We’re counting down to Christmas with 12 of our favourite UK pro riders.
Does Manon like sprouts? Does Ratboy love a roast? Does Peaty get presents? Tune in to find out.
Straight out of Highland Scotland next is another rider that makes UK downhill so strong. When Greg Williamson gets the luck he’s due, watch out!
Pinned in the dust at Lourdes.
1. 2015 is almost at an end. Was it a good year for you?
It’s been a journey to say the least! Haha! It’s too easy to just say I’ve had a shit year and leave it at that.
So a better answer would be I haven’t got the results I planned and worked for. I crashed a few too many times therefore became quite frustrated, adding a bit of extra work but it’s all part of the game.
On the other hand I did have some good rides and I’m healthy so, taking what I learnt from the past will help look forward and flip 2016 into something great.
2. With off-season in full effect, have you been relaxing or smashing out the intervals?
Yeah man! Been enjoying it, Good times with friends! Always have time off the DH rig, that’s a given just getting me refreshed and kinda reboot for the season ahead.
Although I do find it hard to stop completely as I am always going out on Moto, Road bike, GXC, Dirt Jumping when I can.
3. Favourite ride/race from this season and why?
Pre-season I got the chance to go stay in Queenstown, NZ something I’ve wanted to do for ages! The tracks out there are next level fun! Also managed to do a couple races and won the first National Round which is always good.
4. Worst race/ride and why?
There’s never really a worst races as I said before. Even if your race doesn’t go to plan you still can learn a lot. However if I had to pick one it would be WC #1 Lourdes, France. That would probably be up there with my worst race run. My split’s through 1+2 were (21st) then (8th) so being on for a good start to the season then having the crash I did was a big disappointment!
Jump to 3:06 to see Greggy’s spill:
5. What was the last ride/race where you finished running on fumes?
Actually the last race I did Enduro World Series – Finale Ligure. I did it unsupported and by that I don’t mean “I didn’t even have my mechanic or a guy filling up my water bottle with a organic freshly prepared food right before my massage!” I mean I pedaled all the stages during practice which were big days then realised that everyone passing me was shuttling up the road. That was slightly demoralising. That tired me out a bit – come the race it was pretty interesting just hanging on for the long stages!
You can see the smile just bursting to come out.
6. 3 top tunes of your year?
7. What are you most looking forward to in 2016?
New team, new bike, Downhill World Cup. What’s not too look forward to? Can’t wait!
8. What’s on your Christmas list?
Nothing really, unless Santa would be kind enough to drop off a sweet VW Transporter van in the drive. We’re good! Other than that I’ll be saving for one.
9. Will you be eating sprouts with your Christmas dinner?
DEFO! Love em haha and ‘pigs in blankets’! Ahh cant wait.
10. What will your New Year’s Resolution be?
Always have the same one, Become the better racer I want to be, get faster. Maybe switch it up this year and quit eating so much sweets although that won’t last.
11. What’s your number one stand out moment from this year?
Good question. I’m sad to say there weren’t many stand out moments but there were good memories nonetheless. I had some pretty proud moments seeing Laurie ride so well in Juniors. It was satisfying to have prepared for the season as best I could … and getting my haircut lost a couple stone too.
12. Name one rider to keep a keen eye on for 2016.
Me… ha! But nah, I must say there’s a good scene at home in Inverness (North Scotland) just now with a bunch of promising young gun’s pinning it in the woods.
Also Kenta Gallagher is yet to leave his mark on DH. He’s making a rare switch from XC and is training hard. I’m pretty lucky to have him as a good training partner in the winter and friend.
Thanks Wideopen! And Thanks to my sponsors 100%, Bell Bike Helmets, Five Ten, Bawbags Underwear, Chris Kilmurray and everyone who helped get me to where I am today, and of course, Mum and Dad.
Style for miles.
