The UCI World Cup Downhill starts this weekend in Maribor, Slovenia, and that means one thing – the Athertons are back.
Dan, Gee and Rachel Atherton can boast their own racing team – Animal Commencal – as well as their own TV show, and are now the most recognisable siblings in UK cycling. However, the Athertons didn’t have it all their own way in 2009 and are looking to bounce back this year.
Gee endured a frustrating season last time out. The 25-year-old was unable to match the success of 2008, and despite qualifying fastest at Andorra, Slovenia and Fort William only registered one podium finish in the whole World Cup season, in Andorra.
'I could not be any more excited about the coming season' – Rachel Atherton
The 2008 DCI downhill world champion is determined to turn things around this year though. And is hopeful he won’t have to explain ‘what went wrong’ this time around.
"With a long off season nearly coming to an end, I'm super excited about getting involved in the race scene again,” Gee said. “All three of us thrive off the competitive side of racing and with the calendar stacked with great courses it will doubtless be an awesome year."
Rachel had to sit out the whole of the 2009 season after injuring her shoulder in a training accident. The 2008 downhill world champion is raring to go as she plots her return to competition for 2010.
“I could not be any more excited about the coming season,” she said. “To be back in the thick of the team, racing, riding and working with the best companies and people out there.”
Eldest brother Dan is concentrating on BMX 4X this season, with a view to competing in the Olympics in 2012. And like his siblings, he feels enthused by the challenge ahead, “confidence is high – we can’t wait to get stuck into the new season.”
After the success of the Atherton Project in 2009, Gee, Dan and Rachel are back for another series in 2010. Watch the first episode right here.
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