I would like to nominate Chris Eatough to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Chris is a perfect fit to be honored in this way because of what he has contributed to the sport. The problem is figuring out the best category for which to nominate him.
Pioneer? Chris wasn't riding during mountain biking's inception, but he was around at the beginning of the 24 hour solo discipline, and his innovations and uniquely efficient approach to his races helped him to dominate the sport for nearly a decade. His techniques and strategies were copied and refined by the current crop of 24 hour solo champions. He completely changed the way that athletes train for and compete in these kinds of events. Eatough is certainly known for being a pioneer in 24 hour solo racing.
Advocate? Chris has been an active voice in local and national access issues during his entire career, usually working quietly behind the scenes to improve relationships between MTB users and land managers. His advocacy kicked into high gear last year when he accepted a position as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for Arlington County, Virginia.
Industry guy? With his extensive racing background, his engineering education, and his depth of experience on a bike, Chris has been deeply involved in product testing and development with Trek Bicycles, helping to innovate and refine their product offerings. As early as 2002 he was tinkering with and modifying pedal cleats, frame pivots, tire treads, on-the-fly lube systems, and more. Chris has always looked for more out of his equipment and found or created ways to get it.
Racing History? Best known as a professional racer, Chris's achievements with the Trek/VW/JBL program in the arena of endurance MTB racing are unmatched. Between 2003 and 2009, he captured 6 world and 5 national titles in 24 hour solo racing, a national ultra endurance title, dozens of 100 mile victories. Other noteables from his career, which started when he turned professional in 1998, include a BC bike race overall title, and 24 Hours of Moab solo title as well as international results like stage victories at Transalp and strong results in the 2008 Cape Epic, not to mention a win at the 2006 marathon event at the Shanghai Bike Festival in China. Add to this the literally hundreds of times he has stood on podiums at Norba Nationals (for super D, XC, Short Track, AND marathon, sometimes several in the same weekend!), team 24 hour races, and countless regional and local races. Few athletes have amassed such impressive professional resumes. Throughout his career Chris has also been known for his level-headedness, professionalism and approachability. Since his official "retirement" as a professional racer early this year, he has coached and guided many more athletes to success in endurance MTB racing through his personal coaching services.
Having had the privilege of working with Chris extensively throughout his career, I have seen firsthand the determination and resolve that helped make him the champion cyclist he is. I can remember asking Chris during one long drive home from a 24 hour solo victory, "What do you think makes you so good at this?" Chris's answer, typically modest, was " I think mainly I am just a stubborn s.o.b." His ability to thrive and press on in even the absolute worst of conditions is a rare one, and combined with his formidable physical talent, make him a true champion deserving of a place in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.
Bio Written by Jon Posner
2001-2004 Mgr Trek/VW.JBL East Coast Regional Team
2005-2006 Mgr Trek/VW/JBL Racing Program
