Falmouth-based mountain bike racer Heather Kay secured fourth place in the first round of this year’s British Downhill Series, held over the weekend at Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Heather, a member of the Carrick Riders who is sponsored by Falmouth Cycles.

She suffered a ‘disastrous’ first practice run on what was a technical track, but managed to bounce back and finish her first seeding run on Sunday in fifth place.

She carried her good form over into the  race runs later in the day, crossing the finish line in first place, but later dropping into fourth after other riders had completed their own runs.

Speaking after the race, Heather said: “All in all a great weekend. Bring on round two at Fort William!”