Now being English, I don't fully appreciate Scottish patriotism. Yet, when I travel to Benderloch I can begin to appreciate some aspects of it. Nestled away in the western highlands of Scotland it lies in a bay filled by the Atlantic Ocean, and if you're lucky the sea will pick up the Gulf Stream and become warm in summer. Unspoilt, untamed and hosting locals who are warm and friendly it’s a place where those seeking some solitude venture to in the summer.
Despite its idyllic attraction there are a few who choose to venture away come summertime. Its not a hard choice for them, they are driven by a competitive edge that draws them to all corners of the world seeking that perfect run, and ultimately victory over the best in the world- it might not be to far away.
That Gulf Stream has got a lot to answer for.

Ok, here it is- an interview with a real-life, talking Giraffe- Ben Cathro

Ben, the 05 season is long gone, now correct me if I’m wrong but you seemed to start exceptionally well but lost some of that speed towards the end of the season. So Punk, are you happy with how the year went?

I’m quite happy with the way everything went but there are always things that you wish could have gone different. I did start very well but from the SDA at Dunkeld onwards things didn’t go as planned. That was probably due to crushing my hand. Apparently I bruised the bone and that led on to the biggest disappointment of my year at the worlds. The bruised bone eventually broke at the worlds, when I hit a compression hard, that injury never went away and it just seemed to knock me back a bit and I didn’t put in a good race after that. I was lucky to take the British title and I wish I could have finished on a strong note, healed now though!




And the World Champs- I know that must have hurt?

Yeh, that was terrible. I never want to have to go through that again, the Team Doc pulled me from the race as any more damage to my hand might have been irreversible. It hurt so much having to watch everyone else race and then the commentator called out my name as the first rider to be down, as I had rolled qualifying to protect my hand, it wasn’t cool.



At races, we practice together quite regularly (More so at NPS). Despite the comedy crashes and obscene manoeuvres that sometimes occur, it’s normally a fast and controlled affair (even if I do say so myself!). I’ve noticed that, over the year, your speed and riding has become incredibly consistent and you now intrinsically know what speed you need to go to win races- something I think is the key to winning races- holding your nerve not to blow up, go too fast and too ragged.
Do you have any explanation for this?

Not really no. I find at the Scottish races I can just have a laugh and not have to worry about doing well. That makes me ride so much better, I’m just relaxed and I flow so much more. At the NPS races the nerves are a lot worse but I think I’m learning to control them more but when I knew I could win the series they seemed to get the best of me. But getting ragged is way more fun!



I think the common conception of you is one of being an incredibly quick downhiller. Yet, I know you can ride trails and have developed a natural style on the bike. How would you like to be perceived? (answer that without sounding arrogant punk!!)

I just want to be seen as any other rider. I really don’t want people to see me as an arrogant prick who thinks he is IT. I know I’m quite fast but I don’t want to try and make everyone realise it other than actually smoking them on the race course. I’m just going to keep practicing and riding and getting better and let my riding do the talking.

And you’re rivalry with Brendan- you’ve beaten him once squarely- but he seems to have just nudged up another level, he is undoubtedly a natural talent on the bike, but are you a natural, a worker-or both?

Brendan is bloody fast and consistent, I’ll give him that and we get on well, I so wanted him to get the World title. Strangely I don’t feel he has now got out of reach, I think I can race there with him, it would take a perfect run, but I believe it’s in me. Brendan has now gone full time, that is a lot of hours on the bike and a lot of practicing to catch up on, so I’m going to have to work to improve my talent!



I know you train, and without giving away to many secrets, how do you train- gym, riding, press-ups in front of the fire…?

I had great plans of how I was going to go to the gym 3 times a week and do road rides and really get my strength and fitness up for next year……so far that hasn’t gone to well. I’m just too busy riding my bike. That and I’m lazy.

You claimed you were going to have a bash at 4x in 05 – it never happened. 06?

I just don’t have enough time really. With the NPS races and SDA the costs are a lot and to do the 4X races as well would be too much. My track record with 4X race aren’t very good either. *cough*broken foot*cough*

And in general, plans for 06? Hitting up Crazy Gus’ freeride comp?

I really want to do all the world cups next year but it looks like Brazil will just cost too much. Hopefully I’ll do all the others. I don’t know about the Gus’s comp, I don’t want to embarrass you and ruin your hucker status.

Ok lets move away from riding for a minute.

Your old man is quite heavily involved in your racing, doing a lot for the sport in Scotland- along with a few other dads of racers. He was quite a high level sportsmen himself wasn’t he?? (clay pigeon shooting?)

He sure was, from what I’ve been told he was a very sporty guy. Did track and field sports and did quite well too. He was British Champion for clay pigeon shooting but after he got that title there was nothing else he could move onto and he sort of stepped down. I inherited his competitive nature which is a good thing.

So do you have any other interests other than riding? - no pressure but I think you need to hold the Scottish end up here-Stu Thomson can be seen in Callander on a Friday night under the guise of  “Sandra”

I snowboard when there is actually any snow! I’m actually crap at it but it’s awesome fun! I’m quite interested in photography and film and I’d really like to learn how to actually take good pictures. My friend Andy Phillips and I make silly little films as well, it’s all for fun really.


You used to be a bit of Shinty player?

Yeh, back in my primary school days. I used to play centre and It was really fun. Then I got into high school and discovered that all the neds (chavs) played and it sucked big time. So I left.

I think the Scottish riders have a bit of a reputation for being, well a bit reserved in character- no bad thing- but are you really all boring??- defend your fellow country men as much as you want!!

Fire is always fun……

Who, or what do you  draw motivation from?

My motivation comes from trying to be the best. That’s it really. The reason I ride is because it’s what I love doing and I will continue doing for as long as I can.

So going back, if riding doesn’t become a career what else tickles your fancy?

I’ll probably end up having to go to uni and study some random engineering course. I definitely want to be involved in biking in some way, maybe even design my own bikes or components.

And just to cause some wholesome banter, which Scottish Elite do you wanna smoke the most?

Hmmmmm, I’m not actually sure. I’ll just say Stu because I know you wanted me to.

Opinion on drugs?

Bad.





Now, the British national champs. It’s a race a few juniors could have won- maybe even up to 10- and you finished fourth, not to bad. But more interesting than the result was your wonderfully gracious pirouette in the camping field- Faulkner induced??

Hahahahahhaha, yeah. That was a combo of Faulkner, Si and Brendan. Luckily my arms are so long I saved myself before I went all the way over.


Ok then, lets round it off with a funny story.

I’m not sure when, but it was in fort William. We were all out on the town and I was told a rather funny story about you managing to pull this fat bird. My sources tell me you were pretty much shagging on the dance floor. Not sure how far it went though, I’ll leave you to tell everyone. Did I mention she was fat?


And finally any shout outs??

Anyone and everyone that’s got anything to do with making biking the way it is today. Also the Hub and Cyclejersey.com for everything they’ve done for me.

Oh- and next year I will beat you!!

I do believe you still need to eat your hat from the last time you said that.