Jessica Stone played football for Crewe Ladies before turning to biking.

Teenage Shropshire downhill mountain biker Jessica Stone is aiming for a top 15 finish at the World Cup event in Scotland at Fort William.

Stone, 18, who only took up the sport in 2007, said that next weekend's two-day event (6/7 June) is an important competition for her this season.

"I want to get in the top 20 overall in the world rankings, so it's a serious race for me," she told BBC Shropshire.

"I'll just keep my head on for the five minutes I'll be going down."

The Ludlow College student, who quit football for mountain biking, has rapidly moved up the ranks from junior to elite level.

There are quite a few Brits racing and hopefully we can be up there Jessica Stone

After finishing 19th at the recent World Cup event in Andorra, she admits Fort William is a daunting competition.

"It's pretty much the biggest event of the year for the spectators and the riders as well," she said.

"I'm pretty relaxed about it but there will be a lot of people watching, so there's added pressure." Stone is competing as an elite rider for the first time this season and being relatively new to the sport brings its own challenges.

"It's just the fitness side for me," she added. "Obviously, moving from football to biking, it's completely fitness different things needed."

Despite this, the Stage2 team member is confident of a good ride in Scotland along with her other British competitors.

"I think I can get a top 15 finish," she predicted. "There are quite a few Brits racing and hopefully we can be up there."

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