Conquer your fears like a pro
Matt makes no secret about the mental battles he’s had returning from a bad crash and putting fear behind him. Here are some of his tips. They obviously work, as his World Cup title-winning ways prove!
Hitting that jump you’re scared of This is something that doesn’t happen too often for me these days, but for sure it did plenty of times on my way through the ranks. First of all, it’s about deciding whether you want to commit to the jump or not, because if you’re in the middle somewhere, this is where it can go wrong. You’re either in or out. From there, it’s always sensible to check the jump out properly first, including the run-in, because that’s where the speed is going to come from and where you’re going to set body position, etc. It’s important to figure that out and get comfortable. I find it really helpful to watch another rider or a mate hit the jump before I do it for the first time. Then you can see the speed and also how ‘kicky’ the take-off might be. Once you’re happy and want to send it yourself, it’s a good idea to follow someone in, ideally someone you can trust to do it right! This will help you relax, knowing that you have the speed and all you have to do is copy what they do. Do this a couple of times and you’re ready to send it alone!
Dealing with pre-race nerves This is a hard one to pin down because everyone is different and we all react in different ways when we’re nervous. For example, some riders get louder the more nervous they become, and some get quieter. The aim is to be focused and relaxed
before you start your race run. The more relaxed you are, the better you’ll ride. So knowing what can get you into that mindset will help, whether that’s having someone with you at the top of the hill, listening to your favourite music or just sitting quietly by yourself. Whatever works for you! Personally, if I feel like I’ve ticked all the boxes with my training in the run-up to the event, I feel relaxed. Even when I was fighting for the World Cup overall and it was all down to the last race, I knew I’d done everything I could beforehand and the result would be a product of that, so it was just a case of riding the bike down the hill.
Fear of losing grip or getting out of control
Finding where the edge is getting a bit wild is part of the game at times. Try to see technical features and sections as challenges, not threats, and over time you’ll learn how the bike will react in different conditions, where it might break traction and how that feels. We all have to push our limits to progress and there’s no need to be scared of it if you do it gradually, edging up the speed or working your way up to harder features. Going too balls-to-the-wall is likely to end in a big crash that’ll knock your confidence, so take it steady and enjoy it.
Getting back on the bike after a crash
Ultimately, time is the biggest healer. After a crash your confidence can take a hit and you’ll be scared to go fast, imagining that crash again. It’s important to realise this is completely normal, it’s just your body’s way of showing its survival instinct. Sometimes it can take a while for you to feel comfortable riding fast again, but keep riding. It’s a process, so allow it to take its course, and remember that you’ll be back in no time!