Why I Can't Race Anymore: The Final Chapter | Pinkbike Racing S2E5 

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. ❤

Ah Big Ben, the tall funny downhill rider we all wish was our friend. Good stuff lad!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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, 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.

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

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, 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 RU-vid. 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.

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 :)

This is new benchmark in MTB storytelling and videography! All the best Ben and the crew!

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 RU-vid. Please get your mojo back ASAP, we’re all waiting for your next project and upload.

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

You're a top bloke Ben. We all wish you the best for the future, on and off the bike

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 💙

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Hey Ben. I'm 50 and was just diagnosed with adhd this past year. I can relate to what you were saying about the struggle and the what ifs. That being said, even with ADHD and everything it brings the challenges and weird super powers you've created some amazing things and I for one appreciate everything you've done and can't wait to see what's next.

You might not have ridden your bike as fast as you wanted to in the big races but you did get to race in those big races so that is an amazing achievement in itself! You've also educated people like me about MTB techniques and course features through your articulate videos. You are no doubt a great mentor to your fellow pink bike riders and you helped them get some decent results! Your knowledge, sense of humour and charisma make you a natural in front of the camera and you'll make a fantastic commentator in due course! Good luck in the future and thanks for the edutainment over the years !

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

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.

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!

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 :)

Came clicking in to see Benji, our 'insider' hero, came away thinking he's actually more than a hero. Yer a legend mate. As someone who lives a bit of that life mate, I'd say I've literally no idea how you did what you have. In fact, as I've watched you over the years you've come across as a role model in your actions. I've often thought about one day I'll be stoating down a city street and I'd bump into you and tell you how amazing you are. Whilst you maybe think there is a problem to fix, take it from all of us, the comments I see below. Don't change mate. Glad you made this, glad you let us all inside. Gives us all a reference point for when others bring it to us. You got back on after a broken back ffs, you'll get back on this. So don't beat yourself up too much and don't be away too long. All the love in the world dude.

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. ❤

Big thanks to Pink Bike, sponsors, Ben and crew, and athletes for sharing this journey with us. What a wonderful body of work! Thank you

"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!)

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.

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!

Don't take it too hard man. Being a top racer is nothing compared to be'n a good dude, and you seem like a good dude.

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.

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.

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!

Thankyou for the Pinkbike Racing series, it was amazing! And Ben - your amazing dude - good luck for the future!

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.

Another amazing, authentic, moving video. Thanks Pink Bike, this series was the best.

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.

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.

This is so awesome. Huge love for the strength and courage Ben...seeing this at just the right time.

You're a legend and you're not alone!

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!

It makes a lot of sense now as I was watching your movement and I was like, this guy is a world cup racer. Then I started to notice that your strength didn't feel like it was enough for your height/size/weight...etc, if you could get in that gym your strength would match your ability and determination.

Yep. I was diagnosed this year and struggled where others breezed through tasks. Good luck in your journey

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.

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!

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.

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 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💪👍👊

Many thanks for this series Ben. The best thing on Pinkbike by far, & my favourite MTB content on RU-vid. I love your insight, humour, humility & humanity. Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide to do next.

Thank you guys for this amazing series. Thanks you guys for your sacrifice and commitment to mtb. You inspire us all

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

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....

What an incredible team and people, I'm so grateful to have been by your side. I love you all! ❤

So much bravery on show here, Both on and off the bike! LEGEND

Love the honesty and the transparency. Mad respect for you and the team ❤🎉🤘🏻

I loved this series. Thank you so much for sharing. Best of luck Ben.

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 🫡

Good luck Ben, what you´re doing and the way you are doing it is amazing. Everyone has their own struggles to fight with, hope you can manage that well in the future. Great series, great people, great stories, emotions, ups and downs. Hats off

Ben you’ve brought more to the world sharing your epic journey than what the singular event of winning a World Cup would have brought!

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.

So brave to share this with everyone. Love watching your videos and Pibkbike racing. Keep on going Ben!

Absolutely enjoy your stories! Please keep them coming!!!

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.

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!

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!

Thanks for being so real !! you are always my favorite rider!!! you are the man much love !!!

This series made me feel like i could race bikes. I think thats true for a lot of people watching. Thanks guys.

I found Ben's RU-vid 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. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

That was an epic video on many levels. Hats off to all involved for putting the team and the video content together.

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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... :)

Thank you for this incredible series everyone. It completely re-ignited my love for watching competitive downhill. So much love.

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!

@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 guy is so lovable- Cheers from the Arizona highlands.

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.

Dude you are a true inspiration, praying for you and your wonderful journey.

Wow, and look at all you were able to accomplish before treatment. The best is yet to come Ben!!