It's two years since you last faced the Hounds at Foxhunt, what's your main memory of the event?
The atmosphere is always awesome, I love coming to Ireland and always have a top weekend! Of the race itself take your pick from - Sliding all over the place, getting a bit rough and riding over a few fellas who were in my way, elbowing my way through in a couple of places. Its always good to see how competitive the guys get, no one lets me through easily.
How weird is it for a Downhill racer to share the track with other riders?
So weird. When I race DH I’ve probably memorized every inch of the track, every line, root and rock. That’s no use at all when there’s 385 dudes on the track in front of you!
How familiar are you with the Sanction? Do you ride it much or is it all the Fury? (Gee will ride his brother Dan's Enduro bike).
I’ve never ridden it before so it’ll be interesting!
As a family you guys push the envelope fairly hard. Dan's had some tough injuries, you and Rachel have both had your fair share too and yet you keep coming back and riding bigger and harder. How do you prepare for events like Hardline, Rampage and Foxhunt? Are there mental tricks in the arsenal too?
Definitely. I reckon that at least 50% of racing is in the mental preparation. I use lots of visualisation techniques, and its important that I can picture myself on that top step. Part of that is believing that I’m at my physical best and so I’m able to ride that course faster than the rest.
Your role in the Mountain bike world seems to have shifted a little towards Elder statesman. Ruaridh Cunningham credited you with showing the way at Red Bull Hardline after Dan's injury and even with convincing people that they could ride the course. Is this something you are aware of?
Yeah in some ways, pushing our sport has always been a big part of what we do for Dan and myself, so when I get a chance to push riders on and show them that they can go bigger and push harder then i will take it. Its just about spotting someones ability to do something then giving them the confidence to try it.
On the flip side, what does Gee Atherton do to switch off?
Drive my rally car mainly! I’ve just had a week on the beach in Greece that was awesome!
2015 has been a tough year for you with crashes at inopportune moments. What's your thoughts on the season just past?
Well I could have done without the concussions that’s for sure. It was a shame to go down so hard at Lourdes (I rode Finals with a suspected broken wrist velcro’ed to the bars) because it meant I was chasing from behind the entire time. When it came to World Champs I agreed with team director Dan Brown that there was no point in trying for a safe steady run.. better to crash than to get down a few tenths after the other guy – its just how racing goes sometimes.
Presumably wearing the rainbow stripes for a second time just makes you want it more?
Yeah, Rach said the same, it meant even more second time round, after 5, 6 years gap you have a bit more appreciation of exactly how hard it is to get that jersey.
What's your favourite course on the World Cup circuit and why?
Fort William for the home crowd, or Val di Sole which is super technical and just fun to ride.
Where do you dream of riding but haven't yet?
Ooh I don’t know, Wales without the sideways rain? Someone was telling me about some volcanic tracks in Iceland the other day that sounded pretty rad….
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