Name Dakotah Norton

Age 33 Years

Nationality USA

Discipline Downhill

Awards

2nd UCI MTB WORLD CUP - 2024 Val di Sole

4th UCI MTB WORLD CUP - 2024 Fort William

2nd UCI MTB WORLD CUP - 2023 Loudenvielle-Peyragudes

3rd UCI MTB WORLD CUP - 2023 Les Portes du Soleil

3rd UCI MTB WORLD CUP - 2023 Snow Shoe

2nd UCI MTB WORLD CUP - 2022 Lenzerheide

2nd UCI MTB WORLD CUP - 2022 Val di Sole

x2 U.S. National Champion

HISTORY AND MOTIVATION:

How did you get started in the downhill world?

I was racing BMX at the time and stumbled on a slalom bike. It turned out my skill set was perfect for downhill. It was the closest thing to riding a dirt bike, and I was hooked.

When did you start racing?

I started racing moto at 4, BMX at 15, and downhill at 22.

TRAINING AND PREPARATION:

What’s your training routine to prepare for downhill competitions?

I try to get in the gym at least 3x a week, on the downhill bike twice, xc bike twice, and the moto once a week.

Is there a specific aspect that you focus on the most during your training?

Not necessarily a specific aspect, but I try to maintain a high level of quality to what I'm doing.

CHALLENGES:

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?

I’ve always tried to compare myself to the riders above me and it’s put a lot of strain on what I could achieve for where I was in the sport. I always try to maximize and that causes a lot of stress.

TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES:

How do you mentally approach a big competition?

I’ve always been afraid in the past, fear of underperformance. As I get older and more mature, I truly feel that if I've done all I can to be my best self, I really just have to be okay with trusting myself to handle the situation. It's not always going to go my way, and I'm more okay with that than ever.

PLACES TO PRACTICE DOWNHILL:

What is your favourite place to practice downhill and why?

I really enjoy being in Morzine. The riding is world class.

What is your favourite downhill trail and why?

Dirt merchant, it's the best trail.

INFLUENCES:

Is there a downhill racer or athlete you admire who has influenced your style or your career?

Ratboy and Sam Hill.

ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS:

For those starting out in downhill, do you have any key tips or recommendations?

Aim for quality in what you're doing; wild is not fast.

CAREERS AND GOALS:

What are your goals and aspirations for the future in downhill?

I want to win.

Are there any specific races you have in mind that you would like to win?

Mont Saint Anne.

Dates

Race Calendar 2025

Date	Race	Location
16 - 18 May	World Cup	Bielsko Biala
30 May - 01 June	World Cup	Loudenvielle
05 - 08 June	World Cup	Leogang
20 - 22 June	World Cup	Val di Sole
03 - 06 July	World Cup	La Thuile
09 - 13 July	World Cup	Pal Arinsal
21 - 31 August	World Cup	Les Gets
04 - 07 September	UCI Mountain Bike World Championships	Crans-Montana
18 - 21 September	World Cup	Lenzerheide
03 - 05 October	World Cup	Lake Placid
09 - 12 October	World Cup	Mont-Saint-Anne