MALVERN has united in its support for local sporting hero Evie Richards as the mountain biker prepares to compete at the Paris Olympics. 

The 27-year-old from Malvern will feature in tonight's Olympic opening ceremony along a 6km stretch of the River Seine, which will begin at 6.30pm UK time tonight (Friday, July 26.)

Richards will not have to wait long to get pedalling, as she is set to race on Sunday (July 28) at the fast, technical course in Elancourt, Paris.

After discovering her love for mountain biking while on holiday, she built on her skills through training on the Malvern Hills. 

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Richards took to Instagram to post a video of her in her Olympic uniform. 

 

 

 

Malvern Hills District Council took to Facebook and X to show its support for Richards ahead of the Olympics. 

The post read: "We wish Evie Richards the best of luck in the Paris Olympics. 

"Malvern's Evie will take on the fast, technical course in Elancourt, Paris, on Sunday afternoon. 

"This will be her second Olympic games, following her debut at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021."

Many Malvernians took to the comments to extend their own well wishes to Roberts. 

Malvern Hills District Council leader Cllr Tom Wells said: "We are all so proud of our local girl. Go get that medal, Evie."

Another wrote: "Good luck lovely from all at Lygon Pharmacy." 

One man, who said he was a fellow biker and lover of the Malvern Hills, wrote: "Yes Evie. Go well - we’re all rooting for you."

And one Evie Richards fan wrote: "Wishing you all the best. 

"You go girl have fun and enjoy."

Watch Richards race on the BBC or BBC iPlayer.