ATHERTON RACING: Offseason Momentum, Dominion Control

Mar 16, 2026

New motivation, new kit, same unstoppable braking power

The offseason doesn’t mean slowing down for Continental Atherton Racing. In fact, the months leading into a new season often set the tone for everything that follows. Training blocks, testing, early race appearances, and time spent refining equipment all come together to build the foundation for the year ahead. As the 2026 season approaches, the Atherton squad is already deep into preparation mode. With riders spread across the globe, preseason miles are being logged everywhere from the rugged trails of Wales to the fast, technical tracks of New Zealand, where several athletes recently kicked off the year by pinning numbers at Crankworx Rotorua. New locations. New motivation. A fresh blue and black team kit. But one thing remains the same. Hayes Dominion brakes continue to be the stopping power behind the program.

The 2026 Atherton Racing Roster

The Continental Atherton Racing lineup for the upcoming World Cup season blends experience, proven speed, and exciting new talent. The confirmed downhill roster includes: • Charlie Hatton – 2023 UCI Downhill World Champion • Luke Wayman – rising Elite contender with multiple top-10 and top-15 finishes • Elise Empey – returning strong after an injury-affected season • Malik Boatwright – junior standout stepping up to the factory team for 2026 It’s a lineup that reflects the team’s philosophy: developing the next generation of gravity racing talent while continuing to chase podiums at the highest level of the sport. Atherton Racing itself has been one of the most influential programs in downhill history, collecting dozens of World Cup victories and multiple world championships since its founding by the Atherton family.

Winter Training, Southern Hemisphere Style

While much of the northern hemisphere is still in winter mode, the southern hemisphere offers prime riding conditions. That’s why several Atherton riders have spent time training in New Zealand, one of the world’s premier destinations for gravity riding. Rotorua’s legendary dirt and massive trail network make it an ideal place to sharpen race pace early in the year. Events like Crankworx Rotorua also give riders the chance to pin on a race number months before the World Cup season begins, helping dial in race intensity, line choice, and bike setup. For teams like Atherton Racing, these early race environments are invaluable. They allow riders to test equipment under pressure, fine-tune suspension settings, and build confidence before the World Cup circuit kicks into full gear.

Precision, Confidence, and Control

Downhill racing is often decided in fractions of a second. When speeds climb past 60 km/h and terrain becomes unpredictable, riders need complete confidence in every component on the bike. That’s where Hayes Dominion brakes play a critical role. Known for their exceptionally light lever feel, consistent power delivery, and set-and-forget reliability, Dominion brakes allow riders to focus entirely on the line ahead rather than the components beneath them. For athletes pushing the limits of downhill performance, that consistency matters. The ability to brake later, modulate traction precisely, and trust that the brake will behave exactly the same run after run is essential at the highest level of the sport. From the steepest World Cup tracks to offseason training laps in Rotorua, Dominion continues to deliver the dependable performance Atherton Racing demands.

Building Toward the Season Ahead

The early months of the year are where the groundwork is laid. Fitness is built, bikes are refined, and team chemistry is strengthened long before the first start gate drops. For Atherton Racing, the formula heading into 2026 is simple: • new energy • renewed motivation • a world-class roster • and the relentless pursuit of speed With the season approaching fast, the team is already putting in the work to ensure they arrive at the first World Cup round ready to perform. New year. New goals. Same amazing brakes.