The Pinkbike Podcast: Ben Cathro On Leading Pinkbike Racing, Troubleshooting His Brain & Focusing On His Strengths

Dec 14, 2023
by Alicia Leggett  
photo
New art by Taj Mihelich. Thanks Taj for putting me in my happy place!

Ben Cathro is someone who helps the rest of us understand World Cup racing by making videos breaking it down. His video work with Pinkbike led him to start Pinkbike Racing, and now he's led the team for two seasons. Ben himself is a racer, coach, video creator, team manager, team mentor, father, husband, friend... in this episode, we talk about the struggle of managing all of it, both with the team and as a person, plus he tells me about his process, his retirement from racing, and more. I really enjoyed Ben's openness and thoughtfulness, and I hope others enjoy this episode too.


Featuring a rotating cast of the editorial team and other guests, the Pinkbike podcast is a weekly update on all the latest stories from around the world of mountain biking, as well as some frank discussion about tech, racing, and everything in between.

Subscribe to the podcast via your preferred service (Apple, Spotify, RSS, Megaphone, etc.), or visit the Pinkbike Podcast tag page for the complete list of episodes.

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Podcasts Pinkbike Racing The Pinkbike Podcast Alicia Leggett Ben Cathro


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26 Comments
  • 37 0
 Really love the nod to Levy with the Alien in the new art work! Mike Levy
  • 10 0
 Keep the Levy gifs going forever and then it'll be like he never left!
  • 12 0
 @Dogl0rd: whenever I see the GIF the intro of “Sweet Dreams” plays in my head and his nod fits perfectly in time.
  • 2 0
 @henryquinney: aww man, thanks a lot for planting that ear worm. Now I am going to do the same thing every time I see it.
  • 2 0
 Givin' us the people's eyebrow right there.
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney: will pinkbike racing team be around next year?
  • 21 0
 Pink Bike Racing was by far the best biking content on the internet. It engaged me, who I'm ashamed to say was checked out of the DH scene for many years, and my whole family. Even those who could care less about bikes or racing were rooting for Ben and Aimi. I know 2024 will be a challenging year for all involved, and I understand the decision to cut the program. This is the one piece of biking content I would pay for. I'd gladly trade my Discovery subscription for an Outside+ to watch another season of PBR. Please bring it back as premium content and watch the subscribers roll in. My kids need to see there is hope for junior privateers at the World Cup level!
  • 6 0
 Had a few coaching days with Ben back in his Sick Skills days, have to say his breakdown of technique and attention to detail were incredible. Took a load of inspiration not just for riding but for my own coaching job at the time as well. He's real asset to the sport and I'm glad that he's got the recognition he deserves these past few years.
  • 8 0
 Can you post the new image in higher resolution? Great job on it from what I can make out though!
  • 9 0
 Mike Levy
  • 4 0
 I get a lot of where Ben is coming from — the disengagement when you have no interest, the procrastination, the ensuing anxiety, etc. I was also the kid doing homework on the bus or even in the five minutes before class began. And I found the immediacy of deadline is what spurred me on. I can definitely relate.
  • 4 12
flag PauRexs (Dec 14, 2023 at 15:47) (Below Threshold)
 like almost every other human in this planet... don´t think it´s necesary to be prescribed with pills for overcomming this...
  • 2 0
 @PauRexs: I don’t take any pills for this. WTF are you talking about?
  • 1 4
 @TheR:well done not taking them but meaning is the solution are giving to Ben.. which is nuts
  • 3 0
 @PauRexs: I also haven’t been diagnosed with ADHD. Apparently, I have just experienced a lot of the same things and can empathize. But I can manage it — I think that is one of the differences between those diagnosed with ADHD and those who have not been. I don’t know anything about Ben or his treatment. Hopefully he does what he can to manage.
  • 2 0
 AuDHD here. I went for a spin today on a familiar trail in wet slippery conditions and just couldn't couldn't string 2 corners together. I was ready to quit mountain biking there and then. On my way back I came across an unfamiliar equally techy trail and rode it the best I've done all year. Due to the novelty of the unknown my brain just switched into a hyper focus/flow state and it was bliss. Sometimes I hate my ADHD and sometimes I love it. It's way more fun than my autistic side.
  • 7 1
 "Ben breaks down his life and career with Alicia" this tag line could possibly be misunderstood
  • 1 0
 Question for the podcast: what is the limit of mulleting? It seems like they are becoming increasingly popular. A few years ago, there were quite a few people experimenting with 29/26 combinations. Would those be better than 29/27.5 with modern geometry? 29/24? 32/26? Full penny-farthing? Or does it work best with two really closely sized rims? Just curious - haven't had the opportunity to try one yet.
  • 3 0
 Every BMB stem review/video is like "wow this surprisingly works and has some benefits". Then the reviewer never uses it again.
  • 1 0
 Ben, I’m sure you’ve explored this, but if you haven’t, treatment/medication can be soooo helpful for ADHD. I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 25, had a young child and I had the same feeling of constant overwhelm, decision paralysis, procrastination, hyper focus on my interests, and an inability to remember dates and things. Getting treated changed my life in ways I can’t explain. I’m thoroughly convinced it saved my marriage and was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My 2 cents. Best of luck and I love all the content you put out!
  • 1 0
 Hmmm. Maybe I have ADHD. Everything you said about it Ben is what I've dealt with my entire life.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer my scott ransom eride size L with 29er mode has a 465 chainstay and 470 reach. It’s awfully fun/balanced.
  • 1 0
 @alicialeggett can you confirm there is no 2024 PBR, or has @ben-cathro just left PBR?
  • 1 0
 The only thing I like more than reading books is....
  • 1 1
 Mike Levy







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