Atherton scoops top BBC award

World champions Rachel and Gee Atherton want a bigger profile for mountainbike racing

Shropshire's 2008 women's World Mountain Bike champion Rachel Atherton beat off stiff opposition to be named BBC Midlands Sportswoman of the Year.

"I feel really privileged considering the incredible athletes here," the 21-year-old told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"It's been a good year, with my brother Gee winning the men's world title, and then I won the overall series.

"I never knew I'd achieve so much so soon, so I'm very proud - and just grateful the opportunity has arisen."

The two siblings, from near Oswestry, came third in the 'Team' category, and Gee added: "There is rivalry between us, but normally we get on okay. We spend a lot of time together, on the road and training together, but it works well."

The two missed out on possible Olympic glory, as the downhill discipline of mountain bike racing is not included in the Games - and that is something they would like to change.

"I'd love to see it in the Olympics, and it's quite a goal of my sister and me to get our sport more in the public eye."

There is no rest for the pair in the weeks to come.

"There's a hard winter of training ahead," Rachel said. "But the more you put in the more you get out. And we know as champions the other racers will be looking to knock us down in 2009."