JESS STONE
A former World Cup downhiller and the reigning British National Enduro Series champ, Jess looked set to take the win at her Enduro World Series debut in September, until a disagreement with a tree left her with a broken finger. She’s heading into the 2022 season all fired up.
Who is Jess Stone?
I’d say I am a bit of a joker. Fun, kind – bit of a jack-of-all-trades!
What’s your job?
I now mostly work in Tesco, which gives me flexibility with races and training. I used to MTB full-time for a fair few years.
Where do you call home?
Home for me now is Stirlingshire in Scotland. The riding and scenery are incredible – places like Aberfoyle, which is really steep, tight and technical, and the fast, flowy, jumpy trails at Cambusbarron, on my doorstep.
How did you get into MTB?
When I was at school in Shropshire. My teacher happened to be Kerry Bason, who used to race DH, and she inspired me. I’d go riding after school on the Long Mynd, in rain or shine. It was about an hour’s push to the top and 30 seconds down, but I absolutely loved it!
What was your first bike?
When I wanted to be a downhiller, I got a Halford X-Rated hardtail, which was £100, for Christmas. I think the wheels were actually square after about three months! My first proper DH bike was a Club Roost.
What’s your current go-to bike?
My Scott Contessa Ransom. My word, that beast is so much fun!
What gets you excited to ride?
Honestly, just looking at my bike. I look at my Ransom and think how awesome it is to ride and I’m stoked already! Also, a day of riding planned with friends.
Favourite person to ride with?
Too many to name! Right now, my pals Jamie (aka Street Pigeon) and Wes – a couple of awesome guys who laugh a lot and have an abundance of energy.
Who is/was your MTB hero?
Helen Gaskell was my hero – still is!
Best trail you’ve ridden this year?
Aberfeldy!
Dream riding location?
Madeira.
Scariest thing you’ve done on a bike?
I’ve felt most scared riding places like Woburn, doing big jumps on my trail bike. It scared the life out of me following Joey Gough through the lines! An incredible feeling.
Worst crash you’ve had?
I had some massive stacks in DH, but wore a lot of body armour so always got away with it. A big, high-speed OTB in the first rock garden at Val di Sole hurt a lot.
Biggest riding achievement?
Almost winning my first EWS! Although I never got to finish the race, to be leading by nearly eight seconds and to win a stage with a broken finger was one of the best things I’ve done.
Favourite bike film/segment?
Earthed 5 – The Law of Fives.
How far can you wheelie?
I’ve never measured it, but wheelie far!
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Make having fun on your bike your priority above all else. As long as you give your best, you can never fail.
What would you be if you weren’t a mountain biker?
I’d have been a footballer or a boxer.