Video: Enduro-Packing the 2023 World Cups with Matthew Fairbrother - Round 2

Apr 2, 2023
by Ed Spratt  

bigquotesRound 2: Derby, Tasmania - The commute from Maydena to Derby was probably the most miserable one I've been faced with yet. Relentless rain, headwinds, undulating hills and a mechanical which led me to running an impromptu marathon to the nearest bike shop.

The streak of bad luck wasn't over yet as I struck a major mechanical at the top of stage 4 in practice, meaning I had to miss out on practicing the rest of stage 4 and all of 5 and 6.
The race went relatively smoothly, but with the most physical stages I've ever raced my body just didn't have much in it to push from the start, that mixed with riding half the course blind meant I was slowly being pushed further back.
I finished up 16th Overall U21 with a best stage result of 8th. Something I really can't complain with for what felt like an off day!— Matthew Fairbrother


Posted In:
Racing and Events Videos Enduro Racing Matthew Fairbrother EDR Derby 2023 World Cup Enduro Vlogs


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36 Comments
  • 37 0
 Keep at it mate, your ride reports rule. I get heart burn and sore legs just watching ha ha
  • 7 0
 It’s absolutely insane he just ran a mellow 25k

Don’t ever stop these videos , mad respect
  • 14 0
 what a weapon, love your work mate
  • 9 0
 Unbelievable, inspiring stuff. Keep up the good work and best of luck
  • 7 0
 Great editing given the circumstances. The music, variety of shots, cuts, everything works really nicely! This whole endeavor is very impressive and I super enjoy watching!
  • 3 1
 These are always a good watch. You can only be envious of the adventure he's having and how tough and uncomplaining he is. I missed what happened to his dad though, my old hearing wouldn't pick it up. Looking forward to the rest of these Matthew mate, keep it up.
  • 15 0
 Ah sorry! I should have thrown subtitles in there.

His legs didn’t have anything more to give, I was already behind schedule so had to leave him behind and go solo to make up some time.
  • 6 0
 I want your mental resilience. Cannot hit the like button enough times.
  • 4 0
 This.

I was wondering to myself how I would have handled that broken chain situation.

And given it was already 10pm? Pissing with rain and you've been lumping around prob 40kg of bike and kit for 12hrs I very much doubted I'd have the resilience to start running to the next town (which was 40km away yeah??).

And to do that as a teenager is so impressive.

The world would be a better place with more Matthew Fairbrothers.

Keep up the good work dude, you're an inspiration!
  • 2 0
 You are hardcore! I thought your video would get boring when I saw how long it was, but I wasn't bored at all. I like your shots in your tent showing your mood. Like the shots of the animals, kangaroos etc. Your documentary style is so real, feels like I'm right there with you. Overall a very nice existential video: you are choosing a life of travel, biking, and racing. Obviously a chain tool is a must.
  • 1 0
 We would all be doing this if we had no car Smile Be interesting to see how the load being high up fairs on the
link joints and bearings. Wind and stability can make things a bugger, find a fat tyre on a bob ibex can make things
a little easier with loads.
  • 4 0
 You are an endurance machine. Great work!
  • 2 0
 Absolutely amazing !

I’m sure he’ll carry a chain tool with him from now on. Tough lesson to learn. To mentally and physically not give up at that point. Beyond heroic.
  • 4 0
 Go Kiwi!
  • 4 0
 Absolute Legend!
  • 3 0
 The diet alone would kill me. Amazing!
  • 3 0
 Imagine what this dude can do if he ate a normal food Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Does he edit these videos himself?
  • 30 0
 Yep! Makes for a very long night to try and get it published straight after the race. I’m super new to all this so if you have any feedback feel free to let me know!
  • 26 0
 @matthewfmtb: make sure you don't stretch yourself too thin. I really respect the hustle you've put in so far and enjoy seeing the travel just want to make sure ya don't get burnt out trying to make everything happen at once. We all want to see you have a great long career in this
  • 8 0
 @KolaPanda @matthewfmtb : listen to these wise words. We all love the story, just dont go too thin. keep it fun!
  • 9 0
 @matthewfmtb: FWIW I would have watched this whether it came out today or in a week’s time.

I can’t comprehend what you are doing
  • 3 1
 @matthewfmtb: That's amazing, but as others have said, this type of content doesn't really need to come out the day after the race. It is important for some other riders and teams as they are putting out pure race footage and are competing for views with plenty of others.

It might even make sense to release these in the lead up to the following race to get people thinking "damn, I wonder where that kid is right now and will he make it to this round?".

(Advice from a middle aged, desk jockey with 0 marketing experience)
  • 1 0
 @matthewfmtb: Great stuff man but have a good rest for a couple of nights, even a motel bed might do you wonders
  • 2 0
 @matthewfmtb: Love the little nature shots. Much appreciated.
  • 2 0
 That's awesome! Orford is way out of the way though haha!
  • 5 0
 We wanted to head up the coast for the views and less climbing. The rain kinda tainted that plan though haha
  • 1 0
 @ericolsen: Are you in this, too?
  • 2 0
 @HappyBiker19: yep I’m right there in the first bits Matt gives me a title card but neglects to mention me in the intro.
  • 4 0
 @HappyBiker19: stay tuned for a bike check comparison between our bikes. We’ve both refined our setups quite a bit since last year.
  • 2 0
 I think this should be a requirement for all racers.
  • 1 0
 Dammit this dude is a legend.

Two words: support van.

I'll bet there's folks that would volunteer to lend a hand.
  • 1 0
 Dud, why are you running? Walk, or call it a night. Hitch a ride to the shop in the morning. You're a beast.
  • 1 0
 You wouldn't put low grade petrol in your hypercar would you? Nice ride
  • 2 0
 Seriously impressive!
  • 1 0
 Backbone!







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