A RUARDEAN mountain bike rider has become the 2014 MTB World Four Cross Ladies champion.

Katy Curd, 25, competed in the championships at Leogang, in the Austrian Alps, where she raced in a bid to become eligible for the much-coveted rainbow striped jersey.

For the last few months she has received sponsorship from local biking business Raw Sports, of Cinderford.

Sandra Marsh, of Raw Sports, said: "Katy's first two heats of racing went surprisingly smoothly and she managed to make her way into the finals. Katy knew this was her last chance at the title and it meant so much.

"She said she nearly exploded with excitement at the thought of becoming world champ.

"A well-deserved win and an inspiration to women's mountain biking."