Source: press release
Laurie Greenland faced the transition from the junior to the elite category this year, with her usual calm, relaxed and determined style. Her technique has been defined as unique, direct, agile, sometimes reckless! Laurie Greenland is in all respects a very captivating rider, with his firm determination that leads him to go down the slopes safely and quickly.
Taking his first steps in DH at the age of seven, this boy from the British shores grew up fast. He was able to readily learn from mistakes, turning negative into positive and 2015 saw him use his unique style to mark a splendid last year in the junior category, winning both the World Championship and the World Cup.
Today, with the 2016 season archived, we can confidently say that Greenland has entered the ranks of the elite category in a big way.
Ninth place overall in the World Cup and with the silver medal at the World Championships in Val di Sole, beaten only by teammate Danny Hart, Greenland is confirmed as one of the great protagonists of DH for the next few years.
Before the new season we chatted with Laurie to tell us more about her first year in the elite category.
After a splendid 2015 that saw you win the World Championship and the Junior World Cup title, you will have been a very coveted subject. Have you had many proposals from other teams?
Laurie Greenland: Yes, there was a lot of interest in me at the end of the season. As far as I'm concerned, the most important thing in choosing a team is the bicycle. Basically I tried several and I decided on the one with which I found myself better; the Mondraker Summum satisfied me completely. I have always thought that having a good bike, with excellent suspension and a good team behind it, means that I am already at a good point. The rest comes as a result.
What were your goals in your first year in the elite category?
Laurie Greenland: The transition from the junior to the elite category can be a huge leap. For some, it either goes or breaks it. In the elite, racing is completely different. As far as I'm concerned everything went well, to be honest I don't think I could have done better in this first year. I simply hoped to improve compared to what I did when I was a junior, I wanted my performances to be consistent and safe. The team's expectations were that I would finish in the top twenty. I have avoided risking too much, you know that luck can turn its back and then it's the end. I just wanted to get through every weekend and have a good race every time. I didn't want to exaggerate. I'm still young, I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go.
Did anyone think you took a risk in the World Championship?
Laurie Greenland: I don't think so. I think I did a very controlled race, I felt fit all weekend, no risk, although for some I ran pretty quickly and freely. Everything worked well, the bike, the suspension, me and when everything goes the right way you can go a little further. When you start like this at the beginning of the weekend, it can only continue well.
What advice do you feel you can give to those who would like to dedicate themselves to DH racing?
Laurie Greenland: All I can say is have fun. Just running and having fun is what you have to do, it's certainly not about having the best equipment. Don't take it too seriously and use your head.
I think getting everything right away is penalizing from the point of view of motivation to make other efforts, and it is somehow what prevents some young athletes from improving.
Why do you think the UK is the country where DH is most successful despite not being so rich in slopes?
Laurie Greenland: It is precisely because of this lack of notable mountains that all fans are concentrated in a few places, and thanks to this concentration of drivers, there is a great battle at every race.
In the Alps it is different, there are many wonderful places to run, the choice is wider but more dispersed. I believe this is the enormous difference in our cultures and perhaps it is the reason why we are led to be more competitive on the world scene. To grow we are forced to face a super competitive environment and this is very stimulating and pushes everyone to the top.
And for the near future?
Laurie Greenland: This year I went above and beyond my expectations, so I can afford to be a little more relaxed about the races for next season 2017, I have nothing to prove. I want to keep having fun and still keep a steady pace and aim high.
At the moment I am in the midst of an intense training program and that is what is right to do if I want to be competitive in elite racing. It is necessary to always be aimed at improving one's performance, attentive to the well-being of the body and head and everything that goes around it. When the work is done well and everything works, well, it is the state of grace. Everything is in the preparation. What is certain is that I can't wait to see how next year goes.
