Chasing Consistency: Calum McBain on his 2023 Season

It’s a hot day in the Val Di Fassa valley in Italy. The mist hanging to the mountain tops has drifted away leaving the cold morning start behind. Riders are preparing themselves to take on the physical and technical Pro Stage. This set things up for the weekend ahead and riders are hungry for a solid start. This is Calum McBain’s third EWS in Open (Elite). His pace is raw and his commitment unwavering.

A long sprint to the end pushes riders to the limit, especially at altitude. The rumour mill is fast to turn in MTB and word on the grape vine was that Calum had put down a stormer and was sitting at the sharp end. He had however buried himself so deep he’d triggered an asthma attack and had to be seen by the medics.

Calum's rise to a top 20 stage time is impressive, certainly for a privateer. While he pushed himself so hard he put himself out of the race this was a statement. He wasn’t messing around!


His passion and hunger for riding and racing was and is clear and it was evident that with some support and guidance Calum would be a rider that could excel. After that 2022 performance, seeing him ride along with the focus and detail he takes when preparing for a race showed he was a rider to watch in the future.

This is his story from 2023 while riding as part of The Contour Collective. It’s been a pleasure to support him to this point and wish him every success for 2024.


Thanks to the brands who supported the team in 2023.

Hotlines
Leatt
Cushcore
Deuter
Bird Bikes
Maxxis Tyres
Funn
Granite Designs
Crank Brothers
Torq

Photos: Doug Somerville
Film by Contour Creative