Having just won the National Championships in her first year as a Junior, Beth Crumpton is setting the Cross-Country race scene alight with some oustanding performances both in the UK and Europe. With an already impressive Palmeres and a bright future beckoning could this finally be some stiff competition for senior XC champ, Annie Last? Judging by the demolition at the UK National Championships this seems like a strong possibility! we caught up with the midlands based youngster to find out more.

You have just won your first National title – What did that feel like?

It felt so overwhelming! And such a relief when I crossed the finish line, that all my hard work had paid off! The last two years I missed out on the gold, getting silver, not seeming to be able to get it right on the day! So to get everything right on the day with no major crashes, no mechanicals was great! Everything went to plan! Over the moon sums up the feeling! Plus being a first year junior means I can wear it all next season which I can’t wait to do, that jersey makes you feel powerful! Haha!

So what’s the next big target now you are National Champion?

I’m hoping that I will get selected for the World Championships which are in September in Switzerland! Getting selected will be a target in itself but If I am selected then my target would be a top 10 finish!

Have you made any sacrifices along the way and have they been worth it?

I have had to make a big sacrifice this year, I decided to leave school back in March. One reason being I hated the A-levels I had chosen to do and another being I couldn’t manage school and training. So I sacrificed a year of education to focus on my bike riding. I will be going back to college though in September to do a Level 3 BTEC course which I hope to enjoy much more!

Tell us a little bit about the team you ride for?

I ride for the Halesowen Athletic & Cycling Club which is more of a club than a racing team. It’s a track and road based club, with an outside velodrome just outside Birmingham. When we joined the club my Dad (John) really wanted to create more of an off-road section and he’s done a great job doing that now, making the club very multi-disciplined! Everyone in the club gets along with each other and its great for those long nasty cold winter road rides when we can all have a laugh and a joke together to get through the freezing weather!

How did you get into a career in Mountain Biking?

I got into Mountain Biking after riding the cross and road I decided I’d have a go at mountain biking as its always been my dad’s favorite discipline and he always encouraged me to have a go. I went to Team Ducati as my last year Juvenile- U14(Now womens XC Mtb team) where they gave me a mountain bike to ride and through that I really enjoyed it and wanted to carry it on, then I got picked up by the talent team through Mountain Biking and carried on improving to where I am today!

What is your ultimate goal in cycling?

Ultimate goal is to one day go to the Olympics! Be a dream come true!

What are your hobbies outside of cycling?

I love baking cakes, and decorating then I like eating them a lot! I like chilling with my friends and having a laugh and joke, and you can’t beat a party every so often too!

Who is your all time favorite rider?

Jens Voigt! He may not be a mountain biker but he’s just a pure legend! The motivation and inspiration he dishes out is awesome! The one famous phrase of his that always sticks in my mind is “Shut Up Legs!”

How do you chill between races?

I’ll listen to music and chat with friends and have a laugh to relax before getting ready for a race!

Starbucks or Costa?

Tricky question! Got to be Costa though, their hot chocolates are amazing! Plus Redditch doesn’t have a Starbucks so I don’t really have the choice!

Last track you listened to on your iPod was?

Two Door Cinema Club- What You Know

If you could invite any 5 people past or present to your dinner party who would they be?

Shrek, just to see what it would be like to have an Ogar for dinner. Michael McIntyre for the jokes.
Ellie Goulding so she can play us a song.
Zoe Armstrong one of my best friends.
Ian Somerholder because he’s hot.


Describe yourself in 3 words?

Bubbly, Random & Loyal.

My name is Beth Crumpton and I love…...

CHOCOLATE.

See more of Beth at the following links...

Beth's Blog

Beth's Twitter