Earning The Right - Neil Stewart

In a time where mountain biking is becoming more and more competitive, with the margin for error becoming smaller and smaller, seconds becoming split seconds, signing a deal to a World Cup team is no small feat.



Eager to prove himself, 16 year old Neil Stewart is racing for FMD during the 2014 season. Looking to build upon his previous season's results this year with the full factory support of FMD Racing. For Neil, this opportunity is the chance he has been waiting for, he believes that earning the right is all part of World Cup racing. In fact, since Neil and I filmed this video he has progressed to a 10th place at the physically demanding Pietermartizburg WC and a 3rd at the mud fest that was Cairns WC. It certainly seems Neil is well on his way to ‘Earning the Right’.

Neil tearing up the local trails in Blairgowrie.
Neil Stewart is a good friend of mine, I first met the young Scotsman in Morzine during the summer of 2013. It was immediately obvious during our short day of filming the potential that Neil had, his riding style was miles in front of his age.

I recently took a trip up to Blairgowrie in Scotland to stay for a week with Neil. Tucked away in central Scotland, it’s easy to see where Neil’s aggressive riding style originated from. His hand built trails ooze gnarly, with a 40ft gap that he built specially for filming.

We then headed over to Innerliethen to shoot the main DH part of the video. A gloomy rainy day actually turned out better for us, with some epic lighting and North Shore style forest!

Neil's carbon Devinci Wilson for the 2014 season.

We then took a trip to Transgression Skatepark for some indoor MTB action. The guys at Trans were really helpful, with a huge park there really is something for everyone. If you’re ever heading Edinburgh way you should check it out.

Tuck no hander, no problem. Neil mixes up training between hitting the gym, shredding the skatepark and smashing the downhill.

Neil's home town of Blairgowrie has various street spots that are sweet for hucking!

Filmed and edited by Robbie Giles Media.
Songs used:
Trippin - Zion I
Heaven Knows - The Pretty Reckless

Thanks to:
The Stewart family
Transgression Skatepark - http://www.transgressionpark.com/