Rachel rides in to open gym - and rides to the Alps without leaving

Llanrhaeadr ace Rachel Atherton, who went to school in Oswestry, has won more awards than any other British mountain biker in the history of the sport.

And the former Marches School pupil, who is now based in the Dyfi Valley, said she was delighted with the new gym equipment and plans to use her Aberystwyth University Sports Centre Platinum Membership to the max to build up to her next challenge.

She said: "It's great to have this amazing facility so close to home, it's got everything I need and I'm planning to spend a lot of time here."

Featuring the latest in interactive virtual reality technology, Rachel and other users will also be able to go running in the Sahara or climb the world's tallest building in Dubai.

Representing an investment of £250,000, the new facilities offer cardio equipment and strength and conditioning kit.

As well as holding nine UK national titles, Rachel is five-times Downhill World Champion, five-times Downhill World Cup Overall Champion and twice European Champion and the proud owner of 33 World Cups.

She is currently enjoying an off-season breather following a record-breaking run of 13 consecutive World Cup wins.

She was joined for the opening by Professor John Grattan, acting vice-chancellor at the university, who completed his first IronMan triathlon last September 2016.

Professor Grattan said: "I trained extensively at the sports centre ahead of my IronMan challenge but that someone of Rachel's calibre also chooses to use our facilities for training is endorsement indeed.

"It's further proof that Aberystwyth offers an exceptional environment for studying, working and living.

"This latest investment underlines our commitment to continually improve the facilities we offer and I invite everyone to make the most of the opportunity."