Video - 11 December 2024
Family Roots - Endura and Continental Atherton
A film with Charlie Hatton and Andreas Kolb
Atherton Racing has long been renowned for developing talent. Dan, Gee, and Rachel dominated the sport for almost 20 years, with World Champions Gee and Rach crediting big brother Dan with much of their success. Team director Dan Brown has worked with the siblings since 2006, helping to spot new talent and assembling a support team that created the environment and provided the tools essential to succeed.
That environment stems from family. The work ethic is strong but there is also a warmth and camaraderie that create a very special atmosphere and opportunity. The Atherton pits are famous for fun – and the antics of Bens Lovall and Oakeley, who mechanic for Charlie and Andi. Under Atherton team manager Tom Lloyd the ties are strong and the motivation is off the charts. Team partners are a key part of that family dynamic, none more so than Endura who have been there from the start with both Charlie and Andi. A British-based, family brand, Endura have always understood the ambitions and needs of the team and has been unfailing in their support.
Like other Atherton Academy alumni including Kade Edwards, Martin Maes, Taylor Vernon and Mille Johnset the boys joined the Atherton crew early in their careers and progressed to new heights under the watchful eyes of the team. Charlie and Andi soon built their tight partnership which has been an invaluable resource for both.
Both riders are superb all-round athletes – Andi started as a freestyle skier and Charlie played rugby, football, and cricket before concentrating all his efforts on the downhill tracks of Forest of Dean. Their competitive natures and willingness to train hard made them a perfect fit for the Atherton team.
The film explores the early years, both came to the team ready to build on the firm foundations provided by their own families, the love and support that both enjoyed shone through and saw them through some very tough years as privateers on the World Cup circuit.
Charlie joined the team in 2018 and Andi in 2021. Charlie was quieter, confident and stylish on track, indeed almost too smooth at times (he always joked that he looked slow) while Andi was wild… the speed was there but so were a lot of crashes!!
The confidence they found on board the Atherton A200, fantastic pits, a great team and a firm friendship all came together in a partnership that culminated in 2023 with a World Cup win for Andi in front of his home crowd at Leogang and those historic gold and silver medals at the Fort William World Champs … the dream is coming true but there’s more to come!
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