Just when you think he's already one of the nicest guys around he opens up about an area people would normally hide or be embarrassed about. But no, openly tells it as it was, made a change and came through it stronger. Thank you so much for sharing the background. Good effort and will done big fella 💪
his honesty is amazing, hope we see him again, hes a good reflection of a normal person with courage and no worry to expose failure, i think he can help many people take control of their life more hes kind of a middleman between you guys and the beginners that get encouraged
@@RealLifeMassMultiplayerRPG normal? Dudes like in his late 20s and was a ex semi pro rugby player. Average Joe is a dude who never done shit sitting in a office for 20 years and decides to got out and cycle. He probably didn't have to worry about finding and buying a proper set up.
I'm a 105kg rider who just finished my first 320k event with 3k of climbing. While training for that event I suddenly lost one of my closest family members and l fell into a deep depression. Cycling gave me the headspace to keep going. Freddie's video has brought me to tears. Thank you GCN. Well done Freddie! Ride on.
Your comment brought tears to my eyes, condolences on your loss. Like you I’m currently at 105kg (down 10 kilos over the last two months with mostly indoor riding), but a complete beginner years away from any races (if ever). I just ordered a properish bike. Looking at all these skinny small dudes makes me wonder if I could be go very far but your comment inspires me. And I still plan to lose some kilos. Ride on!
Condolences. Im also a heavy rider 95kg, the maximum i did was a flat ride (dutchie) of 190km. Cycling also helps me reflect and think about things in life. I guess its the time you get being just by yourself and the dopamine and endorfine that just helps you get over the rough patches in life. Stay strong and keep cycling.
I am a huge Ollie fan, and now a Freddie fan as well. The end brought a tear to my eye. How inspirational was that?!!! Well done Freddie. And having Ollie as a coach and mentor. Can't be better. This has to be one of my favourite GCN videos of all time. Well done guys. Keep the Freddie and Ollie videos coming.
Freddie showed his true and human story by completing this tough ride with an incredible mental strength and physical effort..so congratulation since he did an epic ride 💪🏻🔝🔝🔝 concerning Ollie… I must give him my most sincere respect as leader and great admiration for the super mental and human support that you gave to Freddie ..👏👏 both of you gave me a great and solid inspiration of how to NEVER LET GO..!!
Best story by GCN in awhile. A wonderful Freddie's story and congratulations to him for a super effort along with Ollie's domestique duties. Enjoyed thoroughly. Thank you and rest well.
I wasn't struggling so much with depression but the amount of anxiety I had in last few years was just mental, also just like Freddie I couldn't leave home and meet people, still I have some issues with candies, coffee and sweet drinks but this was also the year when I bounced back and guess what - It was the cycling that made me move and in a way it helped me regain my confidence, helped me connect with the people and start working on myself I am still not where I want to be but I am getting there thanks for sharing your story Freddie, I thought this was only gonna be a basic ride video but it's very motivating!
Freddie, you are an inspiration. I'm 66 with a 25 year old brain and your battle and eventual victory over your demons is must watch video, and supremely motivational. Thank you.
Just WOW, GCN, Ollie, Freddie! What an epic achievement, in all ways not only cycling-wise, possibly even way more important in sharing the private story on Mental struggles. Definitely not just another cycling video. Chapeau
Absolutely inspirational. Took up serious cycling this August after buying a gravel bike and these videos from GCN continue to keep me on the saddle ever since. Slowly hitting the goals - 50km, 100km, 120km after watching GCN videos for tips and inspiration. Turning 50 in a few weeks and preparing for longer rides. This video will be definitely be part of my bike inspiration playlist. Thank you Ollie, Freddie, and the GCN team! Well done!
Doing the 312 as an amateur with only 7 weeks proper training, top effort. Nice to see someone not a super cyclist (rest of GCN presenter team) compete, struggle but finish such an event, hope for the rest of us mortals. Keep it up Freddie.
Congrats Freddie. Respect for your openess on mental health challenges. I think ur probably right that everyone does struggle somewhat. But not everyone is as courageous as you to openly discuss it! I wish you continued success my friend!
I’m a police officer and have seen depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide in so many different ways for different reasons and how it affects so many people. What you’ve achieved with the power of exercise and the right mental attitude is incredible. Freddie you should be very, VERY proud of yourself.
I think these GCN videos may be the best thing on the internet, very funny when things are absurd and very heartfelt and inspiring when things are serious, thanks!
I started cycling April 2021 and now i'm aiming to cycling 14251 km around Australia August 2022 to raise awareness for mental health. The human body can do some incredible things.
I respect you so much Freddie! I've been through a similar journey and now consider myself to also be lucky as hell and love every moment. I wish I hadn't gone through what I had but I wouldn't be who I was if I hadn't and I also wouldn't be this strong. Kudos for being open about it, more of us need to be to normalise talking about it. Massive respect and great riding!
First time I wept to a GCN piece. Wow mate. Well done and thanks for broadcasting hope that others can emulate, champ. Big courage. Big life message. Top GCN video.
Freddie your an absolute legend you have such a hero you have just proved to the whole world that you can do anything in life Thankyou mate I really want to follow in your footsteps Your a amazing legend ❤
Well done. I wish you'd post his Strava ride as well. That's where the more important stuff is. Edit: found it. 25.4km/h. That is an impressive average! I've been cycling for ten years at this point and I can't pull off an average like that on that distance and elevation. I should probably just give cycling up.
I’m currently struggling with depression. Cycling is one thing that is definitely helping. Thank you Freddie for sharing your story! And a big, hearty, congrats on finishing this ride. And I’m really thankful that Ollie was with you for the entire event. That was great teamwork. I was in tears at the end.
Owen, I make your words mine. It is exactly how I felt. Depression is a really hard place I make it really hard to feel appreciated our simply happy. I've managed to overcome it a couple years ago and now, like Freddie, I am having the time of my life. So bike, yes, a lot, know you're loved and you matter. You will make it to the other side and you will be able, like Freddie, to share your story and help the next person. Take care and lots of love to you.
Now this is GCN content that I can relate to. All the cycling advertisements and youtube vids showing all the fun and smiles with riding a bike. Life is difficult. Cycling is difficult. It's the victories like this that makes the struggles worthwhile. Way to go Freddie!
Well I’ve been a GCN fan since long.. but this is one of the best videos I’ve seen in a long time. I know a lot of folks have got on to bikes just to beat issues like anxiety and depression. I can relate to Freddie so much with myself having struggled at such events and falling into a dark place mentally myself, so I can totally relate to what Freddie is feeling. My riding has changed a lot ( I think I’m faster, thinking of Greg lemond’s quote here :) ) but at a mass event I try to support and ride with guys at the back especially those who’re struggling. It’s a great thing to help them cause they’re suffering the most. Every climb, every pothole can be just a miserable experience. Helping them ride as much as possible feels like a great experience. Anyway Kudos to @Ollie and @GCN
seeing Ollie be so supportive towards Freddie made me feel extremely warm inside. the fact that Freddie was resilient enough to be better for himself, come out of such a dark place, fight his way through, and end up finishing the Mallorca 312 gives me immense hope that maybe one day, even i can. this was probably the best video i have seen GCN put out. thanks, to Ollie, Freddie, and to everyone in the Global Cycling Network.
What an incredible story. Props to Ollie for being such a great support system. Most importantly, well done to Freddie for being an inspiration to so many people.
In bits watching this. Amazing ride and brill support from Ollie(even though it was his job) Does anyone know how Freddie is doing now? Would be great to have a catch up on his progress, on and off the bike.
Like so many others here I can attest to the power of cycling when it comes to mental health, it has saved me during the past two years, with my wife going through cancer treatment and it’s just about keeping my head above the water since she died 6 months ago aged just 40, leaving me reeling with three young kids, including toddler twins to care for. I just wish I had more time to cycle. Great great video
My heart and soul go out to you and your children. Remember, every cyclist is your friend! Keep cycling! perhaps contact a cycling club, maybe they can help find child care whilst you do club rides!
I’ve always enjoyed and respected Ollie as an interesting, enthusiastic and knowledgeable presenter and after watching him work as a super domestique for Freddy has only served to increase that respect. And much respect and kudos to Freddy for his incredible transformation into a true cyclist and overcoming the immense challenges he faced! I’m inspired by his story to get my own transformation underway! Chapeau!
I completely agree! Ollie is a class act, and Freddie is amazing for taking on this challenge with such a short preparation time and sharing his ups and downs with us. Also John, can't wait to see/hear more about your transformation. Rock it out, buddy!!
I don't think I've ever had such an emotional response to a GCN video... this was incredible and inspiring. Thank you Freddie for sharing something so personal and real.
I did not expect that story at all. I went through something similar a long time ago and it was exercise that saved me too, it completely changed my life. I’m so happy for Freddie, great to see such a positive outcome and I feel confident he will be good the rest of his life.
I had tears in my eyes at the end of this, amazing effort Freddie!! Ollie is such a nice bloke, we need to see more videos of this duo. Thanks for yet another fantastic video GCN.
Wow! Freddie, you are an absolute hero. Full stop. That was so inspirational. Hats off to Ollie for being the best domestique imaginable. I wish I had someone like that when I did my first race. My own knees still hurt when I see Freddie‘s knee tracking but it surely works for him.
Yea, I'd love to see Ollie do a video about supporting less experienced riders. Pacing, leading/sheltering, and keeping morale up can be complicated when riders have very different levels of experience.
I cried for Freddie. Those tears of joy and emotion at the finish line were so moving. We all have our crosses to bear, and I have mine at the moment. Watching Freddie’s journey touched me deeply. And Ollie!! The love and care with which you stood alongside Freddie and elevated him to his best self is truly awesome.
kudos for this vid. great story. Ollie was not dropped for a change. but seriously, the support he gave Freddie is beyond words. so uplifting. well done both
What a truly brilliant film! Freddie’s vulnerability and experience is one that I and so many can relate to, and the joy of cycling is and will be a breakthrough for so many people! What a fantastic journey and am amazed at Freddie’s resilience and determination throughout. I may have had a little weep at various points in the film. Well done again guys, and Chapeau Freddie!
Probably the most inspirational video of GCN so far. To know the past struggles of Freddy and his determination to ride through pain just to get to the finish line, really amazing. And Ollie, so many times teased by getting dropped, he did a fantastic job to support Freddy. Massive respect to both of them!
Freddy, I am writing this in tears. This 21:27 video had to be replayed. You said at the 15:10 mark “it’s not that I didn’t want to live anymore, it’s that I didn’t want to be in pain anymore”. 8 years ago my wife of 30 years ended our marriage. I was not expecting it and for the last eight years I have been living in pain too. I walked away from everything, I never thought of ending my life but wished I just wasn’t anymore. Thank you, thank you, I am choosing to not live in pain but live happily and abundantly. Timing is everything, and this week I saw a post that said “We’re ALL a little broken, but last time I checked broken crayons still color - Trent Shelton” since then I put a small broken crayon in my pocket so wherever I go it’s to remind myself of that quote. I am saving this RU-vid video so that I can play it when life and its challenges gets me down. Bravo, and kudos to you from one healing human to another.
Only people who have suffered depression and anxiety will have a true understanding of what a lonely and isolated place it can be and how even the smallest of issues can be magnified. Whenever I see someone who people look up to like Freddie be open and honest about their own struggles, I always have such respect for them. To show others it's OK to struggle and that things will get better will bring hope to so many. As Freddie says, be honest about it,, there is no shame in mental ill health, and if there is one thing I have learned it's that when you are open about it yourself, you will realise how many people close to you are suffering in silence. For that reason if I ever see the signs of anxiety or depression I always reach out and if nothing else just make people know that I am there and that when there is nothing else there is always hope. Nice work guys and a great video.
I love this so much, I flipping love Freddie, I love the type of cyclist he represents, I love how honest he is with his mental health, I love the encouragement from everyone! I almost cried at the end!
GCN was smart to bring Freddie on. Obviously, cycling pros and experts provide a huge value for GCN, but most people watching are the Freddie's of the world, especially the 'Freddie from a few years ago.' Makes it so much more relatable to see some less experienced guys we can relate to. A vast majority of the people who call themselves cyclists are us Cat 5 types.
Got something in my eye watching that! There’s no doubt that taking on a challenge way outside your comfort zone and with a history of self doubt can be life changing! Go Freddie and nice job Ollie x
Freddie saying to Ollie "I don't want to slow you down" is me on every ride, and the reason I don't do group rides often. Ollie's response is what other people have tried to tell me, maybe I can get it into my head now? Chapeau Freddie. Nothing like shooting for the stars on your first event, eh!
I'm on the other side of the equation, and I've done a lot of lonely rides. Had loads of people just assume I don't want to ride with them, cause they see me win time trials or something. I honestly just enjoy riding with you, don't even give it a second thought.
I want to thank everyone at GCN for creating this video and giving people with mental instability this wide an audience to express their emotions and tell their stories. This is incredibly heartwarming and inspirational. Similar to Freddie, I ride for reasons much bigger than just physical fitness and was moved by his honesty, his progress, and his vulnerability. I really hope that he knows that he's inspired many people and that I hope he continues to protect his peace. Cheers!
More riders should aspire what Ollie does in this video. Facilitating your buddies to help them reach their goals is important and there needs to be more of that in cycling.
Freddy, the cycling inspiration of the week (or the year)! Thank you for your openness about your struggles with mental health, and showing just how difficult it was to get through these 312 km. There are soooooo many cyclists (me totally included) who wouldn't have been able to do even a fraction of this monster ride. You completed it, but the real achievement is even riding. Any kind of riding. Your a such an inspiration. Thank you!
Many people are going through depression *right now*. Some know, some don't, Covid is not helping. This video, sharing these experiences, truly helps, for sure. Thanks Freddie for sharing his story: Mallorca 312 is an easy challenge once you've got through those dark places. For all those suffering, this is the proof you *can* do it. You matter, you are loved, don't be afraid of asking for help. 💪
One of the best videos by GCN. Brilliant work by Freddie and a role model for so many struggling with their mental health. A big shout also to Ollie for his encouragement and pacing skills. No ego just a real helping hand. Many club riders could take a lead from Ollie by encouraging not embarrassing the slower rider.
What a freakin hero Freddie! Stood up and going stronger and stronger! And what a mentor Ollie referred himself as amateur but speaks and coaches like the best racers I imagine.
This is so inspirational. The first GCN video to bring me to tears. Freddy is a champ and Ollie is a magnificent friend. This video exemplifies the very best of cycling. Well done lads!
Wow, just wow. Well worth the wait. One of the most inspirational GCN videos I've ever watched. Freddy's effort in completing this plus his honesty about what he's been through with his mental health are fantastic. Well done to GCN, to Ollie for chaperoning him but above all, chapeau to Freddie ;-)
Amazing work Freddie really brought a tear to my eye! After nearly taking my own life 6 years ago and struggling years after that I started cycling 3 months ago and found it’s the most liberating and best thing I’ve done for my health like you, also started yoga after every sessions to help reflect on every ride! I hope to do a ride like you one day! Again amazing work!
One of the best stories yet. Freddie wow... that was off the chart inspiring, thank you for all the hard work an sharing with us.. no matter the speed or the distance or what place you might finish in, you are legend in my books. Ollie, as always you are a class act, chapeau to you
Brilliant video. Really appreciate GCN’s supportive and positive stance on these important issues. Freddie is a champ and an inspiration. So too is Ollie (we all need mates like him to go and ride our bikes with)
