This is Jess Stone - Young, Female and Talented

Feb 24, 2010

After winning the Maxxis Cup International Series, competing in World cups and coming 3rd in the National Champs in 2009 - Jess Stone is described by many as a sure bet for making her move to the top of female downhill racing in the near future.

See more about Jess inside,

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Name
Jess 'The Rolling Stone' Stone

Age
19

Race/ Discipline
Downhill MTB

Highlights of 2009
Winning the Maxxis Cup International Series, competing at the Maribor World Cup and 3rd at the National Champs.


Hopes for 2010
To have great fun riding my bike, consistently be in the top 15 with some top 10's at the World Cups hopefully, gain more experience and to push my riding. I'm just aiming to build on what I've achieved so far as I have so much to learn; so one step at a time!

What's the feel on the DH scene at present as a female racer?
It's pretty good at the moment and I feel it's getting better all the time with more girls getting involved from the grassroots to the World Cup Series. Most of the girls I've spoken to are really fun and we all help each other out and encourage each other to get better!


Training that you're engaging in for the 2010 season?
I've been doing a lot more bike specific stuff as my bike fitness was not where I wanted it to be so I've worked a lot and I'm doing some cross training, just something a little different to keep me on my toes! I've really been flat out this winter training so hopefully it'll pay off this season.

Hopes for the sport of DH?
I would hope that the media coverage of DH would improve in the future and I think there should be a big push to get people watching our sport on the TV's like how it was back in the day! (apparently!) I think the sport will then get more recognition, so more people might be inclined to participate or even just to come and spectate at the races.


Is it tough being a student and racer?
Definitely. It's really hard trying to find the time to train, race and study. I'm currently at Worcester University studying Sports and Exercise Science and they expect us to research and look at things in more detail which takes time. With the racing, it means I got to have time off so I'll miss lectures but the University are really supportive and I'll make sure that the work I miss I catch up on. All it takes is for good organisation and motivation to do the work, so as long as I make sure that I stick to my plan, things should work out ok!


Sponsors for 2010?
You will have to wait and see!

Goals for the next few years?
2010, 2011, 2012 - Again, just to carry on building what I have. I'm really determined to fulfill my potential and every year for me is going to be a big push so hopefully in the future I'll get where I would like to be. It's difficult to say where I'll be in the next few years, I am prepared to work my backside off and going take everything as it comes. I have a lot to learn.

Describe your riding style
Er.. not really sure to be honest but I think - smooth, controlled, strong...?


Can you tell us about the project "The wedge" that your involved in at the moment?
I've been involved in the 'Wedge' Project with Matt Simmonds, Stuart Lippitt and the National Trust since October of last year. The aim of this project is basically to get the lads off the streets and get them into the woods, giving them a focus and to have something to be proud of themselves for. The lads are brilliant and go up during the weekends and build the berms and jumps etc. Matt and myself have been up there a few times to help them with the construction and to guide them on what to build etc. It's really coming on like a treat now and looks awesome. Check out wideopenmag.com when the new mag comes out for the full article on the project.

People you would like to thank:
2Stage Factory Team, Adidas Eyewear, Extreme Medics, BigStone, Five.Ten, SmartWool, eggraphy. Dan Jarvis, Kerry Bason, Tracy Moseley, Katy Curd, Steve Carry, Stuart Lippitt, John Lee and the lads from the 'Wedge' Project, my friends and family. To those who have helped me in the past with lifts to races or anything else, I'm a truly grateful. And to everyone who supports me.


Quick fire Questions..

Favourite place to ride
Hopton/Maribor

Ski or snowboard
Snowboard

Comedy film or Horror film
Horror Film

Cheese on toast or Beans on Toast
Cheese on toast

Redbull or Water
Water

Xc ride or Gym
XC ride

Romantic meal or Downhill session
This one's tough! Even if he is buying the meal , I think I'll go with a Downhill Session!

Marmite - love or Hate?
Absolutely hate.



I met Jess at the Kona mash up back in 2009 when we bumped into each other while riding up a steep, long Alpe de heuz style climb. Her bubbly personality, enthusiasm for life and superb riding ability instantly struck me as rare and unique. After a lot of email conversations we attempted to meet up again and ride, but were challenged constantly by weather, lack of transport or busy schedules. Hanging out with Jess at Llangollen reminded me that her passion for riding goes deeper than winning races and being at world cups - she just loves being outside and riding her bike. All who know Jess, know that she has huge potential to reach the podium over the next few years and be a top player in female DH. But whether she makes it or not you couldn't ask for a better person to go out riding with. John Lee