MALVERN mountain bike star Evie Richards described her fifth-place finish at the Paris Olympics as the 'best day ever'. 

The 27-year-old took to Instagram to react to her performance after her exploits in Paris, which saw her finish fifth in the Women’s Cross-Country event. 

Former world champion Richards, who grew up cycling on the Malvern Hills, was flying the flag for Great Britain at the event in Paris.  

France's Pauline Ferrand-Prevot took first place followed by USA's Haley Batten and Sweden's Jenny Rissveds.

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Richards, 27, finished seventh on her Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago but a few weeks later she was celebrating a world title, and she also took the Commonwealth title in 2022.

However, Richards suffered a concussion in Brazil two months ago. 

Posting on Instagram after the event, Richards said: "Today was the best day ever.

"My friends and family all together sharing a moment we've dreamt of. 

"Fifth place at the Olympic Games, I'll take that after the crazy run I've had."

Richards also thanked all of her fans for all the love she had received in the run-up to the Games. 

She also posted several videos and pictures of her celebrating with her friends and family in the Olympic village. 

In one video, she was dancing while having an England flag draped around her, while in another, she and loved ones were singing the Boney M classic 'Daddy Cool' while dressed in t-shirts reading 'Let's Go, Evie.' 

She also posted a video where she thanked her friends and family for their support. 

She said: "It made me cry reading everyone's notes in bed this morning, so thank you all. 

"This is all of our dream to be here.

"We all did it, we missed out on Tokyo but we're all here now and this is just perfect, I couldn't think of a better day."

Her fans also took to Instagram to congratulate Richards. 

One said she was 'the best most spirited rider out there' while another said Richards put in an 'incredible performance.' 

And one said the Malvern family were cheering her on at home.