JAMES COSTLEY-WHITE EDITOR
Whew, what to talk about this month? Our cover feature with Rachel Atherton is a frank and illuminating read that exposes the pressures racers face – especially female ones. But rather than giving any spoilers, I’d urge you to turn to p37. Similarly, I could wax lyrical about Olly Morris’s coaching skills, which got even this decidedly earthbound rider’s wheels off the ground, but you’re better off reading the article on p45. The same goes for our Malverns Classic wrap-up on p52.
One thing this year’s festival did drive home is just how much all those of us who ride bikes off-road have in common. From the tiniest kid bombing through the arena to the veteran racer ziptieing on a number board for the umpteenth time and the air merchants tricking their way through the jumps, we’re united by one thing. American author Albert Flynn DeSilver describes this in his book, Singletrack Mind (well worth a read, by the way), as “the kinetic poetry of moving at human speed, compelled by gravity, allowing the energy of [your] body to riff off the energy of the earth and its elements”. I’ve never heard it summed up quite so well. See you on the trails!
IN THE MAG THIS MONTH
RACHEL ATHERTON
FASTEST MUM ON TWO WHEELS
The queen of downhill opens up about racing, motherhood, hitting rock bottom and wanting to retire in our unmissable cover feature – p37
TYM MANLEY
MBUK LEGEND & BON VIVEUR
Rachel is interviewed by ‘The Viking’ himself, the larger-than-life, hirsute founding editor of MBUK, who
