www.athertonracing.co.uk/team/dan

Date of birth:
1985.02.26
Hometown:
Shrewsbury, UK
Sponsors:
GT Bicycles, Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport, Red Bull, One Industries, Silverline Tools, Shimano, Continental, GoPro, Fox Racing, Muc-off, Oakley, SRM, Harris & Ross Physio, Stans No-tubes, Hope,
Hobbies:
Riding Moto
Favourite athletes:
Jackie Stewart

BIO

George, better known as Gee, is widely regarded as one of the worlds most versatile bike riders.
Gee’s main discipline is downhill, he was the 2008 UCI Downhill World Champion and 2010 UCI World Cup Champion

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • 2044: DH World Cup Rd 3, Schladming 1st
  • 2004: British Downhill National Champion
  • 2006: Downhill European Champion
  • 2007: 4X World Cup Rd1, Vigo 1st
  • 2008: DH World Cup, Andorra 1st
  • 2008: Downhill World Champion, Val Di Sole. 1st
  • 2009: Downhill National Champion 1st
  • 2010: Red Bull Rampage 2nd
  • 2010: DH World Cup, Ft William, Champery & Windham
  • 2010: World Cup DH Series Champion 1st
  • 2012: British Downhill National Champion 1st
  • 2012: World Championships, Leogang 2nd
  • 2012: Giant Air DH Crankworx Europe 1st
  • 2012: World Cup DH Series Fastest Team 1st
  • 2012: World Cup DH Series 3rd
  • 2013: British Downhill series Overall Champion
  • 2013: British Downhill National Champion
  • 2013: World Cup DH Round 2,Val di Sole 1st
  • 2013: World Cup DH Round 1,Fort William 1st
  • 2013: World Cup DH Series Fastest Team 1st
  • 2013: World Cup DH Series 2nd
  • 2014: Polygon Air DH Crankworx Europe 1st
  • 2014: World Cup DH Round 2, Cairns , Australia
  • 2014: Downhill World Champion, Val Di Sole. 1st

INTERVIEW 2014.09.23

What are you looking for to accomplish?

To defend my World Champs title and win back the World Cup overall – that’d be good…

"Photo: Sven Martin"

What would be your greatest achievement?

Winning the World Championships twice – in 2008 with Rachel and then again this year (2014).

What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?

Getting the balance of training right – speed , strength, stamina, power, time on the downhill bike…

"Photo: Austria, Sven Martin"

What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?

Putting together a perfect run, or hitting a massive nee feature for the first time. Luckily my brother Dan is always coming up with new challenges for us.

Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?

We’ve been riding a lot of trails in Dyfi lately – Dan Atherton builds ‘em gnarly!

"Mt Ste Anne, Sven Martin"

What do you do during your training which is key to your success?

Prepare, prepare, prepare – I’m pretty focused and if my attention should start to slip Coach Alan Milway will soon get me back on track!

What are you most nervous about when competing?

It varies a lot. I try to use nerves in a positive way to help focus.

"Photo: Mt Ste Anne Sven Martin"

Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?

Rachel –most of the time !!

What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?

Look before you leap

"Photo: South Africa, Sven Martin"

What are your future plans?

To continue to ride at the highest level and work with the younger members of our team to build the Atherton Racing of the future.

What are your tips for those who begin now?

Have fun! Don’t force it.

"Photo: Scotland, Sven Martin"