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Continental Atherton Racing: Forged by Legacy, Driven by Progression
Feb 10, 2025
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From the highlands of Wales to the world’s steepest World Cup tracks, Continental Atherton Racing continues to define what it means to build—not just race—champions.
For 2025, the team doubles down on its commitment to talent development, grassroots grit, and elite performance, with a global roster that represents the future of downhill.
At Hayes, we’re proud to stand behind this powerhouse program, providing the Dominion A4 brakes that help Atherton riders push harder, brake later, and ride with total confidence on the world’s toughest tracks.
Built on a Family Philosophy of Progression
The Atherton name has long been synonymous with dominance in downhill racing. Rachel and Gee Atherton, two of the most decorated riders in the history of the sport, alongside Dan Atherton, have shaped not only podiums—but people.
Their drive to give back led to the creation of the Atherton Academy in 2013, a rider development program with an unmatched success rate. Today’s team, Continental Atherton Racing, is the evolution of that mission—a team built not just to win, but to build winners.
With Team Director Dan Brown and a world-class support crew behind the tape, the 2025 squad blends experience with raw, untapped potential, making it one of the most exciting lineups on the circuit.
At Hayes, we’re proud to stand behind this powerhouse program, providing the Dominion A4 brakes that help Atherton riders push harder, brake later, and ride with total confidence on the world’s toughest tracks.
Built on a Family Philosophy of Progression
The Atherton name has long been synonymous with dominance in downhill racing. Rachel and Gee Atherton, two of the most decorated riders in the history of the sport, alongside Dan Atherton, have shaped not only podiums—but people.
Their drive to give back led to the creation of the Atherton Academy in 2013, a rider development program with an unmatched success rate. Today’s team, Continental Atherton Racing, is the evolution of that mission—a team built not just to win, but to build winners.
With Team Director Dan Brown and a world-class support crew behind the tape, the 2025 squad blends experience with raw, untapped potential, making it one of the most exciting lineups on the circuit.
The 2025 Roster: A New Era Begins
Charlie Hatton – Elite Men
World Champion. Long-time Atherton rider. Race veteran. Charlie returns in 2025 as the team’s anchor and mentor, bringing speed, consistency, and experience to both the track and the pits. His 2023 World Championship title still echoes through the team, inspiring every young rider who straps on a helmet.
Elise Empey – Elite Women
The Australian rising star made her mark in 2024 with a 9th at World Champs and 7th at Loudenvielle. Now riding full-time with the Atherton crew, Elise is chasing top-10 regularity and showing she belongs with the best. With Hayes Dominion A4 brakes helping her stay composed through chaos, her rise is far from over.
Luke Wayman – Elite Men
New Zealander. Junior podium threat turned Elite upstart. After finishing 2nd overall in the 2024 Junior Men’s UCI series, Luke steps into the big leagues with one goal: break the top 30 and keep climbing. Fast, fearless, and ready.
George Madley – Junior Men
Already a three-time British National Champ and 2024 World Cup top qualifier, 17-year-old George is one of the UK’s fastest young guns. He’s here to chase wins, build consistency, and learn from the best—all while flying on Dominion-equipped Atherton machinery.
The Hardware: Dominion A4 Brakes on A.200.G Bikes
Every rider on Continental Atherton Racing relies on the Hayes Dominion A4 to keep their lines tight and braking zones short. Why?
Because when you’re launching into a rock garden at 60 km/h, you need:Predictable modulation
Power-on-demand
Consistent fade-free performance
The team’s Atherton A.200.G race bikes, custom-built in the UK using additive manufacturing and geometry tailored to each rider, are already performance masterpieces. Add Dominion A4 stopping power, and you have a platform that lets riders unlock their full potential on the most demanding courses in the world.
2025 and Beyond
With a revitalized roster, deep mentorship from some of the sport’s greatest minds, and support from trusted brands like Hayes, Continental Atherton Racing is poised for another standout season in 2025.
They’re not just here to race. They’re here to build. And that’s exactly what we believe in at Hayes.
Charlie Hatton – Elite Men
World Champion. Long-time Atherton rider. Race veteran. Charlie returns in 2025 as the team’s anchor and mentor, bringing speed, consistency, and experience to both the track and the pits. His 2023 World Championship title still echoes through the team, inspiring every young rider who straps on a helmet.
Elise Empey – Elite Women
The Australian rising star made her mark in 2024 with a 9th at World Champs and 7th at Loudenvielle. Now riding full-time with the Atherton crew, Elise is chasing top-10 regularity and showing she belongs with the best. With Hayes Dominion A4 brakes helping her stay composed through chaos, her rise is far from over.
Luke Wayman – Elite Men
New Zealander. Junior podium threat turned Elite upstart. After finishing 2nd overall in the 2024 Junior Men’s UCI series, Luke steps into the big leagues with one goal: break the top 30 and keep climbing. Fast, fearless, and ready.
George Madley – Junior Men
Already a three-time British National Champ and 2024 World Cup top qualifier, 17-year-old George is one of the UK’s fastest young guns. He’s here to chase wins, build consistency, and learn from the best—all while flying on Dominion-equipped Atherton machinery.
The Hardware: Dominion A4 Brakes on A.200.G Bikes
Every rider on Continental Atherton Racing relies on the Hayes Dominion A4 to keep their lines tight and braking zones short. Why?
Because when you’re launching into a rock garden at 60 km/h, you need:
The team’s Atherton A.200.G race bikes, custom-built in the UK using additive manufacturing and geometry tailored to each rider, are already performance masterpieces. Add Dominion A4 stopping power, and you have a platform that lets riders unlock their full potential on the most demanding courses in the world.
2025 and Beyond
With a revitalized roster, deep mentorship from some of the sport’s greatest minds, and support from trusted brands like Hayes, Continental Atherton Racing is poised for another standout season in 2025.
They’re not just here to race. They’re here to build. And that’s exactly what we believe in at Hayes.
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