Getting To Know - Ángel Suárez
Issue 61 / Thu 24th Oct, 2019
It may not have been the best season for Ángel in terms of race results, but this stylish rider never rests for too long. We get to know this Spanish speedster and find out more about him and why he loves to race his bike.
Coming out of the 2018 season with a 9th at Mont-Sainte-Anne, 13th at Vallnord and 14th at La Bresse, it looked like Ángel Suárez was poised to take the 2019 World Cup to the next level. Unfortunately, things rarely go to plan, and a crash in Maribor and a dislocated shoulder put Angel out for the majority of the season. While unable to race, Angel and YT have been on the hunt for the next Young Talent and inspiring the next generation of riders and racers. We caught up with Angel to find out a little more about him.
Tell us about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you get into mountain bikes?
I'm from Spain, Vigo, where it was a World Cup a few years ago. I have raced motocross since a little kid, and when I was 16, I started to ride a bit of mountain bike.
Who do you ride for and which bikes do you ride?
I ride for The YT MOB team, and of course, I ride YT Industries bikes.
I ride the Tues 29 in size extra long, and then I switch between the Jeffsy and the Capra for trail rides, I also have a Dirt Love for the pump track sessions. I don't have the Decoy for now, but I cannot wait to have the new e-bike.
You've been injured this year, how did that happen and how have you recovered?
Yes I have been injured this year, after I had surgery on my left shoulder I was fine for two years, but a small crash made it dislocated again. I tried to race the season like that, but it didn't work, the injury was too bad, and I had to have more surgery. This time I had different surgeries from a doctor who works with the MotoGP racers, it was a more aggressive surgery, but I'm feeling so much better for it now.
How do you like your bikes set up?
I like to have my bike balanced and really high on the travel, that means the suspension set up is quite hard. Then I'm super exacting with the brakes, and I drive my mechanic crazy with that. Apart from that, I like big frames and 29er wheels.
How would you describe your riding style?
I like my riding style, I think I was more stylish in the past, but now I'm way more efficient and that what's more important for racing on the World Cup. On the fast tracks, I always feel really comfy and at ease, but when things get wet and slower, it is harder for me.
What do you do when you are not riding a bike?
I still love to ride my motocross bike and to spend time with my family and friends. Apart from that, there is a lot of biking in my life, and if I'm not riding, then I'm talking about riding with my best friend (and mechanic).
What do you love most about mountain biking?
For me riding with my friends is one of the best parts of it but I love racing, it is hard to choose. I really love everything involved, well I don't like road biking a lot hahaha!
What annoys you most about mountain biking?
If I have to choose something, it will be injuries, but I understand it is part of mountain biking and I will deal with it.
Which riders have most influenced you over the years, and how?
Of course, Aaron Gwin, sharing a team with him was amazing for the last few years, and he was super involved in my training, which was super cool. I don't think we have a similar style, but for sure, after being with him, I certainly picked up a few things.
Best race results on a bike?
I usually say my top ten in Mont Sainte Anne last year (2018) in the World Cup, but last year in World Champs I was 5th until I crashed two corners before the finish. Even though I crashed for me, that was my best race ever.
What's your favourite place to ride in the world and why?
I have a few tracks that I love, but after travelling and riding around the world, I'm always super stoked to ride at home. It's nothing crazy, but they are a few tracks that I love.
What's your favourite event or race?
World Champs is definitely my favourite, I have been so lucky to get custom frames and representing my country is super cool. I'm always super excited and for that race.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given in your mountain bike career?
I think trusting in myself. It is always super important, and I feel like once I started to do that, everything went much better.
What are your plans for 2020?
We are going to be a big team next year, and that is something I really like, I think that this will help to have a good vibe and get some good results. I want to be in the top 10 consistently!
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By Ewen Turner
Ewen Turner is a self-confessed bike geek from Kendal in the Lake District of England. He runs a coaching and guiding business up there and has a plethora of knowledge about bikes with an analytical approach to testing. His passion for bicycles is infectious, and he’s a ripper on the trails who prefers to fit his working life around his time on the bike.
