RACHEL ATHERTON

THE EMPRESS OF MODERN DH RACING

Greg Minnaar may be known as the GOAT, but Rach has won more DH World Champs (six versus Greg’s four), World Cups (39 vs 23) and overall titles (six vs three). Only Anne-Caro Chausson and Nico Vouilloz exceeded this, racing in a very different era. So in terms of race wins, Rach has this GOAT by the horns! In the early days she was outshone by older brothers Dan and Gee, but she’s gone on to surpass their achievements (although we’ve yet to see her ride Rampage like Gee!), inspiring a generation of riders, of both sexes, with her determination, courage, skill and pace, and helping to pave the way for other British racers such as Tahnée Seagrave and Manon Carpenter. Rach continues to push women’s MTB forward through events such as Red Bull Foxhunt and by supporting the likes of Vali Höll and Mille Johnset. She had her first child this August, so we’re looking forward to another generation of all-conquering Athertons!