Photo Story: Rachel Atherton Returns to the World Cup Track
The six-time World Champion and 39-time World Cup winner Rachel Atherton is making her return to World Cup racing this weekend.
Atherton is as close to a household name as exists in mountain biking, but has effectively been away from the World Cup scene since she tore her Achilles tendon in 2019 in Les Gets, then became pregnant and had her baby, Arna. She did return for a single race in 2022 - a serious accomplishment in itself after recovering from her injury and becoming a mother - but has yet to get back into the race rhythm.
Now, we're excited that she's excited to be back.
On racing after childbirth, she said:
 | I've always been open about the fact that being a mum hasn't been easy for me, I've really struggled, despite great support from my mum and my partner Olly. The lack of sleep was so hard, the lack of focus and routine wasn't good for me either – especially as I never committed to a decision of either retiring or carrying on racing! It was a bit of a limbo time. Arna sleeping through the night (a quite recent milestone) has meant that I'm in a better mental state, I feel like it's allowed me to make good decisions! I'm loving the routine of training again and it's really helped my mental health regularly training, exercising again, and it helps with sleep too! I've remembered that I love racing! But I'm glad I've taken my time returning to sport and I'm glad I gave myself nearly two years to just be with Arna 24/7 and to just be a mother and be there for her, I've always wanted to try and put Arna "first" by breastfeeding on demand and that's been so amazing but also limiting. She's still going to travel with me because I feel more relaxed when I get to hang out with her in between the stresses of competition, I think leaving her behind would be worse as I'd miss her so much, my mum is coming as nanny and that's awesome! So I'll be travelling to the first World Cup of 2023 with the ultimate goal of getting selected for World Championships in August on our home turf of Fort William. But what's most important is to be part of the team again, to enjoy the process. I'm excited to just compete and see what happens. |
She's been getting after it with training again.
Two champs.
Rachel knows exactly what it's like to win in Lenzerheide. What can she do this time?
No matter how this weekend plays out, it's great to see her back.
She knows the race weekend routine and looks as ready as can be.
Once a powerhouse, always a powerhouse.
We're glad she still finds joy in the race process.
Rachel is excited to be back with her team...
...and is especially excited to bring the newest team member along.
All of us at Pinkbike wish her an excellent race and we're excited to see how it plays out!
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Member since Jun 19, 2015
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Rachel (if you read this) - Well done for getting through the difficult bit, and good luck for the race!
Welcome back Rachel!
Hill, Atherton, Rude , Rat all returning, this is crazy! Who else?
Made me think of you @DetroitCity