WORLD champion mountain biker­ Rachel Atherton has officially opened Aberystwyth University’s newly refurbished gym facilities.

Representing an investment of £250,000, the new facilities offer state-of-the-art cardio equipment and strength and conditioning kit.

Featuring the latest in interactive virtual reality technology, Aberystwyth University Sports Centre users will be able to go running in the Sahara, cycle in the Alps or climb the world’s tallest building in Dubai.

Rachel, who is based in the Dyfi Valley and has won more awards than any other British mountain biker in the history of the sport, said: “It’s great to have this amazing facility so close to home; it’s got everything I need and I’m planning to spend a lot of time here.”

Read the full story in this Wednesday’s Aberystwyth and Machynlleth/Llanidloes editions of the Cambrian News