Getting to Know Charlie Hatton - Junior DH World Cup Racer
Charlie Hatton is a name you may have noticed amongst the top ten juniors in the World Cup this year. A hungry, young rider from the Forest of Dean, Charlie is amongst the talented crop of UK riders who have the potential to be up there with the best. This year's overall winner in the Junior category in the British Downhill Series, Charlie is a regular in the UK races, growing up racing bikes it's not unusual to see him pushing himself on track. A quiet, dedicated Junior, we can't wait to see what happens when he's among elite ranks. We caught up with Charlie to find out more about him, racing and future plans.
Who is Charlie Hatton?I'm an 18-year-old kid, racing bikes and loving it.
Where are you from and where do you live?I come from the UK and live in a small village in the Forest of Dean.
Who do you ride for?I race for a UK bike magazine called Wideopenmag. The team is supported by Fox head Europe, Nukeproof, Camelbak, DMR, Continental, Stans No Tubes, Fenwicks, Marzocchi, Mudhugger, Abus locks, Mtb strength factory, Crankbrothers, Ti-springs, Giro cycling and Sprung Suspension.
Where are you happiest?Crossing the finish line, knowing I've had a sick run! Always feels good standing on that podium.
What’s been your favourite race venue?Fort William World Cup was rad this year! The spectators were crazy, I ended up qualifying 2nd then Puncturing in my finals run but that's racing.
Where are your favourite trails?Most of the race tracks have some really good sections, but sometimes you can't beat home turf.
What are your strengths?Jumps and tight sections.
What are your weaknesses?Slippery rocks and flat corners.
What’s been your worst crash over the years?Last season I broke my radius which SUCKED! I missed a few races but tried to make the most of it and just trained and watched a lot of tv ha!
What’s been your luckiest escape?I was nearly a goner at Fort William! They had freshly rebuilt the motorway jumps and on the first run down I wasn't sure on how fast to hit them. I ended up overshooting it fully nose dived, I was just hanging off the back praying. Luckily I'd been watching Ronnie Mac haha so I followed his technique.
Which bike from over the years, conjures up the best memories?Probably my Nukeproof pulse from 2015. This was my first year racing World cups so was a big step for me.
What bikes are you riding right now?I'm currently riding a Nukeproof Pulse and Nukeproof Mega tr.
Who’s your favourite rider?I don't really have a favourite rider but if I had to choose it would be Greg Minnaar due to how consistent he is.
Who or what inspires you?When someone pulls something off that you never even thought was possible, that gets me stoked!
What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?Going out with mates and eating haha!
What are you listening to right now?I mostly listen to hip hop/rap, this is my tune of the week.
What’s your favourite movie/ TV show?The movie "Grimsby" always makes me laugh!
What’s your favourite non-bike website?I don't normally use the Internet I'm usually out on my bike haha! But Soundcloud for music if I had to choose.
What’s your favourite motto or saying?"He who dares wins" only fools and horses haha!
What grinds your gears?Punctures and crashing haha!
What makes you happy?Travelling around the world riding my bike, doesn't really get much better than that.
If you weren’t a pro mountain biker, what would you be doing?On the tools with my dad probably haha! I'm also a personal trainer and sports masseuse but that ain't no fun.
If you were in charge of the sport, what changes would you make?More than 7 world cups a year in a year!
When you hang up your racing shoes, how do you want to be remembered?Who knows? I'm only 18 so I've hopefully got a few more years till that happens haha!
What does the future hold for Charlie Hatton?More sick times!
MENTIONS: @downhill-12 / @wideopenmag / @foxheadeurope / @Nukeproof-Bicycles / @Mudhugger / @CallumPhilpott
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Must Read This Week
(serious question)
anyways i never knew that what we call "college/post secondary" in canada begins at age 16 in England.
also didnt know that in canada to become a licensed PT one doesnt have to go to college.
Also potential for part time or evening classes for these, but the qualification could have as much accreditation as something out of a cereal box, be careful.
Lads a ripper that's for sure !