You guys know our man Rich Thomas, right?
He’s our top elite downhill racer, his words feature in the magazine most issues and he’s been a regular on the British and World Cup downhill scene for years.
Rich is currently on his way to Meribel for his final World Cup. After this season he’s aiming to change his approach and gear-down the World Cup racing and focus on a new chapter of his life.
“So, after nearly 10 years of racing and grinding away at World Cups, Meribel this weekend will be my last for the foreseeable future. It’s an expensive game and doesn’t get any easier juggling work, training, family and riding as you get older. Plus, I want a house, a dog and lead a semi-normal life! There are way too many people to thank who have helped over the years, you know who you are, it’s been spot on”.
Don’t worry though, he’s not planning on going too far. He’ll continue to race UK downhill and help the Wideopenmag team to bring along some fast, young racers. This weekend’s World Cup at Meribel will be Rich’s last World Cup, then it’s on to the BDS final at Bike Park Wales. After that he will be helping us to work on the shape of the 2015 team and setting up a plan for building his experience on the management side of the team. Alongside that, Rich is exploring some opportunities for a career within the bike industry, using his massive racing, coaching and product development experience.
Finally, he’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone that’s helped him in his life, training and racing up to this point – not least the team’s awesome sponsors who have helped him race throughout the world. They are Nukeproof, Fox, Conti Tyres, Drift, Camelbak, Mud Hugger, Fenwicks, RoostDH, MRP. Also, of course our mechanics Chaz Curry and Oscar Newton Mason and his trainer Andy Dockrell.
If you want to drop Rich a line you can get him on twitter via @richthomas24.
Photos thanks to Ian Lean.
