Talented Enduro Motocrosser has high ambitions and hopes a degree in Sport and Exercise Science will help achieve them

Rhian George is studying Sport and Exercise Science alongside her career in Enduro motocrossing. Enduro is a physically and mentally demanding sport, involving short motocross races of high, nearly maximal intensity, as well as 5-8 hour long courses through various terrains, and specifically selected technical courses involving, jumps, obstacles and steep ascents (and many other challenges). We catch up with her as she arrives to start her degree at Aberystwyth. 

How has your racing been going?

After successful years racing in the UK, this year was my first year racing internationally, and to be honest it has not been a great year for me as I’ve been plagued with injury after injury. I leave for Portugal shortly to represent Great Britain in the European Enduro team championship with two other female riders.

 How long have you been racing for?

I’ve been racing from the age of 13. I raced against boys and girls in my classes and won several events. In 2010 I moved up to an adult’s bike. I spent the majority of the year getting used to the height and weight of my new bike. In 2011 and 2012 I raced the adult British championship and won the British Ladies Enduro championship. After rounds one and two this year I was joint leader on points for the championship but after a cartilage and MCL injury my chance of winning my third championship were over. Last year was a great year for me as I made great times in the men’s classes as well as winning Canada Heights in an all men’s class. It was after my success in Britain that I decided to move up to European races.

 What is your motivation to study Sport and Exercise Science?

As a student studying sports and exercise sciences I hope to learn more about how amateur athletes turn into elite athletes with the hope that one day I will be able to do this. I'm really looking forward to gaining knowledge in psychology about concentration and focus as my races range between 5-8 hours, it’s important to be alert constantly. I also hope to learn about techniques to help with confidence and pressure as racing abroad with the best in Europe can be a bit daunting.

 What aspect would interest you most in our degree?

I'm looking forward to learning about physiology this is because I hope to gain knowledge on how my body works in different environments and how I can adapt to them, racing abroad this year in motocross kit, boots and helmet in 30 degree heat was definitely different to racing here in Britain. Biomechanics is something similar to what I do in training through looking at footage or photographs and analysing how quickly I'm able to move on the bike or how my technique is looking. I hope to learn in biomechanics ways in which to help me analyse my own performance so that I can become a better rider. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition for the future is to someday race at world level. I would also like to get selected to represent Great Britain in the Internal Six Days Enduro, in what are the Olympics of my sport. I am working towards the best degree I can get so that maybe one day I would be able to get a career with the sport I love.

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