A WOMAN woman blown up by an IRA bomb has just completed the "toughest cycle ride in the world".

Army veteran Tara Roberton, 44, of Taunton, was one of eight women who joined forces in the Wounded, Injured and Sick Team Cycle Race Across America.

The Mind Over Matter eight, accompanied by a support crew, covered 3,000 miles non-stop in relay through 12 US states, from Oceanside, in California, to Annapolis, Maryland.

The challenge involved climbing over 170,000 feet in temperatures ranging from minus 5 to plus 45 degs C

The extraordinary journey aimed ot inspire each other and the community while also raising awareness of physical and mental health related conditions.

"As a team we exceeded our own expectations," said Tara, who was injured in an explosion in Lisburne in 1996, when she was 22 and serving in the British Army.

"We completed the ride in eight days and 12 minutes, well over a day ahead of the cut off time."

The Mind Over Matter team ride raised funds for the UK charity Women in Sport, whose vision is to create a society where women and men have equal opportunities in sport.

To sponsor them go to give.everydayhero.com/uk/team-mind-over-matter

The team’s challenge ambassador, Dame Sarah Storey, said: "What these remarkable ladies embarked on was truly inspirational. They have my utmost respect."

Tara was invalided out of the Army after being left visually impaired and with post traumatic stress following the IRA attack.

As well as volunteering with The Samaritans, she has represented Great Britain in the Invictus Games.