Age:

34

Years Riding:

21

Bike:

Devinci Kobain & Devinci Troy

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/catipearson/

Hometown: Rotorua, NZ

Representing Marleen Brands: Maxxis, Race Face

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED OUT RIDING?

My mum got into triathlon and dragged me along to keep out of trouble. Our local bike shop, Planet Bike, then got me into mountain bikng - getting me to help guide their tour groups. From there it's grown, I've done nearly every discipline of cycling; road, triathlon, downhill, Enduro/EWS, XC, marathon, 24 hour events, back country/adventure hike-a-bikes, and most recently bike packing. 

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BIKE?

Bauer

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT BIKING?

Being out in nature, going places other people will never see as well as being able to meet amazing people from all walks of life who are into the same things. 

YOUR BIGGEST CYCLING ACHIEVEMENT(S) SO FAR?

Event wise it would be finishing the Tour Te Waipounamu in 2022 - 1300km & 25000m vert, down the spine of the South Island. Otherwise, it would be that I founded (with Amanda Monk) one of NZ's largest women only mountain bike groups, the Mud Maidens, and have been able to grow it into holding its own races and events.  

WHEN YOU’RE NOT BIKING, YOU ARE...

Trail building, developing the Mud Maidens ride squad or working as a Sports Dietitian helping other athletes get the best out of their performances.

FAVOURITE TRAILS/TRACKS/RIDES?

In Whakarewarewa forest - Tumeke, Kataore or Tihiotawa (which I've named my trail dog after @traildogtihi). Otherwise, Unhinged, Mt Richmond & Mt Royal in the South Island. 

FAVOURITE MARLEEN PRODUCTS?

Maxxis tyres!