Ambassador Stories

Preston Williams:
Downhill Racer

Photographer Ian Lean caught up with Preston Williams to learn more about what it's like to race against your icons, the bikes and equipment that keeps him going and his favourite locations to race.

Ambassador Stories

Preston Williams:
Downhill Racer

Photographer Ian Lean caught up with Preston Williams to learn more about what it's like to race against your icons, the bikes and equipment that keeps him going and his favourite locations to race.

Photography and interview courtesy of Ian Lean

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Q.  Firstly, not many people will know this but you’ve come onto the mtb scene having competed at a high level in schoolboy MotoX. How do you find the transition to DH racing? What have been your noticeable differences?

A.     I found moving from mx to mtb went really smooth for me as the techniques crossover really well, so I’ve always felt comfortable as soon as I started racing mtb! I noticed I’ve always been really strong on a mtb and I think that’s where I’m used to throwing around a much heavier bike.
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Q.  Do you have any race day rituals? Do you carry across any of which you used racing Motox?

A.  On race day I like to keep things relaxed and just be myself but when it comes down to it I like to zone in and really focus on my race right before it I find a good warm up helps with that.


Q.  How does it feel sharing the race track with some of the worlds iconic DH racers?

A.  It’s good to share a track with some of the iconic riders as you can learn a lot just from watching them!
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Q.  This season you have stepped up from racing Juniors for 2 years into the Elite field, it’s full of the best riders in the business as well as some idols of yours I’m sure, how have you found the competitiveness this year?

A.  Mtb in the elite category is seriously competitive there’s so many riders at each race that are all fast enough to qualify and only 60 of them get through it’s crazy.
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Q.  Privateering on the world stage as many know isn’t an easy task, who are your support network? I know your brother and your dad travel with you to many of the races, what role do they play in your season?

A.  Privateering is definitely no easy task! Luckily for me I’ve got my brother and dad here working on my bike and logistics which really can take a lot off my mind and help me focus. and then I’ve also got specialized uk providing me with bikes that are capable of winning, my performance coach Olympus pro making sure I’ve done the right training and eastpark gym provides me with a facility to train at, I’ve also got stux gloves providing me with as many gloves as I’ll need and crankbrothers keeping me attached to the bike so with all this support it definitely makes my life as a privateer a bit easier!
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Q.  The last 2 rounds have seen you qualify for finals day (top 60) and despite crashing in both of those runs you must take a lot of positives knowing the pace is there?

A.  Just qualifying at a World Cup is a great task let alone in your first year elite as a privateer! But believe me I’m hungry for some good results so to know the pace is there and I’m getting towards my goals is great

Q.  Having been racing on the world stage for the past 3 years, which track would you say is your favourite? And why?

A.  Easy question 100% my favourite track so far is Val Di Sole, it’s fast, rocky, steep, rough all the above, yet when you get into a rhythm I actually find it quite smooth and fun so am looking forward to ending the year there!

The Kit

Take a look at some of the kit Preston uses when competing in World Cup Downhill races in more detail.