Powys cyclist and mum Rachel Atherton's 40th downhill win

Atherton won the opening round in her second race in fours years before returning to the pits to breast feed her baby 21 month old daughter Arna. 

Atherton delivered a super composed yet super fast ride to take the lead in the final to prevail by 0.5 seconds.

“I actually can’t believe it," said the 35 year old."Coming into the race I genuinely had no idea if I wouldeven qualify, the new format is so hard, I’m exhausted.”

The Llangynog raised six times World Champion, six times World Cup overall champion and the first downhill racer to every deliver a perfect season has done it all.

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Rachel Atherton in action.

The 35 year old has effectively been away from racing ever since she snapped her Achilles in 2019.

Recovery from injury was followed by the pandemic and cancellation of the 2020 season and the birth of Arna in August 2021.

Atherton began her comeback in 2022 with a sixth place at Lenzerheide.

Rachel said: “For me, not getting hurt is even more important than it was before, as I've got a lot more responsibility.

"I’ve been very open about the fact that being a mum hasn’t been easy for me, I’ve really struggled, despite great supportfrom my mum and my partner Olly.

Rachel Atherton.

"The lack of sleep was so hard for me, for the longest time Icouldn’t even contemplate training again and that had knock on effects- the lack of focus and routine wasn’t good forme either – especially as I never committed to a decision of either retiring or carrying on.

"I’ve always wanted to try and put Arna first by breastfeeding on demand and that’s been soamazing but also limiting, 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.

Rachel Atherton in action in Switzerland.

"I’m basically racing for fun, and because the Atherton Bike that I helped design with my brothers and that we manufacture in our home town of Machynlleth is just so good.

"I’m excited to just compete and see what happens.

“It’s a whole different game riding a World Cup compared with riding at home at Dyfi Bike Park where I know the lines inside out but second place in qualifications was a huge boost."

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