PEEBLES athlete Susan Ridley has struck gold in the W55 category of the European Masters Cross Country Championships.

The event took place in Portugal last month.

After a busy month's racing – resulting in victories in National Masters Indoor Championships 3000m and 1500m; second and team gold in National Masters Cross Country Champs in Aberdeen – Susan travelled to Braga in good form.

Due to the relatively difficult terrain in the grounds of the military unit at Cavalry Regiment 6, the EMAC committee decided at short notice to shorten the 8km course for W55+ age groups by one lap to 6.5km.

The course was undulating with varying ground conditions, including meadow sections and uneven dirt tracks.

There were challenging climbs and many sharp turns.

From the outset, it was clear this was going to be an exciting and close-fought race as the lead changed hands several times during the first lap.

However, Susan and her nearest rival broke clear of the rest of the field.

The Spanish competitor tried several times over the next four laps to break clear from the Tweeddale runner, but to no avail.

Running side by side up the final steep climb, Susan launched a devastating sprint finish to take victory in the overall race and W55 age category. It also helped lead GB to silver in the team event.