Discipline:

Downhill

Hates:

Fuel prices, too much rain at home, first two seconds of ice baths, sheep in the garden, thieves

Loves:

North Wales, reading, singing along to songs, cooking, my motorbike, my cats, the sun and the rain in equal measures, the smell of soil in wet woods, writing, rock climbing.

Rider’s Biography:

 The youngest of the three, it’s obvious Rachel didn’t want to be overlooked or left in the shadows. Eye catching and suggestive, her style on a bike has the hallmarks of influence from her brothers put through the wash with her femininity. The glamour and finesse of a girl on a beach cruiser combined with the vigour required to win races.

She is a mass of pleasant contradictions, a wonderful paradox, shy but often the loudest and most outgoing, feminine in a masculine sport, delicate on a bike but aggressive when called for. All of this on it’s own makes her something of a treasure within the sport but it’s the way in which she’s backed this up with incredible race performances, and at times complete annihilation of the competition, that sets her apart.

Taking Junior level wins wherever she competed, securing world titles and attracting press attention all the way, her position as darling of the sport was never really in question. Reiterated by the respect she gained in the mainstream media, receiving prestigious awards from the likes of the BBC and The Sunday Times, usually reserved for far more orthodox disciplines than downhill mountain biking.

But it was 2008 where it all came together for the girl, winning the esteemed double of the World Championships and the World Cup series. Capping the perfect season with a thirteen second winning margin at the final round, a feat not seen in years.

Soon after, disaster struck. In preparation for the 2009 season, Rachel collided with a truck whilst on a training ride. At times things looked bleak in terms of recovery from the severe nerve damage and Rachel struggled with the main focus of her life, racing, being taken away from her. Testament to her will and passion, she made a full recovery and returned with stronger determination. Having already achieved so much, it is now her aim to achieve the same heights again with added perfection and domination. All to be carried out with her inimitable flair.