BRITISH paralympic gold medallist Karen Darke MBE has been revealed as an ambassador for the Tour O The Borders race.

The cyclist, who won silver at the 2012 London Paralympics and gold in Rio in Woman’s Road Cycling, will also take on the sportive which starts and finishes in Peebles in September.

Among her sporting achievements, Karen has also climbed Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and El Capitan and hand-cycled, skied and swam the length of Japan.

She told the Peeblesshire News: "Having heard so many wonderful things about the Tour O The Borders from friends who have ridden the event over the years, I am delighted to be finally able to ride it for myself.

"Being hugely passionate about anything on two wheels, I am always excited to see any event that encourages more people to ride their bikes.

"What makes it even more special is that fact that we are able to enjoy the ride on traffic-free closed roads."

The race is set for Sunday, September 3 and is expected to attract more than 2,000 riders who can select either the 88km or 120km close road route.

Neil Dalgleish, the event's director, added: "We are extremely proud to welcome Karen to the Scottish Borders and to ride alongside all the other riders at the Tesco Bank Tour O The Borders.

"It’s a very beautiful route, and having Karen here will make a superb cycling day out even more special."