Atherton Diaries Episode 33: World Championships

 I didn’t really grasp the extent of Rachel’s injury until I did a little digging this past week. Just coming off an injury myself I am amazed at how fast she has bounced back. Severed nerve, clavicle surgery, muscle/tendon atrophy and loss of movement from being in a sling... to come back, lose some and finally get into that form again is wild. After reading her BBC interview though, it would seemed she’s much more calculated now then ever before (despite the all gas no brakes sentiment she shares). She’s truly a well seasoned veteran who has acquired racing wisdom and know how that I’m not sure other females have. And a helluva athlete on top of it. Her journey back into this form is well deserving of a world champ title. She seriously owns.

As far as future contention, not that I wish it but Tahnee has been throwing herself off her bike a lot, almost wrecklessly sometimes. I can’t help but feel like an injury wouldn’t be out of the question with how hard she’s trying to push herself. I feel like she lacks some of the athleticism Rachel has to go balls to the wall. Understanding Rachel’s rehabilitation and overcoming the physical and mental shattered confidence that comes with a debilitating injury like hers, I’m inclined to believe that Tahnee appeared much further along then she really was in racing ability. Now that Rachel appears to have her mojo back, other contenders will be hard pressed to get to where she is unless they put in some major major major work in the off season. A part of me won’t be surprised if we revisit the 5-10 second leads for another race season.

All in all, a hell of a recovery for Rachel and good f*cking god that world champs run absolutely smashed.

 That crash/pile up in the in the upper rock garden @1:53! The weekend could've gone quite differently, wow!

Great video and atmosphere, and a good bit of screentime for Gee too. Congrats all-round.

 Great video. Now Rachael is back to her normal form, she is unstoppable. Wouldn't it be amazing if Anne Caroline did come back to downhill as well to give Rach some true competition. Also, lets not forget Gee's last race, it looks like he is going to be back at the top again next year.

 It's crazy to see the gap Rach put on the rest of the girls. What do you think it is? Is she in better shape than the rest of the field? Stronger? Gutsy? Or just off the brakes? I know she's been putting in huge gaps in previous years, but I thought the rest of the field was starting to catch up. This race proves that might not be the case.

 We need some Kade videos. That kid has serious skills.

 Anyone think that Kade is ready to take over from Gee as the main man in the team, boy has some serious skills and if he keeps improving with the guidance of the rest of the team, who knows where he'll end up.

 Amazing end of the season for the whole team

 nice you see pinkbike figured out how to spell mille's name!

 I need a cry box and safe space before I can watch any of the Atherton videos.

 holy shit that arrival at 4:20 ( ) !!!!!!! Kade future elite champion 4sure

 Whats the song playing throughout the 2nd half of the video?

 Oh jea✊