Frazer McCubbing Downhill Mountain Biker talks to DGWGO exclusively about his journey with his chosen sport.
Frazer lives in Ae Village with his mum, dad and two older brothers. Frazer’s interest in downhill biking started when he was only 8 when his brother Callum then 13 discovered the downhill track in Ae forest which is part of the 7stanes, having these great trails on your door step is an added bonus.
When Calum started to compete Frazer was always there, two steps behind walking the tracks, watch and soaking it all up just waiting for his time to come round.
At 12 Frazer got his British race license and he was off. His first 2 years of competing he raced as a juvenile which is 12-14 years old. He did the Scottish and British series which took him all over Britain. Frazer’ success in Scotland was great, he won every race in the series that year however in his second year racing as a juvenile he attended his first British series races. Here the completion was another level whit his main rival coming from Ireland. A couple 2nd places was good though and made for some good racing. The biggest race for him that year was British Champs, a one off race that if you win you are British champion. Frazer won this putting an end to a great year.
Then onto the youth category 14-16 years old again racing both series. Again the Scottish series lead to more success winning becoming Scottish champ and the overall series winner both years. In the British series he had a consistent year winning some races and alternating places on the podium. At the end of the year he and his main rival were tied on exactly the same points which has never happened before. Unfortunately he didn’t get the title as it was decided on position at the last race.
Frazer left school and headed to Border College where he studied for two years and leaving with a sports diploma. The course he was on was ‘BASE’ Borders Academy for Sporting Excellence. The course is very unique with 3 week days in the class and gym work and the others spent out on the hill with coaches practicing practical bike skills.
Then at 17 he could now enter the World cup series, his dream come true. He secured a sponsor, Steve Peat and local rider Racheal McDougal fund raised to help with Frazer’s racing cost for the years.
So Frazer’s world adventure starts 2014 South Africa, Australia, Fort William, Austria, Canada and America with a varied about of success but a massive learning curve for the 17 year old. Also fitting in the Scottish and British races. The first race in south Africa Frazer placed 9th, which was a goal achieved. However at the next world cup in Australia he crashed and broke his elbow. After missing a few races in the season he then struggled to get back to form and the rest of the year was very average and frustrating for Frazer with more lows than highs.
This year 2015 brings more of the same for Frazer. World Cups takes him to France, Fort William, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, America and Italy. Also fitting in the Scottish and British races.
So far the season is going great for Frazer, He is leading the British Series and Scottish series. He has won Scottish Champs and had his best result at World cup level with a 5th place at Fort William. With the second half of the season still to go he hopes for more of the same at the remaining races.
Frazer’s family run the Café and Bike shop at Ae Forest, one of the 7stanes. They not only do they support Frazer also many other local talented riders of all ages and disciplines. There is a Tuesday night ride from Ae Café & Bike shop leaves at 7pm returning at 8.30pm where the now hungry bikers are fed and watered served with a two coursed tea for £5.00. It’s great to see how much people have improved their fitness and riding skills while having fun! Anyone is welcome, however it is not a guided ride.
