A CHAMPION downhill and enduro mountain biker from Oakley has been named among the most exceptional women in British cycling.

Cycling UK has announced today (Thursday) its annual 100 Women in Cyclist list, with Kerry Wilson joining a host of star names.

She has been recognised for her work encouraging other women to get on their bikes.

Each year, the UK’s cycling charity recognises women from all corners of the cycling world who have had a positive impact by inspiring others to cycle and thus helping make cycling a more inclusive space.

Despite the 2021 census showing there are more women than men in the UK, men are much more likely to cycle regularly than women.

Cycling UK wants to show through its annual celebration of these inspiring individuals that cycling can be for everyone – no matter your gender, background or ability.

Gongs are awarded for a wide range of achievements that have helped inspire more women from diverse backgrounds to get on a bike.

They are given in four categories: community champion, industry mogul, cycle influencer and sporting hero.

Kerry, 35, started mountain biking in 2018.

She discovered a welcoming community of female riders – and some of the best mountain biking in Europe – at Morzine.

She began competing in downhill MTB races, becoming Scotland’s Elite Downhill Champion in 2021 and 2022.

She branched out into Enduro racing – achieving a podium spot in her first event.

Kerry supports other women in the community to enjoy riding without taking it too seriously.

She commented: “I chose the Enduro World Series 100 race at Tweed Valley for my first Enduro - go big or go home! - and was blown away by the number of female competitors. It was awesome.”

The 100 Women in Cycling 2023 list also includes the likes of Scotland's first bicycle major, Emily Williams, as well as Aileen McGlynn OBE, paralympic tandem champion cyclist.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to get around sustainably, keep fit and have fun outdoors and we want everyone to benefit from the joy of cycling. But in the UK, substantially fewer women ride than men. It’s our mission to reverse that and see equal levels of cycling across all genders.

“A great way to encourage more women to cycle is to share the stories of these amazing women – whether they’re chronicling their adventures on social media, advocating for better infrastructure in their neighbourhoods, inspiring their communities to join them for a ride or winning medals around the world.

“Choosing the top one hundred winners involves some really tough choices – there are so many brilliant women out there who we’d want to celebrate.”