspire the next generation to take up mountain biking after her week of success at the World Championships.
The 26-year-old from Worcestershire took the bronze medal in the elite women’s short track final on Thursday evening before finishing sixth behind France’s Pauline Ferrand-Prévot in the Olympic cross-country race.
Ferrand-Prévot won gold in both events continuing her dominance in female mountain biking.
Speaking to the media after finishing in the top ten in Glentress on Saturday, Richards said that she hoped her success along with that of Tom Pidcock and Charlie Alridge could spark further interest in the discipline from younger up and coming riders.
She also explained that her medal winning performance earlier this week had taken its toll on a wet and wild afternoon in Glentress forest.
“I was tired to start,” Richards said. “I just tried to hang on for dear life after getting a good start. I pushed as hard as I could and couldn’t stay with that medal – but I gave it all that I could. I think I was still tired from the short track, to be honest.
“It was amazing. I just felt I was really happy that I could push, that I was competitive, I wasn’t off the back – and the crowds were amazing. I feel really lucky that I got to race in front of them today."
Despite missing out on the cross-country podium, Richards said there were plenty of positives to take from her performances in Scotland and those of the other British mountain bikers competing.
Tom Pidcock came third in the men’s short track final to grab another bronze medal for Great Britain to match Richards. Charlie Aldridge was also crowned under 23 cross-country world champion on Friday.
“It’s been an amazing week,” she said. I feel so lucky. When I was washing up in the kitchen, even, I was thinking it was so nice to race in the UK.
“I’m just so happy that all my friends and family are here. With the medals for Charlie, me and Tom, I really hope we can inspire the next generation.
“Because it would be great if we can keep this course and get more riders coming up in the UK. It’s really great having it here.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Tom has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine.
Since joining the team, he has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the World Championships in Glasgow. He has also covered races elsewhere across the world.
As well as on the ground reporting, Tom writes race reports from the men's and women's WorldTour and helps with coverage of UK domestic cycling.
-
Tom Pidcock criticises 'bland' mountain bike course at Paris Olympics
'When you just gravel over a nice hillside, it's not really mountain bike,' says reigning champion
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Unbound Gravel lottery opens two months early, ensuring riders are 'more prepared than ever'
Registration for the 2025 Unbound Gravel will open on Friday, November 1, 2024, and close two weeks later, on November 15. Lottery winners will be announced on November 21, 2024.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tom Pidcock criticises 'bland' mountain bike course at Paris Olympics
'When you just gravel over a nice hillside, it's not really mountain bike,' says reigning champion
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tom Pidcock out of the Tour de France with suspected Covid
Ineos Grenadiers rider finished second on stage nine
By Chris Marshall-Bell Last updated
-
'I think I can be proud of that' - Tom Pidcock settles for second on Tour de France gravel stage
Brit wishes he 'had a bit more racecraft like Cav' after narrowly missing out on victory from stage nine breakaway
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'It was damage limitation': Tom Pidcock, Jai Hindley react to losing time on Tour de France stage two
"There’s going to be minutes in three weeks. 21 seconds doesn't mean anything," says Tom Pidcock after first blows dealt from the favourites in Bologna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock says Ineos Grenadiers will be 'better' at the Tour de France without Steve Cummings
Netflix series depicted tension between the DS and rider, dynamic sources told Cycling Weekly carries a degree of accuracy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'dreaming' of taking yellow jersey on opening weekend of Tour de France
British rider hopes to play starring role in Italian Grand Départ
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock, Josh Tarling and Emma Finucane lead first Olympics squad selection for Team GB
Over half of GB's Paris Olympics squad revealed, with second announcement expected on 4 July
By Tom Davidson Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Tom Pidcock
According to the man himself, he's never had a hangover. It's alright for some.
By Tom Thewlis Published