THE last female to enter the event was in 1968 and no woman has ever finished it. But that has not stopped Malton's Vicky Ellis from entering The Scot on October 19 - a 75-mile off-road trials bike competition with around 80 different stages, which tests the endurance of a host of top international riders.

Vicky, who is currently fourth in the British Championship going into the final round this weekend, said: "I've already done the Ladies' European and British Championships and I want to do other things now, things not just for girls."

She admits to feeling a little daunted, but, having been a spectator at the event for the last ten years, wants to experience the challenge itself. "I'm good friends with a Spanish guy who has taken part in the race. He was bouncing around for the first 15 miles but after 60 miles he couldn't even talk!"

"I want to know what it feels like," she adds, amazingly.

As part of entering the event, which takes place near Richmond in North Yorkshire, the 22-year-old is also raising money for the Barretstown Gang - an adventure centre for sick children in Ireland. She has been building up her fitness for the event at The Workhouse gym in Malton.

As well as being observed by judges, competitors face a race against the clock, needing to finish within two and a half hours of the first rider back.

Whilst she admits, she may not finish the event this time round, she believes she can do it in the future. And the competition will also serve as good practice for the Scottish Six-Day trial next May - an even tougher event consisting of 100 miles a day - which Vicky also intends to enter.

Updated: 09:40 Wednesday, October 09, 2002