10 Questions with Monet Adams

 

Monet Adams is one of a breed of talented Women’s MTB Downhill riders in the UK. Monet, who is only 16, is already beating some of the countries top men and women in age groups above her own. With a 1st place in the National Points Series Women’s Downhill Championships already under her belt along with numerous other high profile top 3 finishes, it wont be long before Monet reaches the top level Women's downhill.

 

 

What is your background in Cycling

and MTB Downhill Racing ?

Well I Started Racing Cross Country MTB at about 9 or 10 years of age. When I was 11 my dad took my to a NPS at Combe Sydenham and I met Tracey Moseley. She chatted to me for ages and I wanted to be like her. So I did the odd race for a few years then when I was 14 I gave up dancing and started racing properly. Two years later I’m finally getting somewhere riding for Solid AUK on a really good team.

 

How long have you been involved in the sport?

I’ve been Mountain Biking for about eight years now.

Racing properly for about three.

 

What are your motivations for MTB Downhill?

I like to scare myself and win…

 

What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years?

Well, World Cup podiums next year. I want to have the Junior World Champs and Senior World Champs under my belt by then. I would also really like to do some more Velodrome and BMX racing. Maybe be thinking about University.

 

What are your strongest and weakest points at the moment?

My sheer lack of self motivation when the weather is bad, which is obviously quite frequent at the moment. I just sit on the turbo trainer in the warm. I think my strongest point is my ability to learn from other people. I like riding with guys that are faster than me because it pulls me along and I’m always determined to look good on the bike in front of them.

 

What would you say is your most prized cycling possession?

Well my Mission 9 is quite nice, however last year I got a really nice custom sprayed helmet, so that gets looked after pretty well.

 

Which current cyclist inspires you the most?

I try not to look at what other people are doing and aspire to be like them because that’s not what I’m aiming for. I want to be better than everyone, not like them. On the other hand, the way Rachel Atherton smoked all the boys this year was amazing and something I would love to be able to do.

 

Do you have any tips for riders who would like to take up MTB Downhill racing?

Work hard, go out and train, don’t fuss over having all the right kit just get out and do it. Oh and don’t take yourself too seriously.

 

What is your favourite cycling MTB downhill track and why?

I always really enjoy going to Innerlethein because there’s so much up there and you never know what track their going to use. Also there’s so much variation there. Myndd du and Rheola in South Wales are really fun too.

 

And finally, Steve Peat or G Atherton?

I actually laughed out loud at that question! You could have chosen someone cute or unmarried! But obviously this is about riding style and professionalism so Steve peat, he’s relentless isn’t he and he has brought some great riders along with him.