Marc Beaumont: Ask Me Anything - Finished

Mar 30, 2016 at 2:42
by Saracen Bikes  
Marc Beaumont - Ask Me Anything


MARC BEAUMONT


Ask Me Anything



There aren't many elite World Cup downhill racers who can say they've stood on the podium and even fewer who have reached the top step, but Englishman Marc Beaumont has done exactly that and on two occasions. His last World Cup victory was also one for the history books, taking the win on the unmistaken slopes of Val di Sole - a track known for its pure brutality and speed. That was six years ago and after a hiatus from the podium and a year away from racing, he's back. On a new team and on a new bike, Marc's return to the sports ultimate arena will be interesting for the fans and a challenge for Marc - one he's already relishing and eager to prove he still has the speed and determination to be one of the best in the world.

Check out the video below and tune in, right here at 7:30pm GMT TODAY and have your questions ready. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a professional rider, travelling the world and getting paid to ride or what it takes to make it in the world of downhill mountain bike racing, here's your chance to ask someone who's been there and is doing it again...

Marc Beaumont - Ask Me Anything

Marc Beaumont - Ask Me Anything
Marc Beaumont - Ask Me Anything

Marc Beaumont: "I am a bike racer"

by SaracenBikes
Views: 10,634    Faves: 66    Comments: 9


How ‘Ask Us Anything' Works


Starting at 11:30 AM PST/19:30 PM BST Today, Friday April 1st, you can type your questions into the comment box for Marc who will endeavour to answer all of your questions. Sometimes your answer will pop up in a few seconds; others may take a while as Marc will be busy responding to other questions. Everyone who posts a question, large or small, will be taken seriously. To make the process as efficient as possible, try to follow these simple guidelines:

• Be patient with an answer, Marc will plan to get round to replying to your question.

• Before asking Marc a question, look to make sure it hasn't been asked already.

• Be courteous, being saying rude and offensive things will get you banned.

• Stay focused. Try to keep your questions on one topic if possible. You can always ask another question later.

• Try to keep your questions to no more than 100 words.

• Ask Me Anything is a platform for Pinkbike readers who are seeking information and insight, not a forum to broadcast opinions or grievances.

• Use propping to acknowledge good - or not so good - questions. Bump them up or down to where you think they belong.

Marc Beaumont
Marc Beaumont

Marc Beaumont - Ask Me Anything

Mark your calendars - the conversation starts at 11:30 PST / 19:30 GMT TODAY...

Time Zone Break Down:

• 11:30 PST (Vancouver)
• 14:30 EST (New York)
• 19:30 GMT (London)
• 20:30 CET (Berlin)
• 06:30 Friday 1st April AEST (Sydney)

MENTIONS: @SaracenBikes / @shimano / @foxracingshox


Author Info:
SaracenBikes avatar

Member since Sep 19, 2011
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152 Comments
  • 123 11
 How much time and effort did you put in to training as a teenager in order to make it as a world cup professional like you are today? Was it a matter of bulk shuttles or hanging out with your mates at the jumps or trails? Curious to know how every rider made it onto the professional scene, Cheers.
  • 12 62
flag ollyforster (Mar 30, 2016 at 4:43) (Below Threshold)
 It's tomorrow!!!
  • 59 3
 No chill If i put it out there now and it gets propped i have a better chance of it getting it answered!
  • 10 123
flag mattsavage (Mar 30, 2016 at 8:50) (Below Threshold)
 Neg props for being greedy and impatient...
  • 4 22
flag Roostinit (Mar 30, 2016 at 9:02) (Below Threshold)
 It's going to be on a different thread I'm pretty sure mate Razz
  • 6 28
flag fecalmaster (Apr 1, 2016 at 4:33) (Below Threshold)
 Do you prefer Trojans, Ramseys, or Magnums?
  • 30 1
 Hey - I spent a lot of time riding with friends, mostly at local spots be it dirt jumping or sessioning the same bit of dh track over and over again. I believe this how I developed my core skills into what they are today. It was not until much later that I would ride places that used shuttles.
  • 76 3
 Going to miss you on GMBN you should do some updates of your progress throughout the year for the channel. @SaracenBikes
  • 2 0
 P.s. put in a shout for them to show my rides in the bike vault please.
  • 52 0
 Hey Marc, stoked to see you back racing! I am in my mid twenties trying to get into the racing scene, and I feel like I am going to have to make some big sacrifices to do so. So my question for you is, what are some of the biggest scarifices you've had to make to get to where you are? And is there anything, if you could, that you would go back and do differently?

Thank you Marc, and good luck this season!!
  • 5 1
 Great question!
  • 1 0
 I'm about the same age, and would love to know that too. Its an inspiration to see Marc back at the race scene.
  • 14 0
 Very good question mate. Of course there is things I would do differently there are many races I wish had not gone the way they did! Stand out race would be Fort William 2012 I crashed in the top section on a slippery wooden bridge after qualifying first. Still think about that race today... I guess the main sacrifice I made was not going out partying during my late teens and early twenties with my close friends that I grew up with. That's not to say we did not have the odd party on the World Cup scene.. Haha also I guess it's fair to say I did not maximize my education due to travel racing commitments.
  • 52 3
 Marc, picture the scene - it's a World Cup after party and an angry group of chavs turn up at the bar and start a massive brawl. You can pick 3 other racers past or present to help you battle your way out of the pub to safety. Who are the 3?
  • 4 3
 Can he pick Tippie??
  • 20 1
 Nathan Rennie
Steve Peat
Mark Pritchard (mate from home)
  • 46 0
 Why Slugger?
  • 40 2
 It'd be really good if these things got edited after the event so people could read through them without the 8 million pointless / unanswered comments
  • 37 2
 A few years ago at sea otter you broke a Time pedal and your mechanic asked for my REALLY shitty old one. I gave it to him but was worried you wouldnt be able to clip in because they were so ancient. Did it work out? This was back when you were on GT.

Whats your Vo2 max?
  • 21 1
 Yes it did those pedals got me through the weekend. I believe they are still kicking around at home!
  • 30 2
 In all your years of riding bikes what is the worst type of animal excrement that you have ever accidentally ridden through?
  • 29 1
 Good luck this year Marc!
  • 26 3
 Did you have a good time at Atherton racing team?
  • 18 0
 Hello everyone from a hotel near Ae Forest. I've just returned from my first course walk of the 2016 British Downhill Series and can't wait to answer some of your questions in the hour.
  • 16 0
 What is your opinion concerning the "long low slack" trend in all mountain and DH bike design? When, for whom, and under what circumstances is long too long (short too short?), low too low, or slack too slack? Pros? Cons? Or is it one design approach is best under all circumstances? We've seen some new bikes really push this design mantra, and other new bikes with more "old school" geometry facing a lot of criticism. Many consumers don't have the option of test riding 10 different bikes before making a purchase so the best we can do is listen to input from the experts...your thoughts?
  • 1 16
flag mountaincross (Mar 30, 2016 at 10:26) (Below Threshold)
 tomorrow...
  • 17 0
 Go on, Yell it's the DIRT SHED SHOW!
  • 16 2
 Funniest post-race party incident (preferably involving Peaty)?
  • 20 6
 can you take care of my kids so I can surf?
  • 9 0
 How the idea for GMBM came to life and why did you decide to join? Good look this year!
Also, if you have time, was it difficult for you to stop racing full WC for an year and did you you planned to come back with a particular team (as it happened)?
  • 9 0
 For most of your GMBN videos you were riding a trail bike; how much time did you spend on a DH bike during your time off? What's it like to be back on the big bike now? I remember hearing Minnaar saying he had a hard time adjusting between the two, that the handlebars on his DH bike always felt narrow (even though he runs 808mm) after riding his trail bike. Cheers, and good luck this season!
  • 12 0
 Not that much - I did five races last year, including Fort William World Cup. Being back on the big bike has been so much fun, it still amazes me how capable they are even compared to a modern trail bike.
  • 9 0
 In the video you were surprised by how much physical condition you lost during your year off. What's been the most surprising positive thing you've discovered as you're getting back to training and racing after a year away?
  • 7 0
 The most positive thing I've discovered is how cool the sport of downhill is and how much fun it is. Doing those runs. I really missed having that feeling of being with another rider and interacting with them and pushing each other on. It’s great to have that with Matt Simmonds.

Riding your bike and feeling you’ve got everything out of yourself on that day on that trail.

Another thing that has surprised me is the increase in my physical performance in lab tests in a short space of time – it has been amazing to see what my body can do again.
  • 9 0
 Thanks to everyone for asking some great questions! I'm off to get an early night now as I have a weekend of bike racing ahead of me - see you on the trails!
  • 4 0
 Thanks for your disponibility and good luck for Lourde Wink
  • 12 4
 How did Saracen approach you for coming back to racing? Were there any other offers on the table besides them?
Loved the work you did for GMBN Smile
  • 10 1
 Where can you see tracks going in the next few years of DH? Rough and ready or bike park style?
  • 7 1
 I didn't know Marc trained via a Rocky IV training montage ( carrying logs in the woods, exercise equipment with sensors and telemetry).

Did you go back to downhill because you couldn't out-whip Neil at GMBN? Cheers and best of luck this season!
  • 6 0
 Hey mark For downhill how do you mentally train for the up coming season and What advice would you give to someone who is finding it hard to mentally prepare for the races. Cheers
  • 8 0
 As the sport has developed, and the margins between winning and losing have narrowed, the mental side has become more and more important.

It wasn’t until 2012 that I started using a mental coach at Birmingham University.

At a race I do a lot of visualisation - picturing the speeds that you might anticipate certain sections is what I rely on heavily. I think it helps if you get to a section and you’ve played it out in your brain beforehand, it seems to come a lot more naturally in your race runs.
  • 8 1
 How important are mind games in racing?

Does anyone go full Dick Dastardly?
  • 6 0
 Just looked up that Fort William 2015 result with ten days training, you went second fastest in the first split! Stoked to see you back with full support. Best of luck mate!
  • 3 0
 Hi Marc, do you agree with me saying that downhill racing is not just about your skill level, but primarily about yout mental toughness and self-confidence? Have you ever had serious racing self-confidence problems resulting in crashes and big mistakes on a track, even though your riding skills were great?
Thank you and all the best in the season, beast!
  • 8 0
 If I’m riding well I know my results will be there. If my confidence is low, it’s usually due to a big crash and if I have a crash I like to analyse it straight away. If I can pinpoint the mistake I can justify the crash to myself and get back and ride the section even better usually.

The hard ones to get over are the ones where you don’t feel you did anything wrong and you aren’t clear about what mistake was made.

World cups today are won by the guys who are most confident and headstrong to deal with those things.
  • 3 0
 Why go back to racing now after such a long gap away - is this just a season to see if you can do it or are you back in for the long haul?
Do you think the standard at the top will have changed since you left - are riders still getting faster and faster over the years or has the sport plateaued somewhat?
  • 5 0
 I think the standard to win World Cups is as high as ever – I guess I’ll find out if they’re faster next week!

One thing you can see from the results is the depth of talent – a few years back there were a group a step ahead of the others, but I don’t think that gap exists any more.

That can be all the way down to 20th, 30th position without any big gaps now.
  • 6 1
 Why did such a seasoned and consistent racer such as yourself struggle so much to get a ride last season, surely bike companies are desperate to get a rider like you?
  • 3 0
 i want to try and get a work placement as an engineering student in southern england, i'd love to get into bike design or something like that. Any suggestions on who to ask? i've sent a few emails (to orange bikes and such like) but nothing has been sent back. cheers
  • 6 0
 What are you squattin these days? Whats your workout/diet regime?
Whats the weirdest thing you saw the athertons do?
  • 3 0
 Hey Marc, what would you say are some specific riding skills that the top world cup pros do better at then the rest of the guys in the pro category, if any? It would seem the top guys have the mental aspect of it pretty down, but I'm interested in if there's any difference in actual riding technique.

Also, has your riding technique changed much since the earlier days of your world cup career (say, 2007)? For example, would you say the necessary skills are the same, but the level of competition has improved? Or are top pros riding in different style than they did 5-10 years ago?
  • 2 0
 Hey Slugger,

Cheers on the new ride. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the circuit this season again!

In the off season, what is your balance of gym work and on the bike training? Could you also elaborate for during the season, as well as, what your week leading up to a race looks like with training?

Cheers!
  • 5 0
 In the off season I really enjoy riding my bikes from my downhill bike, to my XC bike and even road bike! December to March is where the bulk of my gym work would be and that's 2-3 times per week. During the season depends on my schedule but on average once per week. In a week leading up to a race generally it will involve travelling to the race and then following the race schedule of course walk, practice and competition. It's hard to get a consistent training programme in place around racing internationally - that's a big challenge for everyone racing at this level.
  • 4 0
 @MarcBeaumont: Thanks for the reply. Good luck this season!
  • 2 0
 Hey Mark I was wondering if you and your team are currently using or planning on using data aquisition software to fine tune the suspenion on your race bikes. It seems to have become a lot more common, with lots of riders having been seen using it. In fact Loic Bruni seems to use it at allmost every world cup. Witch I would think would be invaluable, with the margins being as small as they are, I would think hard data via data aquisition would be extremely beneficial in reaching a close to optimum set up for each track.
  • 5 1
 The bike is good, we know that from Manon. Are you realistically aiming for top 20s, top 30s etc..... You are reigning British champ, could you go top 10 even?
  • 7 2
 Are you ever distracted by sexy spectators (or even sexier marshalls) during a race run?
  • 2 0
 Hi Marc, two questions actually:
1. How do you approach training? Are you a number guy or take it by feeling? Setting up a plan and then stick to it by all means or adjusting it from day to day?
2. How your perspective have changed during the year off racing? Anything like 'Hell, why I have done that! It should be done like this' thoughts?

Cheers and good luck!
  • 3 0
 I listen to my coach! A lot of it there’s no real right or wrong. It’s more that you’re doing a good thing at the wrong time. And I think I’ve been guilty of doing exactly that - and doing too much. I think it’s very easy to fill your days and run yourself into the ground.

It’s very difficult to be someone who doesn’t train into someone who trains very well. One off-season will build you into the next off-season and that will build into something that works for you as a rider and makes you physically stronger.

This year I’m working with Phil Dixon and he manages my workload completely and I have 100% trust in his experience and do exactly what he says and we are going in quite a different direction to what I’ve done in the past and hopefully that will pay off.
  • 3 0
 Hi Mark, what do you think are the main things that separate a very fast racer say in the 30-40th position to the top ten at world cups??
  • 5 0
 A number of elements - determination. There's a lot of fast riders but it's another mental approach to be a fast racer. You have to be smart as well to step it up a level to full commitment on and off the track and riding your luck a bit. Some people aren't prepared to do that.
  • 5 0
 Clips or flats (and why)?
  • 5 0
 Look on YouTube-GMBN
  • 5 0
 who's in your dirt fantasy league?
  • 4 0
 Hey Marc I want to know what your favorite fast food is if you ate it. Good luck for the season! #marccanwhip
  • 3 0
 Indian takeaway for sure.
  • 2 1
 Hey Marc, I'm Marc and I'd like to wish you the very best for the upcoming season. From the few things that have changed on bikes since your first retirement, which is the one you can't wait to use in race conditions?

I'll root for you and your big a** helmet in Lourdes mate. Love your work champ, pin it for those wearing XXL helmets!
  • 1 0
 You mentioned that it was really difficult for you to watch racing while you were not participating. This obviously had to be difficult with your role at GMBN and the Dirt Shed Show, I was wondering how you coped with that and how it manifest itself during your time there?
  • 1 0
 Hi Marc, I bumped into Aaron Gwin today at the bottom of the Motril track, he did not seem all that stoked or happy. Would you be more exciting and stoked to be riding if you were at the bottom of that track? (Assuming you rode it when you were out here)... also... what do you call the other track there... the trek track... Martin would like to rename it the 23 degrees track... what's your thoughts on renaming a track to suit your purpose?
More seriously. What characteristic would you say is the best on your new bike and how does this differ to other bikes you have ridden? (What do you think will give the Myst a competitive advantage and why).
Good luck in 2016.
  • 3 0
 Having ridden carbon bikes in the past, it's awesome to ride a carbon downhill bike again - not only for the stiffness aspect but also the way it dampens vibrations from the rider. Because the Myst is so adjustable with the headset cups, I've been able to get the exact setup I'm after.
  • 1 0
 have you tried a fat bike? if yes what were your thoughts on the platform?
I ask as I have recently been going quicker on some tracks on my fat bike than my 7/6" travel dh/enduro bike.

also have you ever thought of riding across the Americas or the world just to confuse people ?
  • 1 0
 so many questions ? can I ask also what are your thought on using full sus e bikes to train on ?
  • 3 0
 hi mark i often suffer with my eyes watering while riding stopping me from riding to full speed (no not crying because i'm slow haha) do you know of anyway to resolve this?
  • 4 0
 Gogs?
  • 4 0
 Will you go back to GMBN during the offseason?
  • 4 0
 Are you still going to go on GMBN, you were better than that new guy!!!
  • 3 1
 Yes Marc! Hope your well man. So whos fastest? You or Will?! Hes still pretty handy on a bike!
Good luck this season dude! Tempo
  • 5 0
 I'm faster - but he's far more powerful for five seconds than I am!
  • 6 2
 What is the number one lesson you learned from working at gmbn?
  • 6 1
 A suh dude
  • 4 0
 GMBN is so great !!!! you found your way !!!!
  • 4 0
 Whats your favourite type of dh track and what features would be on it?
  • 6 0
 Natural technical terrain is my favourite, I love it when the track makes you think, how can I even ride this section...
  • 4 0
 @MarcBeaumont: Haha you should be fine at lourdes then thats all I can think about when watching it.
  • 3 0
 To get faster at riding dh when you know your skills are good, how do you get your confidence up?
  • 6 1
 How much do you bench?
  • 3 0
 Hi Mark, i just bought a Team Myst but i still ride like a cock, how do i become a Slug ?
  • 3 0
 He is very humble on this video. I think Marc is preparing a surprise for us, I think he is going to have a great season.
  • 1 0
 Marc, Will you continue GMBN maybe after your done racing or retired? We need you to coach because Neil still can't say "it's the dirt shed show" correctly! Thanks for your time, cheers
  • 1 0
 Marc, Im not fully sure how this works but after a year out of competitive racing how do you get enough points to race in the WC again?
Good luck for the season and awesome to see you back!
  • 4 1
 what is your favorite wheels size?
  • 3 0
 i would love to see mark in a podium... come on buddy u can do it!
  • 1 0
 doubt you'd remember but me and the mrs sat next to you at Peatys won't back down premiere in Sheffield....all the best for the new season, you'll smash it!!!
  • 1 0
 Hi marc, can you corner the new bike like you cornered a Astra van on the Newtown road wearing your dancing shoes? If so your going to be fine ????????
  • 3 0
 The new Myst is far superior in the corners to the Astra van - but there isn't much room for little Di on my bike!
  • 2 1
 Hey Marc it's Derk here, you probably heard of our crew "the core drinkers"
How do you do those pancake whips, and when is pancake day?
  • 2 0
 If you had to give up either meat or cheese, what would it be?? Good Luck on the forthcoming season btw!
  • 4 3
 what have you missed the most of being a pro rider?and what will you miss the most of gmbn? good luck this season mate, cheers
  • 7 0
 The thing I missed the most about being a pro rider was the opportunity to better myself through competition.

However, I’ll really miss helping and inspiring a huge amount of people through the GMBN videos.
  • 2 1
 Marc, do you ever see, or ride with Gee or other pro British racers? Nothing I would love to see more, than for you to podium! Good luck. Stay strong and healthy! .
  • 2 1
 Rode those tracks in Portugal and they are steep and brutal. Brett Wheeler is the man to see if you fancy it. Glad slugger is back, comes across as a real nice bloke.
  • 3 0
 What's the best advice you could give you a young rider like me? I'm 13.
  • 2 0
 What race are you most looking forward to this year? Best of luck for all of them!
  • 3 0
 I'm really excited for Lourdes - first and foremost it's that one. I do have an eye on the World Champs at Val di Sole - I don't think it's a secret that's a very special place for me and I'd love to represent my country and do some damage at that race come September.
  • 2 0
 Hey Marc, how is it that you're such a boss?

Look forward to seeing you race this year!
  • 2 0
 Marc, currently is there any downhill racers or teams that you look up too e.g Josh Bryceland, Aaron Gwin or NEIL.
  • 7 0
 I think I'm very respectful of a lot of riders - especially those that are achieving big things for a long time. Like Greg Minnaar - for him to compete every weekend is pretty impressive.
  • 1 0
 Hello Marc, Do you think after your career as a DH racer you will go to enduro like Fabien Barel and Nicloas Vouilloz ?

Cheers !
  • 7 0
 Never say never - but I doubt it...
  • 1 0
 @MarcBeaumont: Thank you for your answer !
  • 2 1
 Hey dude. My brother and I are going to Fort william this year and was wondering what's the best way of getting autographs? Good luck for the season.
  • 7 0
 Drop by the team truck in the pits and say hi!
  • 1 0
 @MarcBeaumont: Is Saturday better and Sunday a big no no?
  • 12 0
 @DeepPanDan: Whenever we're around is good, just walk around the pits and ask nicely - all of the riders at a world cup are really approachable and friendly - it's one of the things that makes the sport amazing.
  • 3 0
 @MarcBeaumont: Thank you so much. Enjoy the season.
  • 2 1
 So matt your back at it, whats the.plans and how you feeling about how youl do? Your racing ae this weekend, won there before what you think of the trac
  • 1 0
 Hi, another question : What kind of result do you espect for this season ? and to be more specific for the first race at Lourde ?
  • 5 5
 Where are the secret tracks around the bucknell, Hopton craven arms area? I heard there's a big step up / or step down somewhere. I neeeeeed to know! Thanks
  • 3 1
 What is the biggest "Oh sh*t" moment you've had in your time on a bike?
  • 2 0
 Will you go back to gmbn after the season
  • 5 0
 For now I'm fully focussed on racing for two seasons...
  • 3 1
 Sick rider and awesome tutorials on youtube
  • 4 3
 Over the last year at GMBN, were you training as hard as you were during your worldcup career?
  • 2 0
 all the best for you Marc!!
  • 2 1
 Don't know about you all, but this seems like the perfect team for Slugger.
  • 2 0
 Will you ever join GMBN again?
  • 2 1
 Hey mark! What's your favourite DH venue in the UK? Good luck this year slugger!!
  • 3 0
 Fort William. Especially when there's a world cup there!
  • 2 1
 Does the beard help with the aerodynamics? Wink
  • 2 1
 Whats the best advice you can give to a young rider?
  • 1 0
 Anybody else been wondering why he left gmbn?
  • 1 0
 What is the best flat pedals for downhill.
  • 2 1
 Good for you mark....you belong on the wc circuit
  • 3 1
 I hope he kills it.
  • 2 1
 Did you ever or do you ever play around with a dirt jumper/bmx?
  • 3 2
 What's the average annual salary for a top 20 DH rider?
  • 1 0
 No replay Pinkbike? Some of us do have social lives.
  • 1 0
 Get in there Marc!!!Good luck mateSmile
  • 1 0
 and then the question is answer on GMBN :v
  • 2 1
 Go on Slugger!!!!
  • 1 0
 How can I get sponsored
  • 3 3
 how old were you when you got your first free bike and what was it?
  • 2 1
 Slugger is Back!!!!
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