Evie Richards admitted seventh was still heaven as she made her Olympic debut in Tokyo.

The 24-year old mountain biker watched as team-mate Tom Pidcock won the men's race 24 hours earlier and showed no fear against the best in the world in Izu.

Jolanda Neff led home a Swiss clean sweep of the podium, with team-mates Sina Frie and Linda Ingergand completing the minor medals.

And Richards came home just over three minutes behind, completing the demanding 20km course in one hour, 19 minutes and nine seconds - improving her 13th place at the World Championships in Austria last year.

"It was super hard and I'm just pleased to finish in one piece," she said, after finding herself up with the leaders after the first two laps before dropping back.

"I tried as hard as I could, I really couldn't have tried any harder. I managed to find a bit of rhythm at the end but it took a bit too long to find. I'm just happy to be here and get selected.

"When you listen to Tom saying he only planned to do this last year, I've dreamed of this moment since I was so young. I never thought I'd get this chance a couple of years ago.

"To be an Olympian means everything and the next Games are only three years away too."

Richards had initially dreamed of making her Olympic debut in the women's hockey team, having been part of England Hockey's pathways programme in school.

But just eight years ago she started mountain biking with friends in Malvern, where she was quickly identified as a talent by fellow Malvern athlete and two-time Olympian Liam Killeen.

Richards was cheered on at home by friends and family, who packed the clubhouse at Malvern Rugby Club to watch her race, which started at breakfast time.

"Having everyone back home supporting me, that's been really special," said Richards, who is able to train full-time and benefit from world class facilities, technology, coaching and support teams thanks to National Lottery funding – which has never been more important in getting her to the start line after a turbulent year.

"I've had some lovely messages and while it's a shame they've not been allowed to come out here, it's just really inspiring.

"Tom's gold was great, hopefully it really raises the profile of mountain biking back home too."

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