www.athertonracing.co.uk/team/rachel

Date of birth:
6th December
Hometown:
Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, UK
Sponsors:
GT Bicycles, Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport, Red Bull, One Industries, Silverline Tools, Shimano, Continental, GoPro, Fox Racing Shox, Muc-off, Oakley, SRM, Harris & Ross Physio, Stans No-tubes, Hope,
Hobbies:
Riding Moto, yoga, rock-climbing, walking my dog Angus
Favourite athletes:
Lindsay Vonn

BIO

Rachel, the youngest Atherton at 23 years old has already achieved global status within the sport.

At only 20 years old, Rach became the first British woman to win the Elite Women UCI Downhill World Championship in June 2008 with an unprecendeted winning margin of 12 seconds. The same year she wrapped up the World Cup Series. Since then she has gone on to win numerous UCI Downhill World Cups and Medals at the World Champs, but injuries have prevented her from defending those titles…the game is now on!

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • 2004: British Downhill National Champion
  • 2004: DH World Cup Rd 3, Schladming 1st
  • 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
  • 2008: World Championship 1st
  • 2008: WC DH Series Winner 1st
  • 2009: Downhill National Champion 1st
  • 2010: DH World Cup, Ft William, Champery & Windham
  • 2010: World Cup DH Series Champion 1st
  • 2010: 2 x WC DH Maribor and Windham 1st
  • 2011: WC DH Rd 5 Windham 1st
  • 2011: World Championships, Champery 2nd
  • 2012: Giant Air DH Crankworx Europe 1st
  • 2012: British Championships Moelfre 1st
  • 2012: British Downhill National Champion 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
  • 2014: 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
  • 2014: WC DH Rd 2 Cairns 1st
  • 2014: WC DH Rd 6 Meribel 1st

INTERVIEW 2014.09.20

What are you looking for to accomplish?

To regain the World Champs and World Cup overall titles. Last season was hard for me with glandular fever really knocking me physically. It’s good to end on a bit of a high feeling that my strength is back again.

What would be your greatest achievement?

Winning the World Championships twice in 2008 at the same time like Gee then again in 2013. It was hard to let those rainbow stripes go for the sake of 0.08 seconds…

"Austria, Sven Martin"

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

The weather can cause a track to change a lot between practice and a final run. Furthermore, there are always unpredicted elements or factors. This season I had a dog lunge on me on my Final run..

What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?

Putting together a perfect run, hitting a jump that the other girls have gone around, Winning!

"South Africa, Sven Martin"

Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?

I like riding best with my brothers and our friends, somewhere gnarly! There are loads of great places in North Wales.

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

Loads of things! I try to look at training holistically and look after my body and my mind with good food and nutrition, and lots of yoga.

"Mt Ste Anne, Sven Martin"

What are you most nervous about when competing?

Everything!

Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?

My mum, my boyfriend, my brothers, my team – I’m so lucky to have such support.

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

If you think you can, you can.

"Austria, Sven Martin"

What are your future plans?

Who knows!

What are your tips for those who begin now?

Make sure you enjoy it – there are loads of places and clubs where you can start to ride now – find a good group of friends to ride and train with, they will sustain you.