What does it feel like to be recognised as a next generation World Class Downhill Mountain Bike Athlete? With Liv Taylor.

Girls on wheels

Today I have the pleasure of chatting with Liv Taylor, a 12 year old superstar who is setting her sights on World class titles in Downhill Mountain Biking and is on track to get there.

She is fearless, dedicated, determined and humble, and has recently been chosen for Madison Saracen's Youth Development Team, an amazing opportunity where they nurture and develop the talents of younger riders in a bid to create World class athletes.

Not only that, Liv has the support of mountain biking royalty such as Tahnee Seagrave, Rachel Atherton, Veron Sandler and Becci Skelton who have undoubtedly inspired her to be the best after seeing that raw talent come from the little ripper shredding the likes of Revolution Bike Park!

It has not been easy though. British Cycling's race structure meant Liv had to 'wait around' in effect because despite her talent, she was not old enough to race in the races or categories that matched her talent. Here from James, Liv's Dad about this and what they had to do to get Liv to be able to race.

I want to be like Liv when I grow up.

The Guest:

Liv got on a bike at Cannock Chase when she was 8 years old, it was clear she had a natural talent and overcame every feature in no time. An impromptu visit to an uplift venue in Wales gave Liv the downhill bug and she has never looked back.

Entering her first races at 417 bike park wetted her appetite for competition and she has gone from strength to strength and is now on track for world class podiums.

You can follow and support Liv and see all the crazy things she rides over on instagram: @Livshreds on Instagram

Take away's from the episode:

• It has not been an easy time for Liv to get the permission to race to match her talent. British Cycling do not appear to make it easy for young talent in Downhill Biking to excel and progress, Liv was left 'waiting' around, unable to race because of her age. What are we missing out on as a country by having this structure in racing?

• "If you're good enough, you are old enough", is the approach every other country seems to adopt in terms of allowing talented youngsters to race.

• The support system around you when you compete in this sport is so key to nurturing talent. Role models are vital for younger riders to provide support, inspiration and bring on progression.

• We love bikes.

Useful Links:

For info on the British Downhill series 2023 check out http://bit.ly/425j8km

To follow Liv’s success and race results you can check out Roots and Rain http://bit.ly/3lcXJVN

To read more about the Madison Saracen Development Team check out; http://bit.ly/3FrlDnn

If you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups. They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.

MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook http://bit.ly/3mLKkV4

Trail Birds, a Midlands based group with members all over http://bit.ly/3JGIpdr

Cycle Sistas are based in Essex https://bit.ly/3TidzLn

Girls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular MTB rides in Surrey- http://bit.ly/3Tq4Eb2

Dame Cycling Forest of Dean are a women's MTB group who hold regular weekly rides for all abilities around beautiful FOD. http://bit.ly/3TmuNYi

Get following GOW podcast at https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/ for news on group rides and social events.

The Pod:

Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://www.girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.

If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/girls-on-wheels-4953647 and the app you listen on. It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app too so you don’t miss the next episode.

Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl. Go check out her awesome women's MTB clothing and join the community: https://shredgirl.com/

Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa.

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