From Dirt Issue 118 – December 2011
Words by Mick Kirkman. Photos by Mick Kirkman and Olivier Weidemann.
It’s now six years since Anne–Caro left the World Cup scene for new challenges, but performances at Enduro events like the Megavalanche, and that BMX Olympic gold medal at Beijing, prove her skill behind the bars is as potent as ever. She still wins every race she enters. Chausson’s race career has always been low–key and shrouded in mystique to a degree, and the 33 year–old admits to a shyness and unwillingness for blatant self promotion, that’s conceivably garnered her less fame and respect than she deserves. With a perfectionist’s eye for the details needed to win so much, this is how she prefers things. It allows her the calmness and mental space to get on with the tough business of destroying the competition. Starting out on 20” BMX wheels, Anne–Caro was introduced to mountain biking by Sunn Chipie team boss Max Commençal, earning her first Rainbow Stripes at Metabièf in 1993. This win (in her second ever race) paved the way for near total domination, and a devastating ten–year streak as World Champion, only halted by an injury blow at Les Gets in 2004. Currently riding for US Company Ibis, Anne–Caro now enjoys the freedom of a career where she dictates the boundaries, and, as ever, is still light years ahead of the competition. We caught up with her this year at the World Championships in Champery…>>
