Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast

This week I’m joined by one of the most consistent and respected riders on the downhill circuit, Troy Brosnan. We dive deep into the emotional and physical demands of racing at the highest level, and Troy shares what it really takes to stay at the top, from endless bike testing and tuning, to adapting to wild race conditions. We talk about pushing comfort zones at events like Hardline Tasmania, th...

This is a brand new mini-series, Downtime Debrief. For fans of our ‘Downtime Goes Downhill’ series you’ll know my good friends Ben and Jonny who I’ve been racing downhill alongside for the last two seasons. For 2025, things are shifting a bit. Our race plans are heading in different directions, and we wanted to create space to talk about more than just our own racing. So four times throughout the...

This week, I’m joined once again by elite mountain bike performance coach Chris Kilmurray, as we dive deep into the build-up for the 2025 MTB World Cup season. We’re talking preseason prep, the role of health and performance testing, and why team camps matter more than ever. Chris shares his take on the new World Cup format, the rise of AI in training, and the logistical battles that teams face be...

Mani Lettenbichler is as humble as he is hardcore. Coming from Hard Enduro where he dominated the 2023 season, going undefeated and proving he’s an absolute machine on a dirt bike. But that’s not the whole story. Mani’s also a huge fan of mountain biking and absolutely shreds. He’s raced eEDR, and is no slouch on a downhill bike. In this episode, we chat about how his moto skills transfer to MTB,...

Today, we’ve got a special one for you. Asa Vermette is the most exciting young talent in downhill racing right now, and in this episode, we sit down with him and Neko Mulally to unpack it all. From Red Bull deals and World Championships to injuries, rivalries, and the rise of US downhill, we’ve got it all. Asa opens up about what it takes to compete at the top, what it means to be part of t...

This week, we’re diving deep into mountain bike innovation with Matt Shearn from Rimpact, a brand that started with tire inserts and is now making waves with cutting-edge technology. The Tuned Mass Damper, inspired by Formula One, promises to transform your ride, reducing vibrations and both mental and physical load. We’ll get into the science behind it, the testing process, what riders are saying...

Today, we’re catching up with rising downhill star Ollie Davis. From his early days on The Union to riding with the legendary Santa Cruz Syndicate, Ollie has been making waves on the World Cup scene. Now, as he gears up for a new chapter with Trek, we dive into his journey with his first ever podcast. From injury and recovery to the mental battles of elite racing. Ollie opens up about the pressure...

Today, I’m joined by a rider who’s redefining what it means to be a complete athlete, Ryan Gilchrist. He’s the King of Crankworx, the eEDR overall champion, and Pump Track World Champion. But Ryan’s success isn’t just about raw talent. It’s about meticulous preparation, relentless training, and a mindset that leaves no stone unturned. From dialling in every detail with his Yeti team to mastering t...

Today, I’m joined by Harriet Burbidge-Smith, better known as Haz, one of the top names in women’s slopestyle and freeride. But the past year has been a challenging one, as she suffered a serious neck injury that forced her to step away from riding and focus on recovery. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey, what it’s like to face injury as a professional athlete, the mental and physical...

Today, I’m joined by Annie Ford. Perhaps best known for her recent world record of over 55,000m descending in 24hours, Annie is an adventurer, endurance athlete, and passionate environmental advocate. Over the last few years, Annie has taken on some incredible challenges, but her journey isn’t just about pushing physical limits – it’s about using adventure to make a difference. We talk about...

Today, I’m joined by Phoebe Gale, one of the most exciting young talents in downhill mountain biking. From growing up in Scotland to competing against the world’s best, Phoebe has been on an incredible journey. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. In this episode, we dive into her transition to elite racing, the challenges of injury recovery, and the mental side of high-performance sport. We als...

Today, I’m joined by Dan Booker, one of Tasmania’s finest. He’s raced it all, from downhill to enduro, tackling everything from Red Bull Hardline to the Enduro World Series. But his path hasn’t been straightforward. We talk about making the switch from downhill, dealing with injuries, and the realities of sponsorship. You’ll also hear how Sam Hill played a pivotal role in Dan’s story....

Today we’re joined by arguably one of the most skilled all-around mountain bikers on the planet, Braydon Bringhurst. While his name might not immediately top your list of elite riders, his ability both up and down the mountain is awe-inspiring. In this episode, Braydon not only reveals his approach to learning these extraordinary riding skills, but also shows how embracing challenges and pushing t...

Today we are joined by trailbuilder and creator of Hardline Tasmania, Simon French. From working as a cancer nurse to becoming a world-class trail builder, Simon has transformed Tasmania into a mountain biking destination, bringing Red Bull Hardline to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. In this episode, Simon shares his story and takes us behind the scenes of Hardline Tasmania—what it too...

Today we’re joined by YouTube sensation and arguably the most famous mountain biker on the planet, Fabio Wibmer. Fabio rarely appears on podcasts, and in this episode, he opens up about topics he’s never discussed in this format before. We dive into what drove his move from Specialized to Canyon and how he’s built his personal brand into a global phenomenon. Fabio shares insights into his companie...

We’re deep in the middle of the 2025 downhill team moves, and with all the structural changes the UCI has made to the downhill World Cup, things have gotten pretty complicated. This week, we’re joined by Alan Milway, Norco Race Division team manager and coach to the stars, to help us break it all down. We’ll go team by team, giving you the inside scoop on who’s riding what and how we think it migh...

OneUp Components are renowned for their innovative, high-quality mountain bike parts. In fact, Pinkbike readers voted their dropper posts, handlebars, and flat pedals as favorites in 2024. So, when I heard that OneUp was launching a brand-new clip pedal, I couldn’t wait to learn more. Built around the reliable Shimano SPD cleat system, OneUp has engineered the thinnest clip pedal on the market. Th...

Today, we’re joined by Anna Newkirk, a rider who had a standout 2024 season that put her on the radar of multiple teams. Ultimately, she chose to join Frameworks Racing for 2025. Anna’s journey started with racing IXS Cups, where she honed her skills and went head-to-head with Vali Höll—a rivalry that followed them into the World Cup circuit. In 2024, Anna delivered some incredible results, includ...

Welcome to Downtime Goes Downhill, a podcast mini-series that’s bringing you along for the ride, as we have a go at racing downhill. Downtime Goes Downhill wouldn’t have happened without the support of some incredible brands. So a massive thanks to Canyon bikes , Fox suspension , Wahoo Fitness , Fox clothing and protection , Maxxis tyres , Magura brakes and We Are One Composites wheels . Downtime...

Today, we’re joined by the Gowaan Gals, Bex Baraona and Chloe Taylor, two of the most inspiring and down-to-earth riders in the mountain bike scene. We’ll be hearing about the ups and downs of their last couple of seasons. From the highs of race wins, to the lows of being dropped from a pro team, it’s an honest reflection on the challenges of racing. But the well trodden path is not fo...

Today, we’re joined by one of the most accomplished athletes in mountain biking, Isabeau Courdurier. From dominating the Enduro World Series with multiple overall titles to overcoming incredible challenges through injury and adversity, Isabeau has firmly cemented her legacy in the sport. In this episode, we dive deep into her remarkable journey—from her early days racing cross-country to her trans...

Today we’re joined by Neil Donoghue. While many now recognise Neil as a familiar face and presenter for GMBN, his journey started long before his YouTube fame. Neil was part of a group of UK riders handpicked and supported by Steve Peat through Royal Racing. In this episode, we delve into Neil’s career as a World Cup downhill racer, exploring the highs, the challenges, and what ultimately led him...

Today we’re joined by 2024 breakthrough star, Ellie Hulsebosch. Ellie made waves as a first year junior, qualifying first three times in a row, before taking her first win in Val di Sole in style, as she put down the fastest women’s time of the day. But Ellie’s journey isn’t just about podium finishes. It’s a raw, honest story of relentless dedication, and the grit required to co...

Misspent Summers just launched their downhill and enduro yearbooks, so we thought it would be a good time to catch up and chat about some of our favourite memories from the 2024 season, as well as to look forward to 2025 and talk about some of the changes that are coming to the sport. Find out if we understand the rule changes. Hear our thoughts on three person podiums, the move to no protection,...

Today, we’re thrilled to catch-up with freeride mountain biking sensation Vero Sandler, who recently made history at the inaugural women’s Red Bull Rampage. Vero will share her incredible journey, from navigating the intense selection process to assembling the ultimate dig crew for this monumental event. Join us as she discusses the rigorous training required for tackling some of the most challeng...