12 Pros of Christmas – Matt Simmonds

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 – Matt Simmonds faces the Wideopenmag grilling this time out.Matt Simmonds Madison Saracen UCI Downhill World Cup Saracen Myst Pro Carbn

Matt Simmonds has had yet another solid year in 2015. Two BDS wins, a consistent top 25 at the World Cups and made the World Champs team. Here’s his 12 Pros.

2015 is almost at an end. Was it a good year for you?

Yeah it was, I got engaged, collected a couple of national wins and enjoyed racing my new Saracen carbon Myst.

With off-season in full effect, have you been relaxing or smashing out the intervals?

Intervals what are they? Haha. No nothing that serious just yet, save that for in the New Year when I’ve some Christmas dinner to burn off.

Favourite ride/race from this season and why?

One of my favourite rides from this year was out on a training camp in Malaga. Riding a trail we call Master Blaster. Severn minutes of smashing rocks and turns, if you like arm pump you’ll love it.

Matt Simmonds Madison Saracen UCI Downhill World Cup Saracen Myst Pro Carbon
Chilling in the pits before a stellar 8th position at Windham. Photo by Duncan Philpott.

Worst race/ride and why?

Worst ride would also be on a team camp. Pouring rain, me and Sam on the front driving on and having a good sing song to keep everyone’s spirits up. Character building I think it’s called!

What was the last ride/race where you finished running on fumes?

Haha that’s easy see above for said ride.

3 top tunes of your year?

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What are you most looking forward to in 2016?

Racing my bike, winning more races & generally having a good time with the Madison Saracen Factory Team.

What’s on your Christmas list?

I reckon a good pair of waterproof socks, who doesn’t love socks at Christmas.

Will you be eating sprouts with your Christmas dinner?

Of course, I won’t be allowed the leave the table otherwise.

What will your New Year’s Resolution be?

Get the firewood in before it runs out.

What’s your number one stand out moment from this year?

Getting to live in Portugal for three months.

Name one rider to keep a keen eye on for 2016.

Matt Walker, first year in juniors.

Matt Simmonds Madison Saracen UCI Downhill World Cup Saracen Myst Pro Carbon
Charging to another top 20 finish on home soil. Photo by Sven Martin.

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