Hebridean cyclist sets new record for 1,000-mile Trans Alba Race

A Hebridean cyclist has smashed the women's record for completing Scotland's Trans Alba Race.

Christina MacKenzie, from Lewis, set a new time of four days, 10 hours and 52 minutes - a day faster than the previous record.

The race covered more than 1,000 miles, involved four ferry trips and a total of 66,000ft of climbing.

The 49-year-old, who finished sixth overall, said: "I'm tired and sore, but delighted."

The event started in Edinburgh and finished in South Queensferry.

It was a hugely important achievement for the endurance cyclist, who won a hip flask filled with Irn-Bru for setting a new race record.

In 2021, she took the record time for cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats.

But the following year she broke her pelvis in two places after being hit by a vehicle towing a high-sided agricultural trailer.

She had a stroke two years ago.

MacKenzie refused give up her passion for cycling and is already eyeing up a new challenge, ahead of her 50th birthday next year.