Dream Fulfilled! A Paralyzed Martyn Ashton Overcomes All and Races Crankworx Air DH 6

After Martyn Ashton, mountain bike and Road Bike Party legend, sustained a life-changing injury in 2013 it was universally believed that he would never again walk or ride a bike. He had other ideas.

With some help from his friends and a lot of planning, Martyn's dream of visiting Whistler for the first time was made a reality. The last time we saw a video from Martyn the filmers pretended that he took part in a race at Fort William, but this time Martyn actually raced one of the biggest mountain bike races of all time – Crankworx Air DH – on a highly modified downhill bike.

Credit: GMBN
Related:
Whistler Bike Park
Martyn Ashton
Global Mountain Bike Network
Inspirational
6 comments

View replies to: Dream Fulfilled! A Paralyzed Martyn Ashton Overcomes All and Races Crankworx Air DH

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rugbyred
7 years ago
Tears in my eyes. What determination and great friends can accomplish together is amazing.
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Steam Roller
7 years ago
Not a criticism, but did he get disqualified for riding a motorcycle? Just pointing that out. AGAIN! HONEST QUESTION! MASSIVE RESPECT!
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Big Bird
7 years ago
No love. I've got MS, which hinders my riding, and I've sworn against Ebikes due to potential trail access issues because, while not terribly fast, I can still pedal on my own. But someone in Martin's situation is another thing entirely. This story was about inclusion. Bringing our lost soldiers back into the pack. If he'd had a crazy powerful motor and won the event, I'd say DQ for sure. But just letting a man live his dream is something entirely different. No love... (I thumbed you back up to even by the way.)
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bobble off
7 years ago
No just checked the result sheet he did come in last place in his class 1:40 behind the winner. I’m guessing Marty’s bike still meets uk ebike laws witch limits the assist to 15mph(if I’m not mistaken) so that would essentially put him at a disadvantaged as he has to be brave and keep off the brakes to keep speed especially as I’m guesing he also can’t pump that good too. But it was amazing. I want to see more para-mtb going on let’s get the UCI to sort it out and have these guys racing world cups Marty’s proven it’s doable