Katy has twice been the British XC Champion and British XC Series winner. Aged just 17 she also won the Elite Scottish cyclocross Championships 2011. She also collected silver medals in the Elite Scottish Road Race and Downhill Scottish Champs and the U23 British XC Championships in 2012.

Q&A with Katy Winton

How did you get into mountain biking and at what age?: I've been riding bikes forever thanks to my dad who has always been a keen mountain biker. I remember dad used to take my brother and I out all over the place to ride. That's where the love began!

When did you realise you were good at it? When I was sitting in my gran's kitchen and my coach at the time said to me: "You could go to the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics one day." That's when it hit home that I could actually make something from this. 

Tell us about your progressions? After winning a lot as a youngster in Cross Country races, I was selected for the Scottish Cycling Talent team. Despite an injury I moved up through the British Cycling Talent Team and on to the British Cycling Olympic Development programme (ODP). That support system/pathway meant I had a coach, learned loads on training camps and later, on the ODP. I also valued the experience of racing against the best in the world at World Cups.

I have now moved my focus from Cross Country to Gravity Enduro (there is a bit of a story about the move on my blog), but the short of it it's been the best decision I've ever made. The support I've had along the way on these programmes and though local bike shops and teams has been fantastic.

Was there a lot of female competition? When I first started racing at 11, on a good day there would be three of us and sometimes it was just me. Things are getting better though. In elite racing there are sometimes up to 30 women racing these days.

So many riders must dream of making a career from their sport? Yes, and I did too. Now it is my career! I had always known it was possible from reading magazines and seeing all the pros and how they got to ride their bike for a living. Knowing it was possible was the beginning, after getting soaked up in the amazing atmosphere at world cups, I realised that the top of the sport was where I wanted to be.

Are your parents supportive about this decision? eg leaving school and not going on to further education. I am so, so lucky, When I decided to leave school mum and dad were 100% behind my decision and if I was to turn around tomorrow and say "I don't want to ride bikes anymore" they'd be fine with that too and ready to support me in whatever way they could. They showed me this  when I decided to end my pursuit for the Commonwealth Games and change to another discipline. They just want me to be happy and I can't thank them enough for that. I'm wouldn't change what I'm doing for the world, but it's not an easy path so to have that support behind me certainly makes things easier.

Can you make a living from mountain biking? There are plenty riders who are, so yes!

Would you recommend it as a career choice to others? I don't think it's something you can recommend as such. It's not a simple 9-5, then you're done, or study all year for this exam then have the summer off. It's a lifestyle. It comes down to a lot of hard work and it's not something you can “learn”. If you have to want it and love it the "sacrifices" aren't sacrifices, they're just the difference between you being as good as the next person or being exceptional. At the end of the day, if you really, really want it and are prepared to put 110% in then go for it.

What do you love about mountain biking? Going FAST! I love the buzz when you get to the bottom of a track after going fast. I feel so alive.

What are your goals/aspirations? To get on a Pro Team, to be World Enduro Champion and to have a successful career as a mountain biker.

What are you five favourite items of kit? 

1. #PIVOT4AMIDGET! That’s my bike, Pivot mach 5.7 Carbon.

2. Morvelo Zero Womens Hood - Morvelo always keeps me looking fresh!

3. Sweet Protection Knee pads - so comfy and after getting five stitches in my knee these were a must

4. Sweet Protection Endruo shorts - super comfy, great length and look awesome!

5. Sweet protection nutshell jacket - lightest and warmest thing I have ever worn! Life changing!

What are you five favourite trails? 

1. My secret trails always put a smile on my face!

2. Innerleithen, most tracks up there especially Make or break as I love jumping!

3. Drumlanrig – I used to love racing XC there. The trails are rooty, flowy and sweet.

 4. Kinlochleven - I've had some great weekends riding here on loose rocky fun trails

5. Fort William Downhill track - the most mental thing I have ever done in my whole life. So good!

What are you top competitions? 

1)    All the World Enduro Series Rounds,

2)    Tweedlove POC King and Queen of the hill Enduro

You can find out more about Katy on her blog and here and on Facebook

Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.