The Atherton Family are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with on the mountain biking scene. And one of their highlights of 2013 would have undoubtedly been the World Cup event on their home soil in Fort William. Having one child cross the finish line in first place would be reason enough to celebrate but to have two family members take home gold in both the male and female categories must be something else.

Brother Gee has been long-standing hero on the mountain biking scene bringing home gold at some of the world’s top events and proving his worth at one of the toughest events on the planet – The Red Bull Rampage but it has been sister Rachel who this year has stolen the show.

She dominated the World Cup season, winning all but two rounds and also took the World Championship title. And it seems we are not the only ones to think she is a stand out hero of the year – she has been nominated for the BT Action Woman of the Year Award 2013 too.