Jess Stone started mountain bike riding just two years ago and at the tender age of 19 has already tasted much success. After winning everything in her junior category she was promoted to elite in 2009. She came second in her first elite competition behind British number one Tracy Moseley. Here we put her through her paces as she answers questions about life as a young rider.
Well done for your 2009 races. Which was your favourite and is this always the case?
Probably the Maribor World Cup, I really enjoy the track. It is so flat-out from top to bottom, it is just amazing fun.
You compete in more than one competition at a time; do you find this demanding on your body and social life?
I do, it’s difficult to find a rest between races, you have to be careful as you don’t want to get too tired for the next race.
Racing every weekend means all my friends go out and I can’t join them. It’s difficult to go out during the week with school stuff so it has an effect on my social life sure, but I catch up over the winter!
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Read related features on Sportsister:
Sportsister talks to Tracy Moseley
The best women’s mountain biking courses
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If you haven’t performed to a standard you’re happy with in one competition do you think this affects you mentality and confidence in another?
It does in a way; I get more determined if I don’t do very well. One of my races this year at Fort William I qualified 17th and finished 20th so I was gutted as I didn’t perform to the best of my ability. I was really determined to do better next time.
How do you overcome nerves before a big race or event?
I get really nervous actually, my body starts shaking! But I try to calm myself down with music.
What’s the toughest challenge for a rider your age?
It’s quite difficult being new to the sport, doing big jumps and drops, as I’ve not had the experience before. Literally I just have to go for it and see what happens.
What do you love most about MTBing?
I guess it would be the adrenaline. There is nothing better than coming down the hill as fast as you can. It is an amazing feeling and it’s difficult to explain to someone who doesn’t do it. Anything can happen, it’s not predictable at all and I just love that unpredictability.
What skills do you need to be a good rider?
You have to have good bike handling skills to stay on the bike! That’s the main thing, but when you get to the racing side of things you have to be fit physically. You also have to be strong mentally.
You have only been riding for two years, are you shocked at your success in such a short time span?
Yes actually, I did my first race and I had no idea what to do! I came 7th out of 12 girls and thought that’s not bad! It just progressed from there. I’ve achieved so much in two years and I think anyone looking at my CV will think, blimey she’s put the effort in.
You got your first bike in September 2007 which you saved for yourself, do you still have it? If so do you use it in races?
No I don’t. I sold it to one of my little brother’s friends for about £100!
Who do you see as a main competitor, someone to aspire to be?
I don’t really have a main competitor, everyone I race against I want to beat! I have had Emma Gascon as my mentor for two years and she’s been the one I have always wanted to get my times close to and beat and finally this year I did. Also Tracy Moseley as she is just amazing. She always gets a podium, trying to get as close to her time as possible is something for me to work towards.
Being so young, do you ever find it difficult to motivate yourself?
No, I’ve always been able to get myself motivated, I’m so driven and determined to do well and push myself.
Does MTBing stop you from doing the young things you feel should be allowed at your age?
No it doesn’t stop me at all, I take part in so much stuff out side of biking, I sing in the church choir, have done for 11 years. I’m at university now and I go out clubbing on student nights sometimes.
With all the travelling you do, do you find it interrupts your studying a lot?
No, when I was at college I had a lot support. Sometimes we would be travelling for two days to get to an event so you have a lot of time to get on with work. I managed to come out with a distinction and two merits.
If you had a weekend off what would be your biggest treat or indulgence?
A lie in!
Erin Healey, Sportsister
The Women´s Sport Magazine
