Athertons reveal new sponsors

by Tyler Maine
Apr 7, 2011 at 9:56


Coed Llandeglla Forest, UK. Today saw Commencal reveal their new team partners and plans for the 2011 season.

Added to the team’s main partners of Animal clothing, Fox Racing Shox and Shimano components is the Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport van. The Vito Sport is the perfect van for any mountain biker or outdoor enthusiast making it a perfect match to the Atherton Family.

The team has also forged a partnership with the Italian bike Mecca, Alpi Bike Resort. Just 45 minutes from Turin airport and with a variety of riding means the team has a great base between European rounds of the World Cup. The family will be working with the resort throughout the summer to help and develop the region.


The Athertons rolled out the new Commencal Supreme V3 with a few new additions for the 2011 season. Having worked with Continental tyres for two seasons on development the team showed off the latest addition, which they referred to as the ‘Rammstein Project’ a dry tyre that incorporates the Black Chilli compound and the quality of a hand built German built tyre. Working alongside the Continental tyres the Athertons will be using Stans No Tubes tubeless solution in a bid to save those ever important, tenths of a second. Also new on the bike is headsets and Tiramic cartridge bearings from Token, these trick and lightweight components help keep the Supremes weight a cool 2llbs lighter than 2010.

To give an added edge on the race track the team also adds Contour to the roster, the cutting edge GPS head cameras allow the Athertons to learn the track while sat in their hotel rooms.


Rachel also announced her plans to skip South Africa in a bid to ensure she is 100% fit for the rest of the season. With a host of tracks on the calendar that Rachel hasn’t ridden before she is raring to get going this year and will return for Fort William along with brother Dan.


Gee will be looking to start the World Cup season off in style down in South Africa in 2 weeks time but before then he will tackle the British Downhill Series on home turf at Moelfre, Wales just 4 miles from the Athertons home.


You will be able to keep up with all that is Atherton on the ‘Atherton Project’, a bi-weekly reality online series starting on the 27th May.

Check out www.athertonracing.co.uk , join us on www.facebook.com/athertonracing and follow us on Twitter @athertonracing

All images by Sven Martin
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70 Comments

  • + 25
flag mtbfraser (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:26)
 awesome the new kit looks great and it's so good to see dan back on the bike!
  • + 3
flag Downhill340 (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:59)
 Yeh New kit look quality,Im glad Dan is back and hes now sporting a neck brace but I thought Rach and Gee would have decided to wear one after seeing what happend to Dan
  • + 3
flag timow (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:07)
 rach is already wearing one Wink
  • + 14
flag HMBA106 (Apr 7, 2011 at 15:39)
 Dan must feel left out, being the only one not sponsored by redbull Frown
  • + 4
flag b4life (Apr 7, 2011 at 16:36)
 Kit looks unreal, nice to see dan and rach with the neckies..too bad gee isnt in one Frown tbh, gee looks a bit different to me this year, anyone else?
  • + 2
flag sniperbob02 (Apr 7, 2011 at 17:36)
 looks tired or angry to me
  • + 4
flag connen31 (Apr 7, 2011 at 20:23)
 am i the only one who thinks the shoes look rather slipper like?
  • + 1
flag pat266 (Apr 8, 2011 at 2:54)
 only problem is, a neck brace wouldnt have helped dan's injury - the impact was directly on top of his head
  • + 3
flag sniperbob02 (Apr 8, 2011 at 7:13)
 neck brace are supposed to help direct it on top since you cannot compress has much so with a good helmet and a neck brace I think he would have gone better than this
  • + 2
flag Steezysix (Apr 9, 2011 at 0:46)
 But only if you're wearing a full face helmet - he was probably just wearing a pisspot helmet for DJ.
  • + 0
flag sniperbob02 (Apr 9, 2011 at 3:56)
 yeah but thats his problem he he prefer style to protection ...
  • + 1
flag lux-freerider (Apr 14, 2011 at 13:52)
 wait so now that they're sponsored by Vito sport , does that mean dan is sponsored by nissan and mercedes at the same time ?
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag RampageRules (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:28)
 yeah dog Smile like they needed more sponsors! psh Razz
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/6404773/
i met gee at rampage Smile
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag allenrotstein (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:42)
 So they have white, blue and black all pretty and nice... And BANG! Some red stuff that does NOT match the rest of the kit... Seriously?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag WAKIdesigns (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:59)
 these sunglasses get more and more hilarious buaahaha, everyday on PB you can find more and more ridiculous looking guy. Looking at Dans pic, Oakley is on the right way to enter the market with shades for infants - fok me, bueheh... looking at this and their super serialous commercial with Lance Armstrong - contrast is amazing, and I don't mean that camera - oooo....
  • + 0
flag fullbug (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:46)
 i'm gonna have to agree with ya waki. sometimes it looks like a two yr old stylin with their mom's shades. big shades/big flat bill cap = super moto steez though...but when you can walk the walk
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag Worm-Burner (Apr 7, 2011 at 15:51)
 Come on Athertons...crack a smile!...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag panzer103 (Apr 7, 2011 at 20:32)
 Dan seems like the only cool one. The other two seem so stuffy and serious like they lack any personality. "I'm Gee I gotta work out. Do some reps. I cant have fun all i know how to do is work out and be serious. No I cant hang out I gotta work out so I can beat Hill. Have a beer? No not on my diet. I'm one dimensional"
I don't much care for Gee or Rachel.
  • + 3
flag Steezysix (Apr 8, 2011 at 2:34)
 "I'm Gee, I'm World Cup Champion. Maybe all those reps and workouts were worth it."
  • + 0
flag GyroShock (Apr 8, 2011 at 4:40)
 I agree with panzer 103. These three have to be the most unemotional people in Mountain Biking ever. I'm really not a big fan of Gee. Gee is like Deadmau5 to me. I don't like Gee's personality, but his riding is unmatched. I really don't like Deadmau5's personality, but I like his music. They really have to cheer up a bit. They have so much to be grateful for! The last time I saw Gee smile was way back in 2006 in a issue of Mountain Biking UK.
  • + 1
flag jmbrit (Apr 8, 2011 at 5:03)
 you pair above are total di*ks!! seriously, have you ever met Gee? doubtful based on what you are saying, I am sat here just wondering what you are basing your intelligent opinion on.
  • + 3
flag Steezysix (Apr 8, 2011 at 5:15)
 "These three have to be the most unemotional people in Mountain Biking ever" Have you seen a Sam Hill interview? Watch the Atherton Project - they all come across as being pretty cool people. Not everyone can be a big personality like Cedric Gracia/Steve Peat.
  • - 1
flag GyroShock (Apr 8, 2011 at 5:49)
 Can you calm down? I may have exaggerated a bit, but if this is the way they always pose on photos and present themselves to the public, then you are going to get people who think the same as me and no, I haven't met any of them. Not everyone lives in the UK. Sure there are a lot of other people in the industry who don't show much emotion, just look at Brandon Semenuk. Having an opinion is like having an a$$. Everyone has one. Deal with it.
  • + 2
flag Steezysix (Apr 8, 2011 at 6:34)
 Everyone has one, and they stink!
  • + 2
flag devojc4 Plus (Apr 8, 2011 at 21:46)
 i met rachel on the lift at whistler last season, she was really cool and she even gave me a redbull Razz she is definitely not lacking personality and im sure the others are pretty cool too.
And to hate on Gee for training is ridiculous... he wants to do the best that he can at his sport, cant hate on a man for that. And we dont hate on hockey players and other atheletes for training, why should we hate on fellow mountain bikers for training and not partying and being crazy
  • + 1
flag Nobble (Apr 8, 2011 at 22:53)
 Panzer103- you clearly dont know much about the downhill circuit... the athertons are an amazing family.

Look up the atherton project and watch a few episodes...you'll see.
  • + 1
flag GyroShock (Apr 9, 2011 at 1:39)
 My comment was just a more elaborate version of Worm-Burner's comment: "Come on Athertons...crack a smile!...". He doesn't seem to be getting much negative criticism... All I'm saying is, I'm not very into the Downhill scene, but the majority of photos that I have seen of them are ones where they don't show much emotion. The advertisement for their Continental tyre, their photo for the Commencal website, their piece in the Dirt Magazine and I saw Gee on the podium in Leogang last year - even though he finished like second overall.

We shouldn't be wasting our time trying to analyze each other's comments. Just go out and ride!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Maverickdh00 (Apr 7, 2011 at 15:14)
 Go the 3 As good to see Dan Rach back if not yet on WC scene best to be 100%, Dan dig the Leatt pro, I wear mine all the time after my neck injury don;t leave home without it, keep it on and be strong! Liking the sound of the new Continental development I love my Rain Kings and Kaisers. and digging the new bike though it took me a while to get used too after the previous model. hope she goes as well and obviously better than the WC winning machine, can't wait for the opener, 2011 is going to be epic, also think its a smart move you keep training in little old Nzed in the off season, a definite training and skills advantage me thinks!

Now who do I yell and support for!!! argh everyone who competes definitley, go the 2011 WC DH boys and girls braaaaaaaaaaaaaap!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag AMCAT (Apr 9, 2011 at 17:09)
 Gee-Rach..not cool ??? Did you ever meet either one of them...Gee is just good guy,zero attitude,no hype...and Rach is a sweet heart,funny and out going.
Dont judge them by a photo shoot,there as bored with it as we are,but they have to keep everyone $$$ happy $$$
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag goxbigxorxgoxhome (Apr 13, 2011 at 0:22)
 wow! everything looks just amazing ! and look at the low gravity point of the new Supreme DH V3 ... it looks like it glues on the ground !
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag en-velo (Apr 8, 2011 at 2:05)
 gee has those flashy shoes Smile
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag sup3rc0w (Apr 7, 2011 at 15:12)
 Why does Animal not actually do DH gear?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag DownHillCooper (Apr 7, 2011 at 14:25)
 dan with a neck brace of course
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Nobble (Apr 8, 2011 at 22:55)
 Does anyone know why Animal kit isnt available to the public?

It's some of the sickest gear around.
  • + 1
flag russone (Apr 10, 2011 at 19:03)
 I've been wondering that for the longest time. Animal is missing out big time on marketing kits to the public. Shit! ...They're missing out period, by not implementing a product line for the riders.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag uttanutta12 (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:30)
 Athertons and their Kit looking Sweeeet as always Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag nelsonryder (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:38)
 Does Dan not have a Redbull helmet ?
  • + 1
flag TommyT712 (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:41)
 I've also wondered that , i think he rides in a 661 helmet ??
  • + 1
flag nelsonryder (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:52)
 maybe some one knows and will enlighten us.
  • + 3
flag nhp890 (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:00)
 he uses a stock 661 Evolution helmet
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:01)
 i don't recall ever seeing him in a RB lid. but i'm old.
  • + 2
flag Pledge94 (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:01)
 they all have 661 but only rachel and gee are sponsored by red bull, well maybe im not 100%
  • + 1
flag nhp890 (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:03)
 yes, that's what pledge94 said
  • + 1
flag jdigdog (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:04)
 I'm pretty sure that when I watched the episode where Dan broke his vertebrae, he was wearing a dirt jumping helmet that had red bull sponsoring on it. Not sure if he is sponsored by TLD though.
  • + 1
flag nelsonryder (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:07)
 well, thanks for all the replies so far. Just gonna have to keep my eyes open and see what helmet Dan does use.

EDIT: yea Dan's not a redbull athlete, so no RB helmet. one day maybe.
  • + 2
flag adam-cuthbertson (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:51)
 Dans not a Red Bull athlete but he is a Red Bull ambassador. Dunno what that entails but thats what I read/heard.
  • + 1
flag bikebikebikebike (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:03)
 I saw a red bull helmet as well, check here at 1:26
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/atherton-project-7-2010.html
also has a red bull skull cap, and a hat further in...
  • + 1
flag nhp890 (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:14)
 but that was Gee i think
  • + 1
flag slydee (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:28)
 i remember Dan having nissan on his helmet..
  • + 1
flag nelsonryder (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:30)
 yea that was Gee in the RB helmet, Dan had a plain yellow helmet. damn that looked like it was hell for him. Glad he made what appears to be a full recovery.
  • + 2
flag sniperbob02 (Apr 7, 2011 at 17:47)
 dan never wear a RB helmet since he was never sponsored by one. on the vid its gee with the RB helmet and hes not sponsored by RB since hes not fast enough, gee and rach and pretty damn fast
  • + 1
flag jdigdog (Apr 7, 2011 at 23:01)
 Yep, I stand corrected! Gee with the red bull helmet.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dom69foco (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:39)
 Dan's rocking the neckbrace... and look at those scars!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag caiocrz (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:05)
 Thats peak for dan. redbull better give this man a helmet
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag togood2die (Apr 7, 2011 at 17:59)
 GET SOME BOYS AND GIRL!!! LOL
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Robbie666 (Apr 8, 2011 at 18:02)
 the glasses and shoes look lame
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MBUKrules (Jun 25, 2011 at 8:01)
 those dirt jumps looked awesome
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag EyeofOneClothing (Apr 7, 2011 at 16:30)
 So stoked for dh racing this year, go athy's best of luck!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag paulcram (Apr 7, 2011 at 14:47)
 3 store dummys!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Rockurshoxoff95 (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:46)
 SICK !!! TO THE MAXIMUM !!! I love that kit and the bike ! looks amazing
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Fastjohn1 (Apr 7, 2011 at 15:30)
 The new kit looks great. Go Gee!
  • + 1
flag squishbiker (Apr 7, 2011 at 16:33)
 but no rainbow stripes?
  • + 3
flag sam-davies (Apr 8, 2011 at 1:47)
 You have to win the World Champs to have the rainbow stripes, Gee won the World cup.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bxxer-rider (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:05)
 im more interested in the new conti tyres then any thing else.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag awesome51 (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:24)
 Hot pics Sven!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag joe-dmr (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:29)
 new kit looks sweet
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mhailo (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:47)
 Does the video not work?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jjulm (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:53)
 geiler typ halt
[Reply]
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