Rachel Atherton

How does FOX contribute to your success?
Well, I would not like to try and conquer the world without them. FOX lets me focus on attacking as hard as I can, simple really.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
My bike is set up for a fast responsive ride, to help me get from top to bottom as quick and dainty as possible! I like to run the front of my bike a little longer with a slack head angle and a stiffer fork than the back end, which is a little shorter and softer, sitting more into the travel letting me point her downhill and off I go, but still being the most responsive and maneuverable bike around.

What else is in your garage?
Yamaha YZ 125, Yamaha TTR 125, Commencal XC Bike, Jump Bike, my BMX, a chainsaw and a trimmer.

What's your training regimen?
A lot of road and XC work, gym work is a major part, and then regular time on a bike.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
I missed the 2009 season due to an injury, a normal dislocated shoulder which resulted in major nerve damage, meaning a few nerve graft surgeries and a year later I'm ready to go!

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
There's no typical pre race meal as most countries the food can leave a lot to the imagination! Without fail I always chug a sugar free Red Bull before I race.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
Pretty much what fits in with the World Cup races, they are first and foremost really, I miss a lot of events and races that I would love to do because of the timing or training etc., but it's good to have things to do on your things to do list!

What motivated you to get started professionally?
My brothers both race, they are older, and so I follwed them into it. Once I was in however, I was in forever and the feeling I get when I race, the whole event, the people, the emotions... I love it!

What separates you from other professional athletes?
I could happily read my way through life.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
Hmmm, tricky. I would either be in another sport, sprinting perhaps, or I would teach English Lit., or I would be a chef, or a farmer.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
Waking up in the morning and not caring if it's raining because raining means mud, and mud means fun on the bike! And the food... mmm.

What other sports are you interested in?
Anything with wheels and engines of course. I love climbing and skiing.

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Yea, HAVE FUN. You won't get very far if you're not having fun.

Favorite movie quote?
"A wizard, Frodo Baggins, is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to!"

Are you a Mac or PC? Mac

Greatest strength Cooking for huge numbers of people. Lighting fires.

Most frustrating challenge Keeping a sane head when injured.

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