RIDERS READY Christian Aucote

NICKNAME CHRIS
HOMETOWN DERBY
AGE TWENTY EIGHT
CAT EXPERT
BIKE ARC

Chris is the worker bee of the team - most likely to be seen at every event from XC sprint through to 24 hour solo - he's done them all. Racing Expert for a third year and ready to achieve his potential with Yeti to make it three Elite team riders in 2010!

Known for a love of fast dry singletrack and chocolate cakes, Chris first came to attention in 2006 winning the Sport race at his first National event and continuing with more podium placings. In the following two years attentions would shift toward marathons but in 2009 the focus is clear; to gain a coveted Elite licence. We caught up with Chris shortly before the first landmark event of the season to see how training was progressing...

SO, WHAT'S THE MASTERPLAN FOR 2009?
Definately get that Elite licence. It would be cool to get a Yeti 1-2 at an Expert race or two as well. Whatever the case, I'm excited about the coming year!

YOUR FIRST RACE OF THE YEAR WENT TO PLAN?
Yeah, the first Gorrick was just a test to see how the legs were. I had good endurance which was a relief but no power. I suppose it wasn't a worry.

HOW COME?
I'm not sure firing on all cylinders in January would have been a great plan! Since then the riding has been different and Sherwood will be a good test.

AH YES, THE FIRST NATIONAL...
It is always hard to know what will happen there, it is the first race, everyone has been secretly training. Nobody knows what is going to happen until the end of the first lap. Only then have you got a better idea of what the deal is.

We're hoping the deal will be cut in the favour of our Expert riders...it would be cool to see that 1-2 (no pressure!)