About Me

 

»You can follow JESS STONE on twitter HERE, keep up to date with her progress and activities«

 

 

Name:

Jess ‘The Rolling Stone’ Stone

 Age:

19

Interests?

Boxing, pool, snowboarding, singing, writing songs or playing on my piano, pantomines, football, white water kayaking, downhill Mtb.

Years of riding:

Just over 2 years. I started September 2007.

How did you get into the sport?

My PE teacher when I was at school told our class stories about her riding and the races etc. She used to be a World Cup rider. I thought she was awesome too and I was inspired by her, so I decided to give it a try! I had no idea what this downhill biking actually involved. I saved 8 months solid for my first bike and went to Bringewood on my birthday in 2007. What a great day; I was hooked from then. I previously played football as a goal keeper and was on standy for England but I decided that mountain biking was the path I was to take.

Favourite Track?

Hopton/ Maribor (slovenia) / Gawton

Goals for next year:

I reckon – to consistently be in the top 15 at the World Cups and into that top 10 in the finals… Podium at the British Downhill Series… Podium at national champs and rise to the challenge on whatever is thrown in my direction!

Ultimate Goals?

I'd like to get as far as I can in the sport and it would be wicked to see what happens. My dream is to represent Great Britain - the day I wear that GB Jersey will be my proudest moment ever. I'm doing my best to get there! haha!

Favourite Riders?

Sam Hill for his style; Tracy Moseley for her smoothness, strength and professionalism; Helen Gaskell for her riding style and Greg Minnar for his strength and control.

Any downsides to being an upcoming world cup rider?

There are no real obvious downsides to me. At 19 years of age, I’m travelling all over the world competing with the best mountain bike riders in the world. Last year I honestly dreamt of being in this position and to actually be here is amazing. I guess the only downsides could be all the travelling and time away from home and I had to work mega hard to do all my college coursework after practice and races, but the experience and opportunities that I am getting is so worth it.

Why did you choose to do Downhill and not Football?

It's one of those things that just felt right to do. Don't get me wrong, it was the hardest decision i've ever had to make so far in my life especially for several reasons; I was so close to getting to the top in Football, people thought I had lost ambition and was giving up by not doing the football and it was something I knew I was good at. However, I believed I could be good at biking. I knew what I could do and nothing else mattered to me. The Downhill is just amazing, everything about it is incredible - the places it takes you and the people you meet and the buzz it gives you. I couldn't explain how much I love riding my bike, even if i'm tired I will just keep on rolling. I'm definately here now for the long run, whatever happens I will always be riding a bike...

What motivates you on a miserable day? Do you stay inside and watch movies?

If it's a training day I definately don't watch movies! If it's a bad day when I'm supposed to be out for a play ride on the DH or on the road bike training then that's just unlucky. I think habit in my training helps and I'm also immmensly determined. I've always been self-motivated fortunately!!