In Her Words: Manon Carpenter - What a Difference a Year Makes by SaracenBikes

Manon checks in ahead of the first round of the world cup, after winning the British Downhill Series opener.

What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was headed into Lourdes as world and world cup champion, with no idea what a year it would be. Jill Kintner had given me a hint, telling me that the year after a big success is the hardest, but of course I thought I would be fine. To start with I had so much energy and excitement, but at some point you run out, unfortunately for me that happened right when final preparations were being made for the season, before heading into the first world cup of the season in Lourdes. Thankfully, fast-forward 12-months and I've learned a lot in the past year. I feel more refreshed ahead of travelling to France and much more prepared. I know what I want from my bike and how I want my race to go so it's all really positive. Of course you never know how it's going to go until you get there but I'm in a much better place. I feel like I have more mental energy and focus this year, coupled with more time on my bike, which is what you need to have the confidence to succeed at the top level. That has just started with a successful weekend where I won the first round of the British Downhill Series in Ae Forest. Manon Carpenter

I had a consistent two days with no major dramas or crashes, unless nearly slipping off the muddy podium and taking Tahnee with me counts. I guess this makes for a pretty boring race blog, but a feeling of a job well done on the bike. That's the feeling across the team and the atmosphere is great right now between the staff and the riders, with everyone showing good speed and potential. Marc and Matt both made the elite podium and although Matt crashed in his race run, he was riding really well and with a lot of confidence. Now it's just a case of getting kit cleaned up and packing ahead of Lourdes. Like always it feels like it has been a long time since the last World Cup, so we're excited and looking forward to getting to France and finding out where we're at. Manon Carpenter

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Author Info:

SaracenBikes

Member since Sep 19, 2011
102 articles

7 Comments

12 1

si-paton (Apr 4, 2016 at 9:22)

Manon is pure class both on and off the bike and an inspiration to all female athletes at the BDS. Add in our strong junior females to the mix and Great Britain will once again rules the waves..

Norski (Apr 4, 2016 at 14:43)

....and the mountains.

thelumberjack (Apr 4, 2016 at 8:31)

Between Manon, Rach, and Tahnee Im optimistic for this season... and my Dirt fantasy team! Very talented bunch of British ladies we have at the moment!

teedubya (Apr 4, 2016 at 10:42)

Great to see her get the win at Ae, here's hoping she can replicate it at Lourdes!

pigman65 (Apr 4, 2016 at 10:21)

Go Manon, kick ass girl !!

BigTallYeti (Apr 4, 2016 at 11:24)

cheeky syndicate in the last pic

McArdle FL (Apr 4, 2016 at 14:10)

Did i pick the wrong girl for my dirt team??