MATT Walker is celebrating after winning his first Downhill World Cup event.

The West Felton cycling star stormed to victory in Leogang in Austria last month to take the elite men’s class win.

The victory represented Walker’s latest honour but the 23 year old is no stranger to the podium.

In 2020 he became only the fourth British rider ever to win the overall UCI DH MTB title to secure his spot amongst the likes of UK downhill royalty Steve Peat and Gee Atherton having never ended outside the top four.

However he had yet to win a World Cup race and went into the new campaign gunning for a place on the top of podium.

Following his success in Austria the border rider said his childhood dream had been realised.

Border Counties Advertizer: Matt Walker was the 2020 Overall World Cup Champion

Matt Walker.

He said: “I’m still on high from winning my first World Cup.

“It’s a goal I’ve had since first picking up mountain bike as a young lad, to finally tick it off after years of being so close was super emotional for me.

“It’s a weight of my back and a day that I will never forget.”

Walker will not rest on his laurels and hopes to continue to add silverware to his mantlepiece and add his name the list of downhill greats.

Border Counties Advertizer: Matt Walker celebrates in Austria.

Matt Walker celebrates in Austria.

He said: “Obviously your expectations change hugely when you have success like I’ve had.

“Just to be in the top five as much as I possibly can – that’s my aim – and if I can get on the podium at most rounds that would be fantastic.”

Walker now sits in second place in the elite league table with 443 points and leading te pursuit of Frenchman Amaury Pierron who leads the series with 580 points ahead of this week’s fourth round competition in the hills of Switzerland.

Walker said he would travel with confidence, adding: “I believe there is more to come, I have the taste for it now and it tastes good.”