JAMES COSTLEY-WHITE EDITOR
Wow, what can I say? When we launched our Rider of the Year awards this summer, I never dreamt so many people would get involved. The 600-or-so nominations were a promising sign, but the final tally of more than 5,000 votes shows just how passionate mountain bikers are about their favourite riders. Big thanks to Lezyne and our brand manager Jo for their help getting this up and running.
We had some amazing contenders for the win, but, in a sport where fully paid-up pros often steal the limelight, it’s great to see two more grassroots riders take top honours. The couragous, inspirational Casey Gemma is our well-deserved Rider of the Year, while super-talented young Morgan Pickstock overcame tough competition to win Newcomer of the Year.
As for the Lifetime Achievement award, in many years that would have been an incredibly tough one to call. But in 2023, with Rachel Atherton making a triumphant return to racing, brother Gee putting it all on the line at Red Bull Rampage (above), oldest sibling Dan building Dyfi Bike Park into one of the UK’s best riding spots and the family’s bikes being ridden to World Champs triumph, it was a no-brainer! See you on the trails...
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