A brand new ‘golden’ bike rack has been installed in Great Malvern to celebrate the achievements of local cycling athletes.

Malvern Hills District Council has commissioned the bespoke rack, which is located next to the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Abbey Road.

The bike rack recognises the achievements of local Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI) cycling athletes, including Evie Richards, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

The 26-year-old, who is from West Malvern, was the first ever British rider (male or female) to win the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 2021.

Evie was also the Under 23s World Champion twice in Cyclocross and is the current British National Champion in Short Track and Cross Country Olympic disciplines.

She said: “I am so honoured to be able to represent my country and my hometown of Malvern.

READ MORE: 2023 Cycling World Championships: Evie Richards takes bronze

“The town is thriving, and it has a real buzz to it. The bike rack design is beautifully made and such a great idea.

“The Malvern Hills is an incredible place to enjoy the outdoors and we have so much incredible cycling talent to be proud of.”

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, portfolio holder for economic development and tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The Golden Bike Rack is a wonderful addition to Great Malvern and sits as a reminder of the many inspirational athletes that hail from the area and serve as great role models for the future.”

Evie has just competed in a test race in Paris on the Olympic track ready for next year and is now travelling in America and Canada for the World Cup Races.

Hattie Harnden is also among the Malvern cyclists representing the town on the big stage.

Like Evie, Hattie is a former pupil of both St James CE Primary School in West Malvern and The Chase.

And both won events at the British National Championships this summer.