After an impressive two years in the Junior category that culminated in winning both the Irish national championships and the UK's BDS series, finishing third overall in the World Cup series and taking a Bronze medal at the world championships in 2015, Jacob Dickson is entering the Elite category this season with more focus than ever before. While there aren't many young racers with a resume quite like Jacob's, it's his attitude and love for the sport that make him stand out as a rider and indeed a racer, to keep your eyes on in the near future. Helping him achieve his goals this season are Nukeproof - a brand that much like Jacob, were forged on the emerald isle and similarly boast an impressive list of speed related accolades...


How did you got into mountain bikes and downhill racing?

I was racing for two or three years before I got on the Dirt team back in 2013, but I wouldn’t be riding a bike if it wasn’t for my dad! He was the one who got me into it as he raced downhill for years and even did a handful of World Cups as well.


What do you put your speed down to?

Definitely being a ginger because we have no souls, ha-ha! All jokes aside, I’m not too sure, but probably because I just really enjoy it – racing is fun for me and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.





How do you feel approaching your first year in the Elite category?

I’m really looking forward to having lots of fun with everyone behind me. You know I wouldn’t say that I’m nervous; definitely more excited than ever before – I’m just going to go in with a level head and do my best!


What do you think will be the biggest challenge this season?

It will be a big challenge, I have no doubt about that, but as I said, I think I’m more excited than I have ever been approaching a season of racing. I really want to prove myself to everyone and show people that you don’t need a big team to do well at the thing you love the most.




Have you ramped up your preparation this off-season?

Yeah, I’ve made a lot of changes this off-season... I now have Chris Kilmurray from Point 1 Athletic helping me out with my training, which is amazing. His knowledge and expertise when it comes to working with world-class bike racers is second to none.


What’s your game plan for the year ahead?

My plan is to do as many races as I can afford to do really and I’ll go from there. I would love to get two or three top-20’s and be in the top-30 overall in my first year in Elites. I’ll be doing all the World Cup’s besides the round in Australia, and racing all the BDS races and the world champs too.




Being an Irish rider on an Irish bike with a World Cup pedigree is pretty damn cool – how did the deal with Nukeproof come about?

Yeah, you’re right, it’s rad! Some day I hope to be the first Irish rider on an Irish bike to be on the top step of a World Cup podium. The deal sort of came about as I wasn’t riding for Dirt anymore and got told at the last minute that I didn’t have a ride for 2016.

I’ve always had a really good relationship with the guys at Nukeproof from when I was a young rider, as they used to sponsor me. Thankfully they were more than happy to have me back and I’m stoked to be back too!


Going from the 324 to the Pulse, what was the first thing that stood out and what is it about the Pulse that you like?

The new bike is simply another type of beast, that’s for sure. I loved my 324, but I really love my Pulse too - I just feel way more at home on it. And being on different suspension, well, it just makes a big difference to the bike too.


Can you tell us a bit about bike setup?

I’m around 5’10” and ride a size large Pulse, which is big considering Sam and all the others are riding mediums, or so I’ve been told. I run a 45mm stem with 38mm high-rise bars. As far as suspension goes, that depends on the track I’m racing on and my favourite tyre by miles is definitely the Schwalbe Magic Mary!




Can you tell us a bit about the big crash you had in 2013?

Yeah, 2013 wasn’t the best for me… At the Innerleithen round of the BDS I did a superman into a tree with my head and broke my neck, which wasn’t very smart. I was out for 14-15 weeks and just spinning my legs on a bike for something to do. One week after I got my neck collar off I went to Maribor for an iXS Cup and got third, which I was pretty happy with.


What’s the downhill scene like in Northern Ireland?

Yeah, the scene here is very laid back compared to any anywhere and it’s nice to get back and ride at home - everyone is happy to see me racing at home too.




What advice would you give to an aspiring downhill racer?

The most important thing is to never give up on your dreams, even if you get knocked back and knocked down. Just get straight back up and do it again.


Thanks Jacob and all the best for the year ahead!

Cheers guys, thanks and see you all on the hill!

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MENTIONS: @Nukeproofinternational / @oneal / @ride100percent / @schwalbe / @SramMedia / @mavic / @Point1Athletic

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