Meet Claire Buchar...

Meet Claire Buchar!!! She is a professional DH Mountain Bike Athlete and 5 time Canadian National Team member. We had a chat to her to find out about what keeps her fit and healthy and the things she likes about Mountain Biking.

Why Mt Bike?

I picked up a mountain bike about 8 years ago and have never looked back. Since then I have traveled the World racing and riding my bike. Peru, Chile, all over Europe and the States, New Zealand and here, Australia. I have made many friends along the way, some of them will be close by me for the rest of my life.

What motivates you to keep training?

It keeps me fit, strong and focused. It gives me a challenge and goals to go after. It gives me the opportunity to see the world and meet incredible people on all of my adventures. I would have never dreamed of being where I am at right now but I am and that proves that you can go after your dreams and succeed!

Why did you come to Australia?

Some of the best Downhill Mountain Bikers in the world are from here, Australia. And they happen to be my friends from the circuit. I came down here to ride, train and hang out with them because at home in Canada, it is winter at the moment and you can't ride your bike too well in the snow!

What's your training regime like?

I train almost every day. Whether it is gym work, cardio work or riding my bike(XC, dirt jump, skate park or DH) I am training. I have worked very hard to get to where I am in my sport. And I still have to work hard to achieve to reach my goals. But that is the challenge and the fun of it! The cool thing is, a lot of the time when I'm riding my bike, I'm having so much fun it doesn't even feel like hard work! Off my bike and away from structured training, I love to snow board and play soccer.

What does your diet consist of?

In order to maintain my strength and energy to perform, I need to eat healthy food. I WANT to eat healthily because after you have eaten healthy food for a while, you just don't want anything else. It makes you feel good to put good food inside of you. Lots of fruit and veggies.....a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water. Don't get me wrong, I do like chocolate! I treat myself once in a while.....

How could girls get into Mountain Bike riding as a sport?

Your local bike shop is the best place to start if you are interested in getting into it. Go have a chat with them for info on bikes and gear, local trails and hooking up with people to ride with. Also check out my website at www.canadiandhgirls.com (and you will see its all about fun) to find out more about me and my teammates and our sport! And we can also help answer any questions you may have.