Getting to Know Katy Curd

KATY CURD

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If there's one thing you'll notice about Katy Curd, it's that she's usually got a smile on her face, especially when bikes are involved. Transitioning from downhill to 4X and then back again, Katy has excelled at whatever she has put her mind to, especially racing, which she has a deep rooted passion for. Regarded as one of the best 'jumpers' on the circuit, she's not afraid to send it and with a World Cup downhill podium and a 4X World Championship title to her name, Katy is no slouch when it counts either. But there's more to Katy and than racing alone, spending much of her off-season coaching and inspiring more women to hit the trails and get rad.




Who is Katy Curd?

A bike loving lass from Wiltshire who's living the dream for as long as she can!


Where are you from and where do you live?

I was born and brought up in Bath and I now live in the Forest of Dean.


Who do you ride for?

Rose Bikes, Raw Sports, Adidas Eyewear, SealSkinz, Bikmo, Duck Smart, Mojo Suspension, IXS and Giro Shoes.




Where are you happiest?

On two wheels.


What’s been your favourite race/contest venue?

My favourite race has to be Fort William, not only is it our home World Cup race but it always has the best crowds and of course the track... it is so hard to put a perfect race run together.


Where are your favourite trails?

Verbier, Switzerland. I took a trip out there in October with Bike Verbier and they are hands down, some of the best trails I've ever ridden.




What are your strengths?

Jumps. I started off riding my hardtail and spent a lot of time dirt jumping which helps now with some of the big jumps at World Cups.


What are your weaknesses?

Arm pump. I suffer with really bad arm pump and have tried everything to get rid of it but nothing seems to work, which only causes me big problems on the longer, rougher World Cup tracks.


What’s been your worst crash over the years?

In 2011, I broke my left humerus and crushed my nerves, which caused me endless problems because of the nerve damage, but I am just very grateful I can still ride and compete.




What’s been your luckiest escape?

My mum never finding out about me spinning my first car! I was coming back from mini motoing with a few friends and obviously still in race mode, and coming into a roundabout at 40mph didn't go quite to plan... before I knew it there were sparks flying and the car was spinning around and around! Luckily no one was hurt, as no one was around to get hurt, so I just drove off and fixed the puncture which I had caused by tearing a hole in the side of the tyre from the slide.


Which bike from over the years, conjures up the best memories?

My Rose Bruce 4X bike. I started out on a hardtail bike when I was little and every time I swing my leg over my hardtail this brings the biggest smile to my face! It's also the bike I have had some of my best results on.


What bikes are you riding right now?

Rose The Unchained, Rose Uncle Jimbo, Rose Thrill Hill and Rose The Bruce.




Who’s your favourite rider?

I love watching Laurie Greenland ride and race, such a talented rider with such an effortless style.


Who or what inspires you?

Tracy Moseley has always been a huge inspiration to me. Ever since I started riding, not only has Tracy helped me out, but she is always the rider setting the benchmark of what can be achieved. Tracy is so talented on any bike and has always been the person I look up to. I love riding with Tracy as I always learn something following her although I usually end up on the wild side trying to keep up with her!


What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?

I like taking photos and I've always been into photography. I like to have something to show for all the amazing trips and places I am lucky enough to travel to.




What are you listening to right now?

Jess Glynne, Sigma and Rudimental.


What’s your favourite movie/ TV show?

My favourite film is Unbroken. I don't really watch much TV although my boyfriend and myself have started watching Breaking Bad which we are currently addicted to!


What’s your favourite non-bike website?

It has to be deliciouslyella.com - I love cooking and I love eating good food! My friend Hayley has got me into to making some good riding snacks and a lot are from here.




What’s your favourite motto or saying?

"Stop thinking and start doing!"


What grinds your gears?

People taking my tools and not putting it back where they came from...


What makes you happy?

Winning races, achieving my goals, spending time with my family and friends, riding my bike and good food.




If you weren’t a pro mountain biker, what would you be doing?

Probably trying to make it as a photographer in the sport. Either that or making coaching a full-time career.


If you were in charge of the sport, what changes would you make?

It's always such a hard one to answer as I think there are so many people out there trying to improve the sport but you are always going to upset someone! I would just like to see the level of support for women racers keep improving... In the last few years the support from the media and the teams has increased and I'd just like to see it continue.


When you hang up your racing/ riding shoes, how do you want to be remembered?

As someone who never gives up. I always put 100% into what I do and I believe you get out what you put in so I work hard at everything I want to achieve.




What does the future hold for Katy Curd?

Hopefully, lots more travelling, racing and riding.

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MENTIONS: @ROSEBikes / @iXSsports / @CallumPhilpott / @mojosuspensionmedia / @foxracingshox / @GiroSportDesign / @renthalcycling / @natedh9 / @davetrump / @meagerdude

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