A SCHOOLGIRL who was selected for the GB cycling team last year has raced against cycling legends in Manchester.

Abi Smith, 16, who is a sixth former at Ripon Grammar School raced at the finals of the three-day, HSBC UK National Track Championships on Sunday, January 27.

The day after, she was back at school.

The cyclist raced against the top 23 cyclists in the country, including notable racing stars, Laura Kenny, Katie Archibald and Elinor Barker.

Miss Smith, who lives during term-time at the school, said: “I was pretty star struck, to be honest.

“It was so surreal being one of the competitors, having watched the racing from the stands only last year.

“And there I was being part of the action.

“The race was in the evening and the crowds were incredible, with all the stands packed.

“The pace was incredibly fast and I was hanging onto the back of the bunch for around 60 of the 80 laps.”

“I was just incredibly grateful to be able to race against such brilliant role models and legends and be able to just about keep up.”