Angel Suarez

The Spaniard from Vigo goes by the nickname ‘Pata Negra’ and has been with YT Mob since 2016. Angel Suarez is looking forward to a bounce-back season in 2020. After turning heads in 2018 and securing three Top 15 results his positive development was interrupted by injury in 2019. After traveling the world with the Mob this past year and mentoring young riders during the Young Talent Camps the 24-year-old is feeling strong again after having recovered successfully and having found his new teammates.

Why do you ride: It takes you to amazing places, and I love the sensation of going fast and getting my lines perfect.

What/who started you racing: A friend gave me a bike to try when I was 16, and I just loved it from the beginning.

Weakness: Getting injuries.

Marital status: Girlfriend.

Most important people in your life and career: My family and my manager.

Racing since: 2013

Professional since: 2016

Best part of racing: Getting recognised for achieving my goals

Hardest part: Injuries always

Worst moment in career: Season 2016 when I had some dislocations in both of my both shoulders and two surgeries at the end of the season, followed by the toughest recovery I've ever experienced.

Best moment in career: Finishing 9th at Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup 2018.

General career goals: I would like to win a World Cup race one day and be a consistent Top 10 rider.

Favourite food: Potatoes with eggs

Favourite reading: Where Is the Limit? By Josef Ajram

Favourite music: Techno, but a bit of everything.

Best idea of having good time: Riding with my friends and travelling with the YT Mob.

Favourite place to travel to: Bike Park Ponte De Lima in Portugal.

Most respected mountain bike riders: Greg Minnaar, Aaron Gwin.

Other most respected athletes: Rafa Nadal, Javier Gomez Noya.

Favourite Downhill Track: Mont-Sainte-Anne, it's high speed and technical

Advice to beginners: Training hard but enjoy more

Other sports: Moto Cross

Other interests: Going out with my friends

If I was not a professional mountain biker... Working with my father in the Moto shop (www.sportpasion.com)