Geoff Kabush on Racing Longevity, Skill, Doping Era Survival, and Still Finding New Adventures

Svein Tuft talks with mountain bike legend Geoff Kabush about building a decades-long career, from growing up in the Comox Valley and discovering cycling in his teens to racing internationally as a junior in 1995. Kabush describes the mid-’90s “glory days” of XC racing, his formative years in Victoria, and the long-term development approach shaped by coach Jürg Feldmann’s physiology-driven mentorship. He explains why he still races at 49—variety, adventure, and staying fit—while noting age-related changes in recovery and repeat intensity. They discuss modern athlete pressures, social media, development mistakes like rushing to Europe, and the importance of balance. Kabush reflects on equipment evolution, experimenting with 1x drivetrains and 32-inch gravel wheels, and speaks candidly about doping’s impact, why he spoke out, and his pride in winning the 2009 Bromont World Cup.

00:00 Welcome To Long Game 00:42 GripGrab Sponsor Shoutout 01:34

Meet Geoff Kabush 02:18 Home Base In Squamish

03:46

Early Sports And First Bikes 05:19 Solo Trip To Worlds 1995

08:01 Nineties MTB Glory Days 09:40 Victoria Years And Breakthrough

12:26 Coach Jurg Long View

15:11 Why Keep Racing 19:06 Aging And Recovery Changes

23:46 Experience Skills And Tactics 26:02 Training Week Now

27:27 Next Gen Pressures 31:07

Advice For Young Riders 38:49 Staying Motivated With Goals

43:13 Trainer Or Racer Mindset 44:05 Offseason Training Love 45:14 Racing Beyond World Cups 47:38

32 Inch Gravel Experiment 49:41 Bike Tech Evolution 52:51 Early Gear and Setup

55:10 One By and Wide Bars 57:48 BC Skills Advantage 01:00:15

Speaking Out on Doping 01:04:58 Exposure and Career Fallout 01:10:20

Truth Reconciliation Debate 01:19:17 Proudest Win at Home 01:25:10

Advice and Long Game 01:27:36 Semi Retired Adventures 01:29:34 Thanks and Sponsors