‘I only got my bike three weeks ago – it just felt like big adventure’ – MTB champ wins Britain’s toughest cyclo-cross race in her first attempt

Isla Short, a four-time British national mountain bike champion, claimed victory in Britain's toughest cyclo-cross race, the 3-Peaks Cyclo-cross challenge, in her first attempt. The 30-year-old Scot achieved both of her goals - winning the race and setting a new women's course record. Despite having only ridden a gravel bike for three weeks and never using drop bars, Short's extensive mountain bike experience proved invaluable.

She beat her 3-Peaks winner Bryony Halcrow and Madeline Moorhouse-Smith, the latter of whom finished third. Short's race was challenging, with a high technical course and severe headwinds, but she remained focused and prepared for the brutal conditions. Despite being at a disadvantage against Halcrow, a strong fell runner, Short's mindset and preparation allowed her to enjoy the experience and prove herself in her debut.