CITY mountain biking starlet Carla Haines is ready to take on the world – although she admits her bid to crack international racing is daunting.

An impressive 2011 saw the 20-year-old win her first Under-23 National Championships.

But now Haines wants to widen her horizons.

The Marjon student, who rides for WXC World Racing Team, is hopeful of balancing university work with the step up of moving from national to international events.

She said: "In 2011, I had a great year, although I had a bit of a rocky start.

"The under-23 National Championships was a massive moment for me, as it was probably the best moment of my cycling career to date, let alone 2011.

"It was my perfect race and it makes me want to do it all over again next year, so I'm going to be training hard and do more to become a better rider."

Haines, who is studying strength and conditioning at Marjon, believes the move to international events is one that will benefit her.

She said: "It is a great experience to travel around Europe and race in World Cup events.

"At first it was pretty daunting. I was on the start line just thinking I'm here riding with some of the best bike riders in the world and I didn't have a clue what to expect.

"I was a bit intimidated, to be honest, but it was a great experience.

"The main difference is the speed, it is a lot faster than here so you have to raise your game."

Haines has earmarked World Cup events in France and Czech Republic as potential racing opportunities.

But she insists that university studies will be her main priority.

Haines said: "I need to concentrate on my university work.

"I'm in my last year, so it's important that I keep on top of it."

With only two years left as an under-23 rider, Haines is focused on making the most of her time before she makes the step up to the senior level.

She said: "I've only got two years left as an under-23 rider, so I need to make sure that when I make the step to senior I don't have to make a big step up in terms of ranking.

"I'm looking to get in the top five at under-23 level, so I will need to defend my national title."

Haines began mountain biking later than usual at 16, having been a triathlete.

She said: "I got into bike riding when I was younger, but with my family to start off with.

"You get people who are pretty much born on a bike."

" I got into triathlon and then went into riding and I did a mountain bike race and really enjoyed it.

"The adrenalin rush got me hooked."