Charlie has been a home-brewed favourite on the downhill scene for a few years now, but when, in August, he nailed and railed the slippery slopes of Fort William to find his own pot of gold at the bottom, he truly became a great of the sport
WHO IS CHARLIE HATTON?
A guy who goes fast on a bike.
WHAT ARE YOU BEST KNOWN FOR?
Probably for winning the 2023 World Championships!
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?
Recovering from my injury in Loudenvielle, France, then probably lots of motorbike trials through the winter.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Wake up, have a good breakfast, then do some sort of training in the morning. Eat lunch and then more training in the afternoon, mixed with some sort of two-wheeled riding.
WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME, AND WHAT’S THE RIDING LIKE?
Although I live in Shropshire now, I have to go with the Forest of Dean [in Gloucestershire – that’s where I’ve done most of my riding, and where I was raised. To be able to just ride out of the door, onto hours’ worth of trails, is insane.
FIRST RIDING MEMORY?
Outside my house was a big mound – a slag heap, I guess – and I’d push up it and ride down it all day long. We built jumps on it, too. I was, like, five years old.
WHAT GETS YOU EXCITED TO RIDE?
Pushing the limits and going flat out.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE REALLY STOKED?
After winning the Worlds.
WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON/PEOPLE TO RIDE WITH?
I ride a lot with [Welsh pro] Joe Breeden. We both like the trials element of riding bikes. We’ll often be going down a trail and try to ride off the main line as much as possible, which makes you find really creative lines. That’s good fun.
ANY UNUSUAL BIKE SET-UP PREFERENCES?
I run my brakes really close to my grips – about 10mm awa
