From World Cup Racer to GMBN Presenter – Neil Donoghue

Today we’re joined by Neil Donoghue. While many now recognise Neil as a familiar face and presenter for GMBN, his journey started long before his YouTube fame. Neil was part of a group of UK riders handpicked and supported by Steve Peat through Royal Racing. In this episode, we delve into Neil’s career as a World Cup downhill racer, exploring the highs, the challenges, and what ultimately led him to step away from the race circuit. Neil opens up about rebuilding his life and career, transitioning into a respected coach and enduro racer, why the EWS didn’t quite click for him, and what eventually drew him into the ever-evolving world of YouTube. We also dive into the explosive growth of GMBN, the shifting landscape of mountain bike media, and Neil’s thoughts on topics like injury recovery, e-bike technology, and much more. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Neil Donoghue. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here . You can follow Neil on Instagram @neildonoghue . Podcast Stuff Magura If you want to win a pair of Magura’s new Gustav Pro brakes , then head over to my instagram and find the Gustav Pro post where Danny MacAskill shows what the brakes can do on some crazy slabs. Make sure you follow @downtimepodcast and @magura_bike on instagram and comment #sizematters on the post before midnight GMT on 7th December when we will choose a winner at random. You can see more of the new Gustav Pro over at Magura.com . Patreon I would love it if you were able to support the podcast via a regular Patreon donation. Donations start from as little as £3 per month. That’s less than £1 per episode and less than the price of a take away coffee. Every little counts and these donations will really help me keep the podcast going and hopefully take it to the next level. To help out, head here . Merch If you want to support the podcast and represent, then my webstore is the place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – Global Mountain Bike Network