Q+A with Rachel Atherton

Find out more about the world’s top female downhill racer in this Q&A with Rachel Atherton. As after a tremendous turnout last year, Red Bull Foxhunt is back for 2016, ready to push the boundaries like never before. WHL talks exclusively to the World Champion herself about competing, inspirations and what it takes to be the best.

 

Who inspired you to compete in downhill mountain bike racing?

My brothers Dan and Gee are pro mountain-bikers. When we were kids in the village my big brother Dan got all the kids into cycling. Dan’s the eldest and was my absolute hero, so I wanted to do everything he did. I remember he was supposed to be babysitting one night and he let me get up out of bed to ride my bike!

 

How old were you when you knew cycling was your passion?

Well I used to follow the boys down to the dirt jumps when I was quite young, maybe five or six. I’d have my pet rabbit in a basket on the front – until Gee told me he saw a snake! I started racing BMX when I was eight and found out how much I loved winning!

 

What motivates you to stay on top of your game?

I HATE losing! There is always another target, this year my aim was to win all of the World Cups and to retain the World Champs title for a consecutive year – I’ve never done that before. People think it gets easier but it doesn’t. The British girls in particular are getting faster and faster, so I still work as hard as ever.

 

How important is it to maintain focus when gearing up to a race?

It’s vital. I’d say at least 50 per cent of racing is mental. I still get so nervous that sometimes I throw up in the cable car, but once I’m in the start-gate I’m a different being. My mechanic Joe says that sometimes he watches that power come over me like I’m a different person suddenly – like in a cartoon or something. I stand straighter or something. I don’t know. I’m famous for sneaking off for a nap too – that’s vital race day preparation!

 

What does racing at the Red Bull Foxhunt mean to you?

I love it! I’m totally passionate about racing and about encouraging people to give the sport a try, other women in particular. The great thing about Red Bull Foxhunt is that the whole vibe is so welcoming and supportive – it feels more like a festival than a race and we have yoga and food and music. We spend a day with everyone practising together and it’s great to see how the experienced riders coach the newcomers. We’ve had so many first-timers, mothers and daughters – it’s just awesome.

 

What has the sport taught you as an athlete?

To look after my body and to listen to its warnings, I’ve had a lot of injuries over the years, when I was younger I used to push too hard and crash all the time, now I go more carefully! I’ve learnt that my mind and my soul needs care too. It’s so important to be able to really relax between races, I’m renovating a house in the mountains with my boyfriend Olly. It’s so beautiful and remote – two miles from the nearest tarmac road – I walk my dog, go stand up paddling in the estuary and try to live gently.

 

How do you deal with pressure building up to a race?

I sleep! And sometimes I shout at Gee: there are advantages and disadvantages to having your brother on the same team.

 

What motivated you to get back on your bike after surviving a big accident?

I can’t imagine what else I would do. Seven operations later I still have reduced power in my shoulder and the road to recovery was a painful one, but I didn’t question that one day I’d race again. My worst ever accident was actually when I was hit by a truck on my road bike.

 

What are your future racing plans?

More of the same. For the next two years at least. I’m really excited to be sponsoring the British Downhill Series Junior Women’s category. When I was young I’d sometimes be racing by myself. We are also helping a young, female, Norwegian rider called Mille Johnset through our Atherton Academy programme – that makes me really happy.

 

What does it take to become a world champion in downhill mountain bike racing?

A lot of determination, a great team and more hard work than you can possibly imagine.

 

Who are your biggest supporters in your life?

My mum and dad, my brothers, boyfriend Olly, my team and all the sponsors who’ve been with me for ages and are just amazing. And my puppy Caio – he never talks back.

 

Do you ever feel scared competing in a dangerous sport?

Pretty much always. Even after all these years I still get nervous.

 

What would you say to anyone else who has a passion for competing in downhill mountain bike racing?

I’d say go for it!