Ben took up Downhill racing in December of 2005, with his first race in the Wet and Wild Winter Series in Innerleithen, Scotland, finishing in 25th place in Youth Category. In round 2 at the same venue in February 2006 he improved his position to 18th place. But he was disappointed in March at round three, when, after having some fast practice runs on the Saturday, racing was cancelled on the Sunday due to heavy snow.