She’s one of the fastest women on the planet when it comes to going downhill. Manon Carpenter is in the upper echelons of professional MTB DH racers, regularly placing on the podium at UCI World Cup races around the world. Her 2014 season looks set to be the best yet, with her first World Cup win nailed at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
We were lucky enough to catch up with her in the run up to the Fort William World Cup race in Scotland.
Can you tell us your earliest memory of being on a bike?
Overshooting a massive table top and my dad trying to catch me, and he made it worse and we both had a massive crash. It was some kind of bike festival, and there was a jump box and I went way too fast.
If you weren’t a pro-mountain biker, what would you be?
I’d love to be a snowboarder, or a marine biologist living by the sea and swimming with wild dolphins and manta rays every day! (I wish)
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m quite good at hitting wing mirrors off vans? I can also hold a conversation in Spanish, especially if I’ve had a drink or two…
Strange pre-race rituals?
No, just sleeping. I have a nap.
Favourite movie?
Kickass! I love the girl in it, she’s cool.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Chocolate. I’ve definitely inherited chocoholic genes off my Nan.
What’s your fave colour?
Blue. I’ve never really had a favourite colour but a lot of my clothes are blue, so I’m guessing it must be blue.
Other than your cycling achievements, what’s your proudest moment?
Successfully moving out and getting my own place!
Manon is sponsored by Animal
