Dan Atherton
- Date of Birth: January 25, 1982
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Career Highlights:
- 2008: 1st 4X, UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Vallnord, Andorra
- 2008: 2nd Maxxis Cup, Gouviea, Portugal
- 2009 5th 4X World Cup
- 2009 2nd Houffalise, Germany
Bio
Dan Atherton is a professional racing cyclist specializing in downhill and four cross mountain bike racing, and is a multiple national champion. He began riding BMX at the age of 15 and mountain biking a year later.
Since 2007, Dan has been one third of the Animal Commençal racing team, alongside brother Gee Atherton and sister Rachel Atherton. He won the 4x World Cup in Andorra in 2008. He likes to train at home in Llangynog and in Santa Cruz, California. Dan says, “Training is the easy part, resting is what I find hard.”
Q&A
- How did you start Mountain Bike riding? How old were you? Mountain Biking was a progression from BMX. The scene as a whole seemed to appeal more to us. It seemed to be a lot more lifestyle orientated and not just all about the training.
- What have you learned from your brother and sister who are also professional mountain bike riders? A solid belief that they are the best; if they don't win,they are not happy.
- Favorite movies: Pulp Fiction
- Favorite Book: Lord of the Rings
- Heroes and why? Brian Foster: BMX rider,a big inspiration to me as a kid,not only was he crazy fast on the race track but also had a rad style on the Trails. David Knight: Motocross Enduro rider, that guy is a warrior,no fuss,no drama just never gives up.
- If you were not a pro mountain bike rider, you would be? Probably driving a digger in some dark,wet quarry in England somewhere.
- What is the biggest obstacle you have faced? In the early years of racing I had a run of bad injuries where I broke my elbow,pelvis and then my knee cap, all within a short time. That was tough to come back and get into the downhill frame of mind. Just pin it, everything will come out good.
- What is the best advice you've heard? If you win today,it's not the end of you're career. If you loose today, it's not the end of you're career. So relax.
- What is the best advice you've heard on improving in your sport? Try not to worry about the training side, just hours on the bike to improve bike handling.
- Where is your favorite place to ride and why? In the Summer,my home in Llangynog, there are a lot of spots that we have put hours of hard work in. In the Winter, Santa Cruz,CA, loads of different spots and a good scene.
- At this level, what is something unique that you do in your training to improve your riding? Reaction work, just things to improve hand eye coordination.
- Do you have any other special talents? Driving a digger for days on end.
- What are your goals for 2009/2010? I am working in the gym on a new program, training on the BMX a lot. In 2010 my goal will be world champs.
- How do you get and stay inspired? Having Gee and Rach around is always a big inspiration. There is always someone who is fired up to train and ride.
- What are your strengths? I never give up on something, I am stubborn, don't let it beat you. Ever.
- What are you working on? Taking time out to relax, training is the easy part. It's resting that I find hard.
