We caught up with Matt Driscoll for an Athlete of the Week interview, read it all below...

What’s going on? What have you been working on lately?

A lot has been going on for me recently. Being a senior in high school I have been putting a lot of time into college applications and decisions. I have made the decision that I will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, so I'm really looking forward to that. I have also been putting in a great deal of hours in the gym in preparation for the racing season. At my high school we complete a senior project and mine has to do with the effects of training on gravity mountain bike racing performance and the most effective method of training for gravity mountain bike racings. It has been cool to tie my school work with my passion, and hopefully I will benefit through improved results!

Any new tricks, you really want to master this season?

I think the biggest trick every downhill and enduro racer is trying to master is to be able to stay on the right side of that fine line between riding too conservatively and riding out of control. I feel like I've been on the conservative side of the spectrum in the past and I am trying to let off the breaks a little longer and have greater commitment to my lines. I think my training in preparation for this season will help as it has increased my confidence in what I can handle on the bike.

Big travel plans coming up?

I am hoping to make the trip to Nationals again this year in Winter Park, CO with my family. We are planning on renting an RV and doing a road trip through some nationals parks once we are out there, which should be really fun and a nice mid season break from racing. One of my big goals for the year is to represent the US on the World Championships team, so making the trip to Mont Sainte Anne would be awesome.

Favorite place you’ve ever travelled?

I think my favorite place I've ever travelled would have to be Park City, UT. I actually went there with my family on a ski trip, not biking related, but I have to say it is they most beautiful and breathtaking place I have ever seen. The mountains are insane out West, the snow so much fun and the terrain is unlike anything we have on the East Coast. Second place would have to go to Mont Sainte Anne, mostly due to the experience of watching a World Cup and having a great time with my friends.

What’s your go-to wind down activity? Favorite thing to watch, read, do?

I find rock climbing really relaxing. I have a rock climbing gym 10 minutes away from my house, so after a long day of school I can head to the gym to wind down. I love how its just like mountain biking in that you are competing against yourself and the "course", and when something goes wrong and you don't finish the climb it is on you to figure you a way to get better technique, beta, or get stronger.

One snack you can’t live without….

I definitely couldn't live without a good, crisp apple. I'll chow down four or five apples a day if no one stops me, they're a super refreshing and light snack.

If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have 3 things what would they be…

I'm not a real big sand or beach guy, so I'd have to have things that would get me unstuck from the desert island. I'd go with a helicopter, some extra fuel depending on how remote the island is, and someone who knows how to fly a helicopter.

Any last shout out’s or thank you’s?

I want to give a huge thank you to Monster Army for choosing me as Athlete of the Week and for all the support they've provided. Thanks to Giant Bikes for supporting me with bikes, gear and components. Lastly I want to give a shout out to my parents for helping me get to the races and for being so supportive of my racing aspirations.