Rachel Atherton is now in the top spot in the UCI Downhill Mountain Bike standings after a win at Fort William in Scotland. 

Downpour on Saturday meant both qualifiers and finals were moved to Sunday, though fans still came out in their droves to enjoy a full weekend of celebration.

Atherton was thrilled with her win, saying: “I’m totally gobsmacked to have won… The track this year was particularly challenging because of the weather and I struggled during qualifying. It was so windy up at the top it was a challenge just to stay on the bike!”

It was so windy up at the top it was a challenge just to stay on the bike!

She added: “Yesterday’s downhill qualification being postponed by the weather actually made the racing today even more exciting. You have also got to take rests where you can, so it was useful to get a chill out day.

“Despite the weather being horrific for a lot of this weekend I’ve been so impressed by the fans. Even the little kids weren’t letting the rain get them down.”

Tanhee Seagrave came in second, making the podium a very British affair, with French rider Emmeline Ragot in third.

Second Place for Atherton at UCI World Cup Round One

Defending champion Manon Carpenter was on track to complete the podium, but a crash at the final jump meant she had to quickly remount, losing valuable time and putting her in fourth.

British rider Katy Curd was in fifth, meaning four of the top five riders were from the UK.

The next round will be in Leogang, Austria, in just one week. Manon says she will be recovered and ready to race – we’re looking forward to it!