Why I Can't Race Anymore: The Final Chapter | Pinkbike Racing S2E5
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ธ.ค. 2023
- It's hard to think of Pinkbike Racing without Ben Cathro. The team seemed like a natural evolution of his Privateer efforts and has managed to encapsulate so many of the good things about World Cup racing - the camaraderie, the dedication, the love for the sport and the willingness to push past comfort and safety in the hope of achieving a lifelong goal. Sometimes we forget that underneath the helmet is a human, with a full complement of emotions. Here Ben takes us through a season that has challenged him in every way possible, and he does so with incredible bravery and candor.
More Pinkbike Racing Episodes:
The Year Red Bull Hardline Was Cancelled: What Really Happened? | Pinkbike Racing S2 E2
• The Year Red Bull Hard...
My Last Chance To Become World Champion | Pinkbike Racing S2E1
• My Last Chance To Beco...
We're incredibly grateful to these sponsors who have embraced this project and the goal of the team. Pinkbike Racing's 2023 partners are:
Continental - Tires
Santa Cruz - Frames
Adidas Five Ten - Shoes
Shimano - Drivetrain & brakes
DHaRCO - Custom kits
iXS - Helmets, protection, & goggles
Deity - Cockpit & saddle
Reserve - Wheels
Manitou - Suspension
Cushcore - Tire inserts
Stan's NoTubes - Sealant
Gtechniq - Bike Care Products
Outside - Support - กีฬา
This is the end of the pinkbike racing series and of my racing career in its current form. I don’t actually know what the future holds for me racing wise as I work through solving my problems.
I’m hoping I come out the other side of my treatment with the ability to plan, organise and commit on my plans to a satisfactory level while putting minimal stress on the lives of everyone around me.
Thank you for supporting me through the past few years and I look forward to making loads more videos here on Pinkbike in the future. ❤
Love you Ben, you are so charismatic and inspirational. i can't wait to see what you've got in store for us next, racing or not, i'll keep watching.
❤
You should be super proud of everything you have achieved. This series and watching your content has been one of the best series produced on TH-cam. I will be sad that its no more.You are a legend and I know we will be seeing more of you whatever that may be. Good luck with everything 🤟🙏👌
Big hugs 🤗
You are a credit to the sport and yourself mate. I hope you figure things out. We are routing for you dude. Much love
Ah Big Ben, the tall funny downhill rider we all wish was our friend. Good stuff lad!
Totally! Well said!
Nothing but love for you Ben. You are an amazing human being. I have faith in you! Your impact is there even if it isn't in yourself racing directly. Go where your heart calls!
well put.
Pinkbike racing was fun to watch, enough said!
22:15 speaks to the very core of my being. Nothing but love for you, Ben! Excited to see what the future has in store for you!
Pinkbike and all the other sponsors supported your mad Pinkbike Racing project because you make engaging, professional and insightful content that the Pinkbike audience love. There is huge value in that for a sponsor.
I believe your inside the tape and race recap videos are the best content out there to support the world cups. It would be a massive shame if they didn’t continue to the future.
100%!
Definitely
I think that PB racing as a way of bringing race content to race fans is the future of broadcasting. Maybe it won't be quite like it was this year, maybe teaming up with different sponsors, but this is exciting content - whether it's pre-race and post-race coverage or a behind the scenes look at riders as they struggle to achieve their dreams. Your racing may not have gone the way you wanted, but the content (no matter how you got there) was fresh and fun and exciting. Give yourself credit for your achievements.
I love that PB is trying out different stuff, but this is better than the last season of PB Academy by a long shot. I would think any big racing team would be chomping at the bit to create a joint venture - the content that PB racing creates is just so much media exposure and creates so much interest in the team.
Ben Cathro, you are one of THE BEST and most genuine people. Hugely brave to share this stuff with all and sundry on the internet. You always seem to have such a positive vibe, and the downhill team footage over the last two years has been really special. I was never moved to tears over mountain bike footage until that episode Amy's first season. Don't be harsh on yourself, you are a star.
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Team manager. Coach. Inspiration to so many riders. Most entertaining and insightful coverage. Massive focus on the juniors. Ambassador for the sport.
These are huge contributions with immeasurable outcomes. I'm hard pressed to think of anyone else who comes close.
This got me directly in the feels.
Ben is such a genuine and kind person. I’ve had the privilege of riding with him a handful of times.
Despite our huge differences in ability and speed, Ben didn’t care, he just enjoyed being out on the bike with others that share his passion.
I think in the grand scale of things, Ben has done a huge amount to both elevate the sport and also help make it more accessible to the masses, especially since joining PinkBike.
A true ambassador for the sport!
Damn, as someone who was diagnosed with ADHD at 32 years old. The last 1/3 of this video hit very hard, I relate to everything you mentioned Ben. That "what" if scenarios, feeling like your brain is broken most days, frustrating doesn't begin to cover it. Wishing you all the best in the future, hopefully you can find solutions that work for you.
This series was incredible, cheers to everyone who made it possible!
Ben having adhd makes so much sense and as someone with severe adhd I completely understood what he was saying and it’s validating to hear from someone else. Simple life tasks I can’t complete and it’s cause of my adhd so I completely understand and agree
adderall
@@BikeIsLife4EverGG It takes a massive toll on your mental health tbh. It's absolutely fucked not feeling like yourself, and everything is so plain and boring.
I'm not a fan of the stuff, I'd rather be aware of how my brain works and plan myself around it.
Ben, I'm ADHD, and I love it! I was 46 when I was diagnosed. I bought my first MTB when I was 65. And I'm a personal trainer. It would be hard to find anyone doing DH racing who is not ADHD! Love of Adrenalin, adventure, excitement, and contempt for routine and banality. Nothing wrong with that! The thing with ADHD is that we are motivated by the things we are interested in, but cannot engage with things that we are not interested for either love nor money. We can be exceptionally focussed, and I saw that in your eyes in the video when you were bolting down the hill. So, consider this, ADHD is not a disorder, just a label for kids in school who can't sit still. We are highly intelligent, very capable problem solvers. We can think on our feet. We have balls the size of coconuts. (These are reasons why ADHD is virtually a prerequisite for getting into the SAS regiment BTW). So you don't like administration. So what?? You're disorganised - who cares? BUT you will always be good, very good, at the things that you are interested in. That said, I have learned to be organised when I am focussed on a task or solving a problem that interests me. But I will never, ever have anything to do with administration. I am an exercise junkie, because it interests me (health generally) but it doesn't mean it has to be of interest to you. So, the upshot is, select out what it is you want to do, and leave the rest out (pay someone to do it if you have to). ADHD is a good thing, with enormous potential for a life less ordinary. Please don't waste it! [And please don't obsess over things that are stupid, or get angry with yourself if you think you did something stupid, or someone else did. For a highly intelligent person, stupid is everywhere. When I let go of stupid, my anger went away - that simple]. Adhd is everywhere. Welcome to the mob! All the best.
Love this 😅👍
This, simply this ❤
thumbs up for these words
Just been diagnosed myself at 35 years old. Knew from aged 7 or 8 that I was wired different to other kids. Doctors told my mum that I was just a naughty boy who needed a back hand from his dad. I bunked school as I couldn't concentrate and focus on tasks so I just rode my bike in the woods. Had used cannabis to manage my overactive brain, to mask deep thought and to maybe help dull my endless energy. It helped but I rode less and smoked more. Tried meds, conceta xl and atemoxitine but they don't agree with my body and make me feel like a crack head. The only thing I find that really works is being one with my bike in the places I love the most. I've always hated how I've felt but just recently I am learning to embrace it and use it to my advantage, ADHD is my super power 💪🙏 unfortunately my 2 boys are showing signs of it too but I know what to look for to help them now. Loved reading your briefly covered history mate. ❤️ 👊
ADHD means you have issues with systematic training so not really the best for athletes. Also SAS soldiers prerequisite? Sounds like you're one of those adhders who claims it's a superpower when for 99.99% of people with it it's a struggle. I spent years trying to figure out what's wrong with me when I couldn't finish uni, couldn't traing regurarly, why i crashed all the time, why I talked weird to people, why i couldn't sleep.
And no I'm still disorganized when I'm on tasks that interest me. Only fear of punishment or consequences work so I'm good at my work and shit at my hobbies.
ADHD is not a good thing. I get it that it helps you think that way but for most people it's a huge problem. ADHD people have higher risk of early death, jail, addiction, debt and many other negative things happening.
PS. When people struggle telling them "no fam, you should feel great" is not helping shit.
Ben, you've explained what's wrong with me.
I'm 43 a widow with an 11 year old daughter.
I have depression, anxiety,.P.T.S.D but what you've described is me.
I have nothing left in the tank and just can't do anything.
I have 2021 emtb that has 6 miles on it.
Just to let you know I've been watching you for 4 years pre white van build, and you personally have helped me get away from life while watching.
So many bikers have said nothing but good things about you.
Good luck, you deserve to be well.
I better phone my Dr now and say can we add another thing to the list.
Ride your bike, sorry for your loss, but remember you have an 11 year old precious gift that you’ll always share with your husband. Respect for what you’ve written, even though we can’t imagine your pain, the mtb community is one of the best support communities I’ve ever come across.
Always down to ride if you are in NE
PTSD can feel like ADD but still yes get checked for it. But also find a therapist, try ART (accelerated resolution therapy) for your PTSD. Also put some miles on that e-bike! even if it's not fun at first, just get out there.
@stujm8376 she was my wife. I'm not having a go and thanks.
Ride your bike.
I am almost 50. A few years ago I lost my wife due to cancer, lost my desire to live. But my daughter AND my bike(s) kept me going.
I purchased a very capable enduro EMTB middle of this year, ride the mountains every weekend. That is despite a herniated disc causing chronic back pain for the past 2 years, broke my patella a few years ago, and a heart condition -- doctor says I can't ride anymore. But hell yeah, I still do.
So ride your bike. Find a destination where you can enjoy nature at its most finest, at its most peaceful. And hopefully you find peace as well.
This is by far the best content Pinkbike is putting out. Would be a real shame if that series didn´t continue one way or the other. Hopefully also with Ben in some role. "How to bike" with Ben was brilliant as well btw.
Ben Cathro is simply one for the most influential and impactful riders I know. He’s among the people who’s made me love cycling and progressing. He is the true embodiment of what mtb is all about. He’s the actual voice of downhill. He’s the big bro we all need. Winning races or not Ben will always be one of the legends next to the greats of the sport
Ben, nobody else brings the joy and relatable humor you do to the mountain bike scene. Maybe it's the last chapter for your DH racing, but you have so much more to give beyond that. "How to Bike" is amazing, and I'm sure you have a great coaching career ahead of you if that suits. Don't be a stranger!
Damn you Pinkbike - how could you possibly get us to love everyone on this team? The storytelling from these videos is without peer on the interwebs. Well done one and all! ...and Ben - here's to overcoming the challenges you currently face, and finding a path forward that uses your incredible personality, wisdom and experience. We are all the better for what you do.
Read the comments and you get an idea of how much regard this community has for Ben, pretty sure everyone who watched this through ended up reaching for the tissues. Thanks Ben
Ben, we all love you man. This series has more than put you on the map in our consciences as the guy we'd all love to be. A fully wholesome Scottish lad with all the talent we could only wish for.
Damn dude. Ngl, as another nearly too tall for the sport goofy, nerdy, passionate dude myself, you have always been kind of a role model to me, Ben - but to hear your struggles with an adult ADHD diagnosis that apparently you received probably weeks apart from the one i received myself this past summer, it's truly hitting on another level right now. Thank you so much for speaking about your struggles so honestly. It feels so rare to see people talk about ADHD without minimizing or blaming those with it, let alone the self doubt/shame that we feel from it - I'm kind of having trouble putting into words how validating that section was. I hope you're making progress now that you have a diagnosis, I've been blown away by how much I've made so far personally.
And thank you and the entire team for this series, it's truly been one of the best i've ever seen, and I'm absolutely sure I'm not alone in saying that.
Ben, I too have struggled heavily with high level ADHD. Sometimes it can be a godsend and sometimes a curse, on yourself, family friends... life. There are a ton of us out there who struggle daily. Performance anxiety is a real thing. Then the exacerbation of a failure by trying harder and harder.... it is not an easy one to contend with in the mind. Knowing and working on it is the most human and wonderful thing you can do. Knowing you have it and that you aren't just crazy is like the first step.
I know you can never take a racer out of the race... But I don't think Cathro truly realizes he's the best presenter and content creator on Pinkbike. And that he can lean into that WHENEVER he wants. Bonus points if he does some content with Quinney. This could be the golden era of pinkbike. Mike and Mike was always good... But this could be great. Could be :)
Ben, you have been my favorite PB ambassador to watch over the years and I hope to see you back in saddle again soon. Sending you best wishes and healing vibes.
This is probably one of the best series that I've watched either on TV or on TH-cam. I know that the members of the team didn't get the results they wanted, but the courage everyone showed throughout was incredible. Thank you for being so honest with the documentary and not holding back. All of you are inspirations.
13:50 seeing you sat there under the tree, coming to the realisation that your competetive days are numbered was so sad, sad scene.
Must have been an overwhelming emotional rollercoaster for you. Glad you're still around to put smiles on our faces with your quick wit and upbeat attitude and to keep pushing our beloved sport further and making positive changes. ❤
Ben has a wonderful personality and is endlessly watchable. Whatever he decides to do I'm sure he will do very well at it.. His presentation skills are excellent and when you see his name or face on a video, it compels you to watch it... :)
Ben, you’re a hero and inspiration to more people than you can ever count. Stay strong, one step at a time, and I can’t wait to see what you will do next. As one door closes, countless others open up for you. The strength you have shown in just talking about this is so amazing. As others have said you’re so charismatic, and such an amazing presenter and so knowledgeable, engaging, and entertaining, I ride better for having your videos in my life, I’ve watched you for hours and hours on TH-cam. Please get your mojo back ASAP, we’re all waiting for your next project and upload.
This is new benchmark in MTB storytelling and videography! All the best Ben and the crew!
Keep the chin up dude , the whole mtb community wants you back 👍
Also ,
Loic and others Needs to see your practice analysis videos before final runs !
Ben you should be so proud of your achievements. Sport is entertainment and your journalism, story and passion provides so many people with joy. Not to mention that what you've pulled off with the team, those riders will reap the benefits of you giving them a shot for the rest of their lives. Long live Pink Bike Racing
Ben Cathro is one of my favourite MTB people online. I don’t say that because I think he’s perfect but I love his compassion, creativity, and the spark he adds to everything. I don’t know if you’ll read this, Ben but I’m glad you have had a presence that I can enjoy for whatever it’s worth. Thank you.
Very honest and candid video Ben. Elite racing is hard, I can relate. Especially when the season is full of injuries, mechanicals, and other issues that prevent you from doing some of the things you really want to do.
When you talk about the struggle with attention and sitting in front of the gym without going in, and say "that's not what normal people do." Remember that normal people doing race world Cup downhill events, or any discipline for that matter. You aren't a normal person, and it is what you got you to where you are. Those same personality traits that get you to an elite level can also cause challenges with some elements of training, competing, work, and life. It's important to know these facts about yourself, and learn how to not only embrace it, but also figure out how to exploit these traits for performance, on and off the bike.
Lastly, there are many ways to be a "professional cyclist" these days that aren't being a racer, so work to find your place in the sport and stay in there. I personally took almost 10 years after racing to realize this and start to find a place in the sport again. The sport is so dynamic and fun, and there are soon many roles, it's just a matter of reimagining yourself and choosing a new role and place. Stay in there dude!
Dear Ben, I’m 51 and got my ADHD diagnosis at 49. When you shared about your experience it resonated strongly in my heart. Impacting! This is exactly how I felt for ages, and I did wish I had found out about as young as you did. You, have inspired me so much, and I’ve tried the things you taught on your instructional videos - I really appreciate your work! I’ve watched a lot of videos and because of my ADHD I never made to the end of most of them, but somehow your way of presenting spoke to my brain and could watched your stuff countless times. Thank you for being who you are the way you are. You’ve inspired this old overweight rider to keep at it, and MTB has helped me a LOT with my ADHD. Thanks for sharing your passion with the rest of us!
From the starstruck madman who shouted "hi Ben" across the street to you in Andorra (I still cringe), I hope your treatment is a success and you're able to move forward. You've been absolutely brilliant, you still are and you will continue to be. We're very lucky we've had you promoting DH and I hope we'll hear from you again soon. Sincere best wishes
Ben, that chat about knowing what needs to be done but not being able to do it no matter how simple or easy it feels it "should" be really resonated with me. I have the exact same issues...I will literally drive to the gym and then sit in the car and overthink things to the point where I never actually make it into the gym. I know I'll feel so much better for doing it but I just can't make my body get up and go in.
The same things happen with tasks at home, answering emails, doing my taxes, seeing friends etc...things that seem so simple for "normal" people but for some reason I just find it so hard to do.
The self hatred for struggling with such simple tasks can be overwhelming and then the guilt for feeling so bad when other people have it worse piles on.
I'm not wanting to belittle your feelings but I hope knowing you're not alone can help somewhat...before I saw this video I didn't realise other people felt the way I do and it's a relief to me to know I'm not as pathetic as I thought.
I wish you all the best no matter your role in the years to come
Man, in all honesty I think this resonates with a lot of people. Expectations on a normal human being these days is much higher. And the existential dread created by all the things we have to accomplish in life in such short time adds up. You’ve had a big impact on a lot of people, probably larger than you know❤ wish you all the best mate, the future is bright!
Hi Ben. Just watched you talking incredibly openly and honestly about your ADHD. Despite the struggles and challenges think also of what you have achieved with mentoring your young team over the past 2 years in such an incredibly supportive way. Be good to yourself and take care. Best wishes from another ADHD human in NZ.
The best thing is Ben shows the world the best part of biking, and that's the friendships, love, and support that sports like this provide to everyone involved. Best wishes and thanks for all the help you've given over the years through your videos.
Ben, you are absolutely special. Your humor and ability to teach is amazing. You can make a great living as a coach or trainer. Come over to California and teach us!
First off loved the whole series, probably some of the best if not the best content from Pinkbike generally. On a more important note, as somebody who was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age, around 9-10 years old, currently 29. You put into word almost exactly how I feel, I sit outside of the gym for hours staring at my phone, Ive had my brain refuse to let me do things ive wanted to do. Things that would have furthered my career or personal life or done something positive for me and instead I sat at home staring at the wall because my brain convinced me its better then working hard to achieve my goals. My effort level is extremely high to do simple stuff a lot of the time and it really feeds into my depression and general mental well being. Good luck with moving forward but you've done some amazing work here.
"so annoying that I can't do what I want to do".... and yet such an inspiration to so many in the mountain biking world. You're a legend dude.. stand tall! (no pun intended!)
Pb racing is amazing -thank you Cathro and team for all the great content. I hope it can continue in one format or another. I’m sure Ben you will smash whatever you decide to do going forward.
Thank you Ben for being this open and this whole series! Both is so understandable yet hard-hitting. Because it shows humans, personalities first. And amazing bike riders second.
Got love for all my humans. Thank you so much for sharing thoughts that I’ve thought myself almost word for word, but felt isolated in feeling them. You just made the world a bit better. ❤
One day at a time, one minute at a time. The best part about bikes is that there is such a spectrum of enjoyment. You don't have to race, and your racing buddies will still love you! Build a klunker and cruise to the local coffee spot. Grassroots weeknight kids bmx coaching. Cracking a cold one after hours in your local bike shop to help assemble donation bikes for Christmas. A chill ride on a bit of uninteresting trail you've always bypassed and taken the hard line. You're gonna have to recalibrate, but imagine the most joy bikes have ever brought you, and realize that is reproducible in other ways too. Good luck and thank you for the joy and entertainment you've brought so many of us.
You're a top bloke Ben. We all wish you the best for the future, on and off the bike
Who's chopping onions! I'm on a similar journey. The most annoying parts is the condition it makes seeking help more difficult. Really good to hear you talking about it so candidly and it is encouraging me to seek help too. So thanks for that and the great content you put out. the PB racing series was a triumph, and look forward to whatever you move onto next, hopefully more content in one guise or another.
A huge thanks to you and the team for providing the videos and covering all things you usually don't see on live coverage. I really enjoyed watching every video you made, you are such a legend! Take the time you need and whatever you will be doing next, i am looking forward to seeing you again!
Ben, you're the primary reason I watch Pinkbike. Your instructional videos are the BEST there is, full-stop. Your race recaps are the BEST there is.
Truly hope your future remains with us and you continue to share what you feel comfortable with. 100% best wishes to continued healing. A bright future is ensured, I have zero about.
Pinkbike racing is way more than race results. Ben, you've created stories I've been invested in. You brought so many insights into WC racing. You and the team created such a cool thing.
I wish you the best with the mental struggle. I'm a year into therapy and I'm only staying afloat. Different problems, same struggle. Keep at it. Small victories! And more fun on bikes. Cheers, Ben! You're a good dude.
Absolutely enjoy your stories! Please keep them coming!!!
Thankyou for the Pinkbike Racing series, it was amazing! And Ben - your amazing dude - good luck for the future!
Another amazing, authentic, moving video. Thanks Pink Bike, this series was the best.
This is so awesome. Huge love for the strength and courage Ben...seeing this at just the right time.
Quite the story, enjoyed the watch and fair play for fully opening up Ben and best of luck with your future prospects. You clearly are very talented and I’m sure when you get a handle on the diagnosis everything will come good. Thanks for a great year of content PB
I love the black and yellow bumblebee v10s you guys have! The PBR series has been keeping me going while I recover from breaking my wrist, keep these docu-series going!
I loved this series. Thank you so much for sharing. Best of luck Ben.
These behind the scenes edits have been so good. Ben, I feel for you. I had a spinal injury and was off the bike for a while. I can ride now but I take it easy. Good luck to you in the future.
Mate this is the best series to watch in cycling! Glad your back seems to be healing well and congrats on all you’ve achieved with the series! Whatever you choose to do next, I’m sure its going to make cycling in Scotland and the wider world better. More line analysis or how to bike episodes… yes please!
Thank you Ben for sharing such personal and emotional parts of your journey. Hoping you improve on your condition and that you keep up the video content.
@Ben, I have a son with ADHD and I see him struggle with his condition and I honestly believe I struggled with the condition too. You have inspired many bikers like myself with just 2 years on the MTB scene just reaching 52 y/o. You have much to offer sir and you are still a great inspiration for many. Have a Blessed life.
This season has been so full of emotion, it's good to have an insight into the riders mental health, it's a real issue that isn't spoken about enough. Really sad that Pinkbike Racing isn't continuing, would've been great to see it continue and develop youths and privateers needing a helping hand. A collaboration with Wyn should happen for this, two of the best content creators in the DH scene!
Love the honesty and the transparency. Mad respect for you and the team ❤🎉🤘🏻
You have already accomplished so much and you are an inspiration to so many... keep doing what you do...keep being you, just the way you are....
Simply another brilliant video! So open and honest. Have loved watching these videos that you have put together Ben. I wish you the very best for now during the off season and for whatever the future holds, I’m 100 percent sure you’ll come through better and stronger for reaching out to folks who can help with the ADHD. Don’t be hard on yourself and embrace the positive changes that are coming. All the very best bud 🏴💪👍👊
So brave to share this with everyone. Love watching your videos and Pibkbike racing. Keep on going Ben!
I love this series, I love pinkbike, and I love Ben Cathro. Having broken my T12 and L1 in a mountain biking accident just a few weeks before Ben's injury, I felt less alone in my recovery.
Thank you guys for this amazing series. Thanks you guys for your sacrifice and commitment to mtb. You inspire us all
First, your description of the effects from ADHD were so well said. I feel like this also just speaks for your talent of communication.
Second, as others have said, and I hope it sinks in, you have accomplished so much even when it feels like you could have done more. Reviewing your accomplishments is an important esteem builder for anyone, but especially for those of us who struggle with ADHD. You are an inspiration for both young and old.
Hi Ben, I really enjoyed the series and hope there will be some sort of continuing!
I specifically liked your reports during and after the races. Not being able to watch all the WCs in full replay this gave me an excellent overview of what had happened. Much better than the GCN summaries.
All the best to you and the team!
An incredible watch mate! I’ve known you since the old Hub days (I’m close with Chris and Neil) and it’s cool to see you still putting in the work and remaining upbeat and a positive influence to so many folk. Being honest about your struggles is all the more relatable and inspiring… Rock on man 🫡
Many thanks for this series Ben. The best thing on Pinkbike by far, & my favourite MTB content on TH-cam. I love your insight, humour, humility & humanity. Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide to do next.
Ben, man... I have been following you for years. You are an inspiration with your never give up attitude, your fun way and crazy riding!!! From and older guy, I wish you all the best. Never give up.
Quite a staggering season with more than enough to learn from. I'm sure you will come out stronger in whatever sense that means. Thanks for everything so far Ben, you're an inspiration.
It says a lot about you as a person and character the fact you didn't quite achieve what you wanted as a DH racer but are still a legend in the sport, a name everyone knows, loves and respects. Both my son and my partner have ADHD and I know how tough it can be for them. You got this big man 💙
Man that last bit was way too relatable.
Your video content though is a highlight of Downhill racing, really well done, insightful and humorous. Also some of those edits of you shredding were awesome.
Ben, tough video chap. Lots of big topics and it makes so much sense you feel the way you do. We're all here for whatever your path is moving forward, and want you to succeed in a way that is meaningful to you. The diagnosis is a big label but you got this 💪sending hugs and support
One of the most inspirational dudes in my universe. I have learned more through watching you figure things out and share your knowledge than I have in any other way.
Thanks Ben! Can’t wait to see what’s next for you dude!
A fantastic series of videos. I'm a regular visitor to the Pinkbike website but i have to say, in my opinion, this is by a long stretch the best stuff that it produces.
I feel for you making this. Always enjoyed your presenting and content a huge amount. I hope that youll come to take great satisfaction in everything you have achieved, which is a shit load, by anyone's standards.
I absolutely feel your pain - I'm 47 and have only recently discovered what ADHD means and how many of my traits line up with what you've described. You've achieved a huge amount already so head up and be proud :)
You are a star Ben, not because you ride bikes but because you are the genuine person you are. You will step out of your own shadow soon,but no matter what comes your way you will shine. It was one of my highlights to meet you in person, l hope to see you again in the future.
I stumbled across this video, 2 weeks after we started looking for the same diagnosis for my daughter. She's 11 and suffers exactly the same things you discribed and it's a constant battle in our house. Mainly in her own head, she tells us all the time she wants to be a champion she wants to do the work but can't actually get it done.
I would love to hear how you have started to manage with your diagnosis and if it helped. She races Motocross, she works so hard and gives everything and it breaks my heart when she can't pull it all together!
She watched this and cried at the end because someone else was like her! Sometimes you don't know how much a video can impact someone! Thank you ❤
What an incredible team and people, I'm so grateful to have been by your side. I love you all! ❤
All the best to you, as a viewer of all things Ben Cathro I will definiitly miss all the passion and insight you encapsulated . Hope you find the peace and joy you deserve, and I personnaly am keeping the flame of hope alive that we see you on the tracks again.
Have loved watching this over the last few seasons. You should be very proud of yourself Ben pinkbike racing is what mountain biking is all about. I wish everyone involved all the best for the future
You're such an inspiration Ben. I remember subscribing to Pinkbike channel because of your mtb riding tips and how-to's, I find it easier to understand because of how you present it.
Love your personality and passion.
Keep doing what you love.
I believe you can do more, there's a lot of people supporting you and looking up to you.
Virtual bear hugs from the Philippines brother!
Dude, you are one of the unsung Legends of British Downhill racing!
And the content you guys have put out from this year's racing has been the best. I really hope we get to see more of you in front of the camera!
Ben. I feel you and you have explained exactly how I feel. Thank you for this and know that thousands of people are behind you. Much love to you.
Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your inner world with us Ben. Without getting too into it, I've struggled immensely with adhd and more recently ptsd, and I often forget that these are common and relatable challenges in other's lives, especially the people we see as heroes and role models (such as yourself). It's truly heartening and inspiring to know that someone like you faces the same challenges. Thanks for your meaningful work and for opening up to all of us strangers and fans.
Thanks for being so real !! you are always my favorite rider!!! you are the man much love !!!
Thank you for this incredible series everyone. It completely re-ignited my love for watching competitive downhill. So much love.
I found Ben's TH-cam 5 years ago and have loved watching his journey. His enthusiasm, charisma and talent is infectious. Whatever the future brings gie it laldy big man, we support ya. 🏴
Thanks for openly sharing your story!
Ben buddy. I been living with ADHD for decades. You can absolutely use your diagnosis as a strength. It’s not the end. But it gives you the power to understand your problem which is the first step to solving it. I absolutely adore you as a human. You’re funny, charming, helluva racer, I love all your videos. They makes me laugh out loud. Just because you had a shite season you still made massive progress. Sometimes the failures are what we learn the most from. So keep at it. Much love.
- a fan
A quite sobering interview. Followed you for a while, you are a fab person - always bringing a smile. Hope you find solace.
That was the bravest video I’ve ever seen on TH-cam. Thank you for your honesty, Ben! I wish you the best in learning skills that will help you.
Thanks for helping me learn to ride and for sharing who you are, your wisdom and passion for the sport we all love. I know I speak for your fans when I write I can’t wait to see what you decide to do next!
You are an absolute legend!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Dude you are a true inspiration, praying for you and your wonderful journey.
Ben, dude, you are a very brave man for talking about your real struggles. At least now you know what you need to focus on. I respect this more than anything you have done on the bike.
You have and continue to be an inspiration, now this new information you have will let you inspire a whole new set of people. Be you cos the world needs that awesomeness.
Touching video to watch - I've been a patreon subscriber before Ben joined PB and loved all the content. I hope the future goes well for you and I'll be thrilled to keep watching your video content. A fellow Scot.
Pinkbike racing is some of the best content I have watched on the internet and it was all because of you Ben! You have way more talent in many more things than you realise. I'm certainly keen to see what is next.
Best of luck @benCathro it is an amazing series and well worth watching. I hope to see you bring another series in the near future 🙏