With the UCI Downhill World Cup coming to a close, we caught up with one of the riders who caught out attention in 2021, Mattéo Iniguez! The young French rider had a standout year. Despite the challenges of managing his own team and hiring new riders he has shown promise in the WC and was a highlight at Redbull Hardline placing 6th overall.
5 Minutes With: Interview with Mattéo Iniguez
Tell us who you are and where you are from.
Hi, my name is Matteo Iniguez. I am 20 years old and from France.
What got you started in mountain biking?
My dad had a bicycle shop for more than 22 years so it was my destiny ahahah!
When did you begin racing?
I started racing in the World Cup 4 years ago ( 1 year junior ) but I have been racing since I was 6 or 7 years old.
What bikes are you riding? What’s your favourite bike to ride?
I’m riding a Commencal Supreme downhill bike, Commencal Meta and Commencal Absolut for park and street. I think the Supreme is my favourite one, it’s the devil ahah!
How has the 2021 season been for you?
Been great aye, some highs some lows but I’ve done some great things so it’s good and I’m looking forward for the future!
Running your own team and racing must be difficult. What’s the most challenging aspect?
The whole package is challenging, it’s already hard to make one thing right so doing everything is not really easy aha. But it’s the price of freedom I guess.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of running your own team and racing?
The freedom, no one tell me ‘you have to do this or that’ I still have obligations to my sponsors, but I can do things how I prefer. I also feel there is a little less pressure. Yeah, I think is the main reason why I want to stay like this.
You have been wearing some pretty cool riding kit this year. Did you design it? Where did the inspirations come from?
Yeah, Únic did such a great job this year, it was amazing! All the designs are from my little brother, we find our inspiration from NBA tam kit.
We’re heard a lot from bike brands about component and parts shortages this year. Has this affected your team in any way? How have you managed it?
We had a few problems but nothing crazy, and few problems with Brexit too but it was fine!
Who is your mountain biking hero?
Arfff, the whole top 10 of the World Cup ahahah ! Nahhh more seriously I think it’s Steve Peat, he was the guy that I wanted to be like. Greg Minnaar, the goat too!
Are eBikes just for lazy people?
Nah absolutely not, they’re such a fun weapon and they open up a lot of possibilities!
What can we expect from you and Commencal Nobl in 2022?
You can expect some changes from every side, but I can’t say anything for the moment.
Do you have any messages or shoutouts?
Huge shoutout to our sponsors, they have been so great with us. Special mention to Únic and Nobl for the custom kit and wheels all this year. Burgtec have been awesome too, as have Vee Tire Co. 100% and all our other sponsors.
You can follow Mattéo over on Instagram.
