British downhill mountain bike phenom Tahnée Seagrave isn’t afraid of losing. She doesn’t look back at her losses as failures or missteps or regrets. Instead, the accomplished 23-year-old pro racer appreciates the losses, recognizing that these are the most important learning moments that can lead toward success. And with a junior world championship title and multiple elite world cup wins to her name, Seagrave knows what it takes to succeed.
Seagrave is also quick to credit her family for her steady rise in pro downhill racing. Her mom and dad, Tony and Joanne Seagrave, and her sidekick brother, Kaos, have been an integral part of her career from the very beginning. Born in South London, Seagrave and her family moved to a chalet in Morzine, France when she was eight years old. Located near the iconic downhill runs at Les Gets Bike Park, the Seagrave chalet opened its doors to host pro riders as they prepared for the race season. In return, the athletes opened Seagrave’s eyes to the world of downhill racing.
After just a few years in the sport, Seagrave won the UCI Junior World Championships in 2013. She continued a steady climb toward the top, earning herself a regular spot on the elite women’s podium with eyes set on dethroning countrywoman and reigning queen of downhill, Rachel Atherton. After several years chasing that top podium spot and what felt like a long time coming, Seagrave scored her first World Cup title, winning in Leogang, Austria in 2017. Seagrave quickly followed that up with wins at Mont Sainte Anne and Val di Sole to round out her breakthrough season.
The young Brit continued her rise to the top with another huge year in 2018. She racked up three World Cup wins including a victory at the iconic Fort Williams track, a pinnacle moment for any British rider’s career. And she capped off the season with a silver medal at the world championships, thrilled at the result but still focused and determined to take the top step one day.
As she drops into the new season, Seagrave has her eyes set on winning more World Cups, taking the overall World Cup Series, and of course winning the elusive rainbow jersey at the World Championships in Mont Saint Anne. While the scenery has changed over the years - the Seagraves now calls Wales home - the family remains steadfast in its passion for mountain biking and focused on Tahnée’s success.
