The A Line Podcast

The A Line Podcast is at World Champs! In this episode, I manage to grab 10 minutes with Blanka Vas and Martin Vidaurre before their races. We chat about their years to date, what they think of the course and their plans for the rest of the season. As well as finding out what they do every day to help them perform at their best. A massive thanks goes to the Performance Chef (Alan Murchison) for hi...

In this episode, I speak to Chris Dawson from Chris Dawson Racing, who is a privateer competing on the World Cup circuit. We find out how he got into the sport of cycling, as well as how he transitioned from downhill to the road and eventually into XC. Chris is a phenomenal athlete and has a real wealth of experience that all listeners can learn something from to improve their racing or general mo...

In this episode I catch up with fellow Bristol-based rider Joe Griffiths, he's an absolute hitter in a variety of disciplines and known for his easy going, laid back demeanour. We discuss what makes Joe tick, how he has developed over the years as a rider and he passes on some great advice that both new and old racers can learn from, whether you're racing for fun or World Cup wins. Also do...

In this episode, I speak with Alex Rhodes from Alterra Performance about all things cycling nutrition. Alex is a great athlete, formerly racing Elite Cross Triathlon for GBR, now racing XCO and being a Sports Nutritionist making him the perfect person to discuss sports nutrition. As this topic can be a bit of a minefield we discuss a range of common practices and issues, as well as dispelling some...

I chat with Emily Bridson who has come onto the scene and made a big impact in a very short period. Discussing how she found bikes and how she rose up through the ranks so quickly to compete at the Commonwealth Games. We also chat about what drives her to ride so fast and how we can all improve our progression on the bike, whilst keeping it fun! She also has a really interesting perspective on lif...

I catch up with Max Gibbons who is an Elite XCO racer for Orbea UK as well as coaching at Real Endurance Coaching. We dive into his journey into the sport as well as how he has developed his career in coaching a range of sports. We discuss common mistakes athletes make, as well as how to get the best out of your training and racing. It is a really interesting conversation that listeners can learn...

In this episode, I catch up with Cameron Mason who's an incredibly talented XC and CX racer having success in both sports both Nationally and Internationally. We discuss the path he took, the highs and lows and what his plans are for this season. Cameron also gives some great insight to bike set up, as well as advice for other up-and-coming riders looking to be successful at this level as well...

In this episode, I chat with Max Suttie, who is an Elite XC racer that competes in all distances but has a special talent for the 12-24 hour races. We chat about how he found a love for this side of the sport and top tips for people looking to try it for the first time. Covering everything from nutrition to bikes and how to keep your pit crew happy for such a long and stressful period! Max shares...

Today I caught up with Nick from Man Down Media, who you'll often see capturing the action at a range of cycling events as well as doing write ups for the XCO Nationals. We discuss how he got into cycling photography and why he loves it so much, as well as getting some advice on gear and top shooting tips for anyone wanting to take some good shots themselves. Check out Nick's Instagram Man...

Cameron Orr had an incredible season in 2022, winning the UK XCO National Championships and having solid results at both the European and World Championships. I caught up with him to find out how he's developed himself to become one of the UK's top XC athletes, as well as what he's got planned for this year having signed for the Wilier-Pirelli Factory Team. As we mention in the show Ca...

In this episode I catch up with Eilish Gilbert, who isn't content with racing XCO or XC Marathon distances so she races for 24 hours?! We discuss what draws here to this side of the sport and get some tips for anyone out there considering a long distance event. As well as how she ended up becomnig 24 Hour National Champion and some of the challenges associated with these sort of events. This epios...

Jack is the man behind Crank It Cycling, an events organiser and coach with a focus on racing and sports development. It was really interesting hearing about racing from the perspective of an events organiser, discussing the challenges and opportunities the sport is facing. Similarly, we coverwhat Crank It is doing to develop the sport, at both a grassroots and performance level to help make racin...

In this episode, I catch up with Gary, who's able to turn his hand to anything involving two wheels having had success riding moto trials, cyclocross and XC. We discuss how it all started as well as where it is going this season, plus I found out some top tips that any rider can apply to help them improve their experience of riding any bike. Gary was great to have on the show, really down to earth...

Dan is man of many talents, capable of mixing it up at National CX and XC races as well as being Technical and Athlete Manager for Hunt Bike Wheels and Privateer Bikes. In this episode we talk about his experiences as a mechanic at National and World Cup Rounds for Isla Short and Cam Orr, as well as some top tips to help you make sure your bikes are in race-ready condition. Links to socials; Dan C...

In this episode, I catch up with Libby, who combines being a Zoo Keeper with racing Elite XC. I found out how she rose up through the ranks so quickly and how her first season racing Elite was in 2022. Libby is extremely open and honest about the ups and downs of racing in this interview as well as the challenges she has faced along the way, giving a fantastic insight into the hard work that goes...

Callum is a Newbury-based bike fitter with many years of experience fitting a range of bikes and riders, he offers up some awesome advice on how you can optimise your own bike fit. We also discuss common mistakes people make, as well as some remedies to help you go faster and have more fun on your MTB. Hopefully, you find this conversation fun, yet informative. We cover a lot of topics that Callum...

Amy has made a massive impression in a very short period, quickly climbing the ranks to not only race Elite but also to represent Great Britain at the 2022 Marathon World Championships. I find out how she has achieved so much in such a short period and what she is aiming to do in the coming season, so sit back relax and enjoy the show! Links to socials; Amy's Instagram TORQ Scott Sports UK

Paddy Atkinson is a Physiologist and Elite XC MTB racer, so is the perfect person to talk us through the physiology of XC MTB racing. We discuss common mistakes people make in their training, how to get the most out of your training and have a laugh along the way. Hopefully you find this talk fun yet informative, answering some of the questions that athletes may have Please note this is not intend...

In this episode I chat to Luke Peyton, about how his career has developed and how he has gotten into the marathon side of the sport. Luke certainly knows his stuff when it comes to the longer discipline as he represented Great Britain at the Marathon World Champs last year, hearing how he prepares for these events whilst still racing Elite XCO was really interesting. Links to socials; Luke Peyton...

In this episode I catch up with double World Record holder Chris Opie, finding out how he got into bikes and made the transition from a very successful road career to racing off-road. We also discuss the electric fence challenges with his labrador, what it is like to dabble in the world of enduro and how to make the Short Track format more popular. Social links Chris Opie Lapierre UK Le Col 

In this episode, I sit down with Louis Bronstein who is getting ready for his first Elite season in 2023. We talk about some slightly unusual challenges he has done over the years, gravel racing in Kenya as well as his plans for stepping up to Elite and his training. Links to socials; Louis Bronstein Rotor Race Team

We're kicking things off with the legendary Phil Pearce, finding out how he got into bikes and XC racing. Known for being a high-energy human and capable of riding almost any bike, we find out what makes him tick and how to make both training and racing more fun. Phil Pearce Instagram  Hope Technology Instagram Follow the A Line Podcast on Instagram Photo credit - Pitchside Photo