Weโre 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!
Our first Boxing Day pro is the number 1 privateer in the ladies Enduro World Series, Bex Baraona.
2016 is almost at an end. Was it a good year for you?
It was amazing, completely new experiences for me, racing my first Enduro World Series. I finished the season in 7th, rode some amazing trails and met so many people from around the world!
With off-season in full effect, have you been relaxing or smashing out the intervals?
I had a lovely 6 weeks of down time, catching up with family and friends and enjoying life on the farm. Iโm on with grafting now, the season is going to creep up quickly I think!
Favourite ride/race from this season and why?
The most enjoyable race for me was Valberg. It was a wet, muddy and slick race, my favourite! It also saw me get my best EWS race result of the season, in 5th. I had been waiting all season to slip and slide at an EWS race, was so much fun to ride and see everyone’s reactions about the conditions (some not so excited as me!).
Worst race/ride and why?
La Thuile EWS all went to pot for me. I had a few things going on and I wasnโt very focused. Just didnโt ride my bike like I usually do, crashes galore! Took away some good lessons though.
What was the last ride/race where you finished running on fumes?
Done some hefty road rides recently which, although you donโt feel too tired in the saddle, my legs have been pretty drunk after them, wobbling my way round the house!
3 top tunes of your year?
What are you most looking forward to in 2017?
Mainly Iโm just looking forward to getting racing and travelling, seeing new places like New Zealand, Tasmania and Madeira. Iโd really like to see if I have made improvements over winter also.
What’s on your Christmas list?
A pull along luggage bag! Not too exciting but it will be my best friend for 6 months of the year and make my life much easier than last season. #privateerlessons
Will you be eating sprouts with your Christmas dinner?
Iโll be eating EVERYTHING with my Christmas dinner, no holding me back when it comes to Xmas!
What will your New Year’s Resolution be?
Ride pump track and DJ!
What’s your number one stand out moment from this year?
When Cecile Ravanel stopped me on a liaison in Valberg and told me Iโd just come 3rd on the last stage. Was pretty cool feeling to be told news like that, by far my best stage result and getting congratulated by the series leader! It was cool, felt on cloud 9.
Name one rider to keep a keen eye on for 2017.
My travel buddy and fellow EWS 2016 privateer dominator, Matthew Stuttard. That boy is an animal.
