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Updated: Danny MacAskill returns to Edinburgh for latest vid (+ video)

Street trials ace reflects on rise to fame in new film produced to mark sponsorship by Lezyne

Street trials supremo Danny MacAskill is back with a new video that sees him return to Macdonald Cycles, the Edinburgh bike shop he was working at when the Inspired video shot by Dave Sowerby propelled him to fame a little less than three years ago. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the shop itself has become one of the Scottish capital's more unlikely tourist destinations.

Produced to tie in with his new sponsorship by accessories and tools brand Lezyne – a variety of its products are featured throughout – the new video, called Insight and filmed by Stu Thomson of Cut Media, is less about the action, though there’s still plenty of that, and more to do with MacAskill reflecting on his sudden rise to fame.

That itself has turned out to be a double-edged sword - “I actually ride a lot less than I used to,” he reveals, although he quickly adds that he appreciates the opportunities for seeing the world that turning pro has given him.

Proving he’s not just a one trick pony (shouldn’t that be ‘multi-trick pony?’ – ed) MacAskill also puts the trials bike aside to do a bit of mountain biking on Dumyat in the Ochil Hills above Stirling.

The Scotsman has reported that the Morrison Street shop where MacAskill used to work has turned into a must-see destination for cyclists visiting the Scottish capital due to the worldwide exposure it received in the Inspire video, which has been viewed nearly 30 million times.

Shop manager Liam Dawson told the newspaper: “You see people turning up all the time to take photos from across the street. It’s like a shrine. Danny was kind enough to give us the bike he used for that jump too, and people regularly come in wishing to have a look and photograph it.

“It’s turned into a nice wee piece of folk memorabilia. It’s good to have the castle and the Old Town and all that but this is where most bike fans make for.”

He added that he was unaware of anyone else attemping the stunt that saw MaAskill jump from the roof above the front of the bike shop to one on a photocopy shop on the other side of an alleyway. "Danny’s the only one I’ve ever heard of landing it but, who knows, someone might have had a go after dark,” he revealed.

MacAskill, whom the newpspaper revealed is currently in California recuperating from recent surgery on his back, said: “It’s amazing that folk turn up looking to have photographs taken outside the shop. I’m glad I can repay Macdonald’s in some way for all the long lunches I used to take when I went cycling around the city.

“The video back in 2009 was shot with a load of mates during those lunchbreaks, I never thought it would prove as popular as it has.

“Edinburgh played a big role in my progression as a rider and I’m grateful that I can give something back, however small.”

A spokeswoman for national tourist agency Visit Scotland added: “It’s fantastic to see that where Danny MacAskill first became a world-wide star has become a mecca for cycling fans everywhere and further adds to Edinburgh’s portfolio of great things to see and do.

“Edinburgh & Lothians is home to world class attractions and is loved the world over for its exciting programme of year round events that take place.

“However as highlighted here the city and surrounding area is also home to unofficial attractions which can provide people with another compelling reason to visit which can often help to enhance the visitor experience.”

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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4 comments

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manuka | 12 years ago
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a dawes galaxy around 1977

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hamishmct | 12 years ago
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So was mine - A Raleigh Chrome Burner and latterly a replica Raleigh Team Banana. Happy days . . .

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OldRidgeback | 12 years ago
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I bought my first serious bicycle from McDonald's way back when.

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Sven Nijs replied to OldRidgeback | 12 years ago
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So was mine some 30+ years ago. A blue Raleigh racer with 20" or 24" wheels from memory...  1

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