Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast

Isac Paddock is one of the youngest mountain bike photographers on the World Cup circuit. He’s also one of few photographers who only shoot for one client, but still manage to make a living. So how has he done it? We sat down to find out about Isac’s route to where he is now, working his way from taking photos of toilets, to taking photos of legends of the sport like Brook Macdonald and Aaron Gwin. Isac is also responsible for YT’s social media, and we chat about his views on where social media is going and the role it plays in athlete sponsorship. Isac’s story shows that passion, combined with commitment and hard work, does pay off. So hit play and give this chat with Isac Paddock a listen. You can follow Isac on Instagram @isacpaddock Supporting Partners Canyon Canyon Bikes are not only launching the amazing new Sender, but they are offering Downtime listeners free Bike Guard globally on all their gravity bikes until the end of August 2020. All you need to do is to head to canyon.com and use the coupon code DOWNTIME2020. Here are the terms and conditions. ‘’This voucher code is valid online until 31 August 2020 at 23:39 and discounts the cost of the Bike Guard for orders of the following models: Sender, Torque, Spectral, Strive. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other voucher code. The code does not apply to Factory Outlet bikes, cannot be used retroactively, and applies only to products available at the time of purchase. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Resale is prohibited. The code can only be used once per customer.’’ Laka Laka has flipped outdated traditional insurance on its head with no more fixed upfront premiums. Instead, your monthly contributions are based on the collectives’ claims that month. When you get a quote, they will tell you your likely monthly payment, and they will also give you a monthly cap, which will never be exceeded. If no one in the collective claims that month (and this has happened), you don’t pay anything, the savings are all yours. Laka only get paid when they resolve a claim, which is handled by experts and usually agreed within a day. With no depreciation or excess. So they are there ready and waiting to help get you back out on the trails as quickly as possible, rather than trying not to pay out like many traditional insurance models. They’ve also ditched annual contracts locking you in, with Laka, if you want to leave, you can. Anytime. They even offer a health and recovery add-on, which will help you out should you have an accident and need support in getting back on the bike. Basically Laka’s collective cover is designed for mountain bikers, and I’m stoked to have Laka as a supporting partner of the podcast. It’s super easy to get a quote, and as a Downtime listener there is a £10 credit for new customers signing up today using the discount code DOWNTIME. So head over to www.laka.co and check out what they can do for you. Podcast Stuff My webstore is BACK! It’s brand new, with new designs,

Charlie Harrison was one of the standout riders of 2019. He stood on the podium at the first and last round of the season but unfortunately suffered a wrist injury that required surgery mid-season. We sat down to chat about his career so far, all the way from his early moto days to that amazing 3rd place in Snowshoe. We cover teammates, the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, faith, early nights, and more. So hit play and listen to this chat with Charlie Harrison. You can follow Charlie on instagram @charlie_harrison_ Supporting Partners Canyon Bikes are not only launching the amazing new Sender, but they are offering Downtime listeners free Bike Guard globally on all their gravity bikes until the end of August 2020. All you need to do is to head to canyon.com and use the coupon code DOWNTIME2020. Here are the terms and conditions. ‘’This voucher code is valid online until 31 August 2020 at 23:39 and discounts the cost of the Bike Guard for orders of the following models: Sender, Torque, Spectral, Strive. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other voucher code. The code does not apply to Factory Outlet bikes, cannot be used retroactively, and applies only to products available at the time of purchase. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Resale is prohibited. The code can only be used once per customer.’’ Smith Optics have recently launched their brand new Mainline helmet. It’s a DH certified, lightweight, well ventilated full face, and I’ve been blown away by how comfortable it is. The helmet comes with 3 alternative sets of cheek pads, 2 neck rolls and 2 crown liners so that you can perfectly tune your fit. You can check it out at smithoptics.com/mainline To be in with a chance of winning a set of Smith Ruckus glasses, give @downtimepodcast and @smithopticsuk a follow on instagram. Then comment on the competition post as to why you need a new set of sunglasses. I’ll choose a winner on Tuesday 25th August. Podcast Stuff My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. For everything video, including my live podcast shows, some riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast. Are you enjoying the podcast?

Today sees the launch of the brand new Canyon Sender, and I’m going to take you behind the scenes of its development! I’ll be chatting with top World Cup racer Troy Brosnan and his mechanic Aaron Pelttari to find out about their input to the project. Including the secret testing they have been doing, what wheel size Troy will be running in 2021 and why. Then I’m joined by Canyon’s lead engineer on the project, Moritz Ströer. We will be getting into more of the engineering detail of the bike. What does a project like this look like? What sort of testing are they doing? How do Canyon make decisions about key aspects of the bike? If you’ve ever wondered what goes into producing bikes capable of taking the win at the top level of the sport, then this episode is a must-listen. So hit play, and check out this episode all about the development of the new Canyon Sender. Troy and Aaron – 3:45 to 43:00 Moritz Ströer – 43:00 to 1:33:45 Supporting Partners Canyon Bikes are not only launching the amazing new Sender, but they are offering Downtime listeners free Bike Guard globally on all their gravity bikes until the end of August 2020. All you need to do is to head to canyon.com and use the coupon code DOWNTIME2020. Here are the terms and conditions. ‘’This voucher code is valid online until 31 August 2020 at 23:39 and discounts the cost of the Bike Guard for orders of the following models: Sender, Torque, Spectral, Strive. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other voucher code. The code does not apply to Factory Outlet bikes, cannot be used retroactively, and applies only to products available at the time of purchase. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Resale is prohibited. The code can only be used once per customer.’’ Abbey Bike Tools are making top quality precision tools specifically designed for the needs of the bike world. They are so good that you’ll find them in most of the top mechanic’s toolboxes. They have a wide range of tools available over at abbeybiketools.com and what’s even better is that they have a couple of full toolbox options available too. So if you’ve ever drooled over these amazing world cup mechanic’s toolboxes with cut foam inserts, pull out trays, amazing layouts and all the tools you need, then this is your chance to own a toolbox just like that. If you want the best quality precision tools to look after your bike, then abbeybiketools.com is the place to head. Podcast Stuff My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. For everything video, including my live podcast shows, some riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.

Elliott Heap comes from a motocross background, but when he found mountain bikes, he took to it like a duck to water. Getting into Enduro and DH racing early on, Elliott was introduced to Nigel Page. Nigel clearly saw something in him and started supporting him from early on. Since then, Elliott has raced World Cup DH, won the junior world title in the Enduro World Series, and picked up a silver medal at the 4X World Championships. We chat about his career so far, especially what went into that EWS series win (and the hangover afterwards). We also chat about riding and racing with Sam Hill and plenty more. Elliott is a great storyteller, so hit play and give this interview with Elliott Heap a listen. Follow Elliott on Instagram @elliottheap or on Facebook @elliottheapmtb and find his coaching lessons at Ride MTB Coaching. Supporting Partners Abbey Bike Tools are making top quality precision tools specifically designed for the needs of the bike world, which you will find in most of the top mechanic’s toolboxes. They have a wide range of tools available over at abbeybiketools.com and what’s even better is that they have a couple of full toolbox options available too. So if you’ve ever drooled over these amazing world cup mechanic’s toolboxes with cut foam inserts, pull out trays, amazing layouts and all the tools you need, then this is your chance to own a toolbox just like that. If you want the best quality precision tools to look after your bike, then abbeybiketools.com is the place to head. Podcast Stuff My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. For everything video, including my live podcast shows, some riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast. Are you enjoying the podcast? Then don’t forget to subscribe. It’s free and means you’ll get every episode delivered to your device as soon as it’s available. All the links you need are at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe. You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. While you’re there, why not join our newsletter. Then you’ll get our Weekend Warm-Up email every Friday. If you want to share tips and advice with other podcast listeners on anything mountain bike related, you can join our Facebook group, head to www.facebook.com/groups/mtbperformance/ request permission to join the group and get involved! Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.

There is no doubt that Sam Blenkinsop is one of the most stylish mountain bike riders on the planet. With a career that started racing in New Zealand at a young age, Sam worked his way up to win the 2008 World Cup in Schladming, beating the seemingly unbeatable Sam Hill. Me and Sam sat down for a chat to find out more about his rise to the top. We also chat about what it’s like to work with teammates like Nico Vouilloz and Loic Bruni. We cover Crankworx, that amazing Gamble segment, becoming a Dad and much much more. So hit play and give this episode with Sam Blenkinsop a listen. Follow Sam on Instagram @samblenkinsop. The Sam Blenkinsop segment from Gamble that we talk about is here and I highly recommend you watch it. If you want to check out Sam’s 2008 win at Schladming, then head here. Supporting Partners Nukeproof are also supporting this episode of the podcast. I’ve got their bars, stem, pedals, headset and bottom bracket on my new bike and it’s all really good quality stuff. I’m particularly impressed with their Horizon V2 carbon bars, which are a really nice shape and aren’t too stiff. You can check out everything they have to offer over at nukeproof.com and for you Downtime listeners, Nukeproof are giving away a set of their new Horizon wheels worth £400, in whatever size you need for your bike. To be in with a chance of winning, just head over to downtimepodcast.com/nukeproof and answer the ridiculously easy question before the end of July. Abbey Bike Tools are making top quality precision tools specifically designed for the needs of the bike world, which you will find in most of the top mechanic’s toolboxes. They have a wide range of tools available over at abbeybiketools.com and what’s even better is that they have a couple of full toolbox options available too. So if you’ve ever drooled over these amazing world cup mechanic’s toolboxes with cut foam inserts, pull out trays, amazing layouts and all the tools you need, then this is your chance to own a toolbox just like that. If you want the best quality precision tools to look after your bike, then abbeybiketools.com is the place to head. Podcast Stuff My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. For everything video, including my live podcast shows, some riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at

Leatt set out on a mission to design the ultimate mountain bike shoes for flat pedal and clipless riders. But how do you go about that, what are the key elements of a great riding shoe, and what does it take to put it all together into a package that you can sell? Well in this episode, I sit down with Leatt’s founder, Chris Leatt to find out just that. On the surface of it, a riding shoe seems like a pretty simple thing, but I’m sure we have all experienced good and bad versions, showing that it’s not as easy as it looks. Have a listen to this episode and find out how Leatt approached the challenge to make the ultimate mountain bike shoes. You can find out more over at leatt.com and you can check them out on Facebook @officialleatt and Instagram @leatt_mtb Supporting Partners Nukeproof are also supporting this episode of the podcast. I’ve got their bars, stem, pedals, headset and bottom bracket on my new bike and it’s all really good quality stuff. I’m particularly impressed with their Horizon V2 carbon bars, which are a really nice shape and aren’t too stiff. You can check out everything they have to offer over at nukeproof.com and for you Downtime listeners, Nukeproof are giving away a set of their new Horizon wheels worth £400, in whatever size you need for your bike. To be in with a chance of winning, just head over to downtimepodcast.com/nukeproof and answer the ridiculously easy question before the end of July. Leatt are supporting this episode of the podcast. Leatt are famous for their neckbrace which you may have heard me talk about with Chris Leatt in a past episode of the podcast. They are now a head to toe company making everything from braces and helmets, to apparel, protection and shoes. Head to leatt.com to check out what they have to offer. I can highly recommend their Airflex Pro knee guards. They are the best soft shell knee pads I have ever used. For a chance to win a pair of their Aaron Chase signature shoes, just head to leatt.com/acshoe and fill in your details before the end of July. Podcast Stuff My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. For everything video,

Trash Free Trails needs YOU. Litter on our trails, and especially plastic pollution, is a problem. Not just because it looks a mess, but it’s environmentally damaging too. Up until now, it has purely come down to relying on us being good citizens and not leaving our mark on the environments that we ride in. However, this alone is sadly not enough to keep our trails free of plastic pollution. Enter Dom Ferris and Trash Free Trails. Dom is a long time mountain biker with an inspirational story, who has a passion for clearing up our outdoor spaces. After spending many years helping Surfers Against Sewage improve our beaches and oceans, he’s now turning his attention full time to our trails. Today, Trash Free Trails are launching their State of the Trails Report. I wanted you to know more about what Trash Free Trails are doing, and hopefully, you’ll want to get involved in some way. I sat down with Dom for a chat to find out more about what led him to where he is now, what Trash Free Trails is, and how we can all help. So hit play and give this episode with Dom Ferris from Trash Free Trails a listen, and then get involved using the links below. You can follow Trash Free Trails on Instagram @trashfreetrails and Facebook @trashfreetrails or visit their website at trashfreetrails.org. Supporting Partners Nukeproof are also supporting this episode of the podcast. I’ve got their bars, stem, pedals, headset and bottom bracket on my new bike and it’s all really good quality stuff. I’m particularly impressed with their Horizon V2 carbon bars, which are a really nice shape and aren’t too stiff. You can check out everything they have to offer over at nukeproof.com and for you Downtime listeners, Nukeproof are giving away a set of their new Horizon wheels worth £400, in whatever size you need for your bike. To be in with a chance of winning, just head over to downtimepodcast.com/nukeproof and answer the ridiculously easy question before the end of July. Leatt are supporting this episode of the podcast. Leatt are famous for their neckbrace which you may have heard me talk about with Chris Leatt in a past episode of the podcast. They are now a head to toe company making everything from braces and helmets, to apparel, protection and shoes. Head to leatt.com to check out what they have to offer. I can highly recommend their

Swedish mountain biker Robin Wallner is one of the fastest enduro riders on the planet. He came from downhill racing, and made the move to enduro in late 2014. He has subsequently shown that he’s capable of standing on the podium with the top riders in the sport. We sat down to chat about his career so far and how fatherhood has impacted his racing. We also chat about bike setup, learning stages and plenty more. Oh, and Robin gives away a special little tyre tip that I’ve not heard anyone talk about before. So hit play and give this episode with Robin Wallner a listen. You can follow Robin on Instagram @robin_wallner and find his vlog on YouTube here. Supporting Partners Leatt are supporting this episode of the podcast. Leatt are famous for their neckbrace which you may have heard me talk about with Chris Leatt in a past episode of the podcast. They are now a head to toe company making everything from braces and helmets, to apparel, protection and shoes. Head to leatt.com to check out what they have to offer. I can highly recommend their Airflex Pro knee guards. They are the best soft shell knee pads I have ever used. For a chance to win a pair of their Aaron Chase signature shoes, just head to leatt.com/acshoe and fill in your details before the end of July. Nukeproof are also supporting this episode of the podcast. I’ve got their bars, stem, pedals, headset and bottom bracket on my new bike and it’s all really good quality stuff. I’m particularly impressed with their Horizon V2 carbon bars, which are a really nice shape and aren’t too stiff. You can check out everything they have to offer over at nukeproof.com and for you Downtime listeners, Nukeproof are giving away a set of their new Horizon wheels worth £400, in whatever size you need for your bike. To be in with a chance of winning, just head over to downtimepodcast.com/nukeproof and answer the ridiculously easy question before the end of July. Podcast Stuff My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. For everything video, including my live podcast shows, some riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at

Mountain bike data acquisition is the future, and enables you to understand what your bike is doing in order to get it set up to perform at it’s best. Motion Instruments are responsible for the system that Greg Minnaar uses on his bike, so you know that it’s going to be good, but they are also making systems that anyone can buy. I’m joined by one of their founders, Rob Przykucki, to find more. I sat down to chat with Rob about his background in bikes and business, and to find out how he went from being a product manager in a data storage firm to setting up Motion Instruments. His mission, to create accessible data acquisition kits to help us set up our suspension and get the most from our bikes. Find out what it takes to get something like this off the ground, how Greg Minnaar got involved and disrupted the direction of the project, and hear about some of the significant challenges along the way. Rob’s story is a real inspiration for anyone who’s not loving their day job, and wants to change things up and follow their passion. So hit play below and give this episode with Rob Przykucki a listen. You can find out more about Motion Instruments at motioninstruments.com and you can check out their YouTube channel here or follow them on Instagram @motioninstruments. This episode is supported by Leatt. Leatt are famous for their neckbrace which you may have heard me talk about with Chris Leatt in a past episode of the podcast. They are now a head to toe company making everything from braces and helmets, to apparel, protection and shoes. Head to leatt.com to check out what they have to offer. I can highly recommend their Airflex Pro knee guards as they are the best soft shell knee pads I have ever used. For a chance to win a pair of their Aaron Chase signature shoes, just head to leatt.com/acshoe and fill in your details before the end of July. This episode is also supported by Abbey Bike Tools. Abbey Bike Tools are making top quality precision tools specifically designed for the needs of the bike world, which you will find in most of the top mechanic’s toolboxes. They have a wide range of tools available over at abbeybiketools.com and what’s even better is that they have a couple of full toolbox options available too. So if you’ve ever drooled over these amazing world cup mechanic’s toolboxes with cut foam inserts, pull out trays, amazing layouts and all the tools you need, then this is your chance to own a toolbox just like that. If you want the best quality precision tools to look after your bike, then abbeybiketools.com is the place to head. My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new,

Jack Moir is one of Australia’s top mountain bikers, who’s also shown that he’s more than capable of mixing it up with the best in the world. However, it’s not all been plain sailing for Jack, with a host of injuries that have taken him out of the running and team changes that haven’t always worked out the way you’d hope. We chat about those multiple collarbone breaks, developing the 29er with Intense that he went on to take to 2nd place at Fort William World Cup, the challenges of changing from the Intense team to… well… the new Intense team, and his recent move to the Enduro World Series where he’ll be riding for Canyon Factory Racing. There’s also some surf chat thrown in for good measure so hit play below and give this episode with Jack Moir a listen. You can follow Jack on Instagram @jackmoir_ This episode is supported by We Are One Composites. We Are One have been big supporters of what I’m doing from the start, and for that I’m really grateful. They also make amazing carbon fibre wheels which are hand made in Canada, and have recently added their DaPackage bar and stem to their line up. I’m running their Faction 29er rims on my new bike, and they look and feel amazing. They’ve managed to find the sweet spot between stiffness and compliance, making a wheel that tracks, but doesn’t feel harsh to ride. They’ve got a whole line up of wheels, so there is always something to suit your needs. Head to weareonecomposites.com and check out what they have to offer. If you’re tempted, then as a Downtime listener they have kindly offered you 15% off until 30th June. All you need to do is enter the code ‘handlaid2020‘ at the checkout. My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All the products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. Check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. For all things video related, including my live podcast shows, some riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast. If you are enjoying the podcast, then don’t forget to subscribe. It’s free, and it means you’ll get every episode delivered to your device as soon as it’s available. All the links you need are at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe. You can also find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and most of the podcast apps out there. While you’re there, you can also join our newsletter, which means you’ll get our Weekend Warm-Up email every Friday. If you want to share tips and advice with other podcast listeners on anything mountain bike related, you can join our Facebook group, head to www.facebook.com/groups/mtbperformance/ request permission to join the group and get involved! Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – Boris Beyer

Ethan Nell can do things on a mountain bike that most of us can only dream of. Growing up in Utah and with a love of riding two wheels on dirt, it’s not surprising that Ethan saw Red Bull Rampage at a young age and was inspired. Ethan has gone on to take 3rd place at his first ever rampage and back that up with 3rd the following year too. Join us for a chat about his background in Moto and his journey to the Rampage podium. Find out more about his bike set up, and what goes into putting together a line on those infamous cliffs. It never ceases to amaze me what these guys can do on a bike, and it was super interesting to chat to Ethan and find out more about what goes into it, so hit play and give this episode a listen. You can follow Ethan on Instagram @ethan_nell and check out his YouTube channel here. This episode is supported by YT Industries, you can check out their entire range at yt-industries.com and keep up to date with their news on Instagram @yt_industries. This episode is also supported by We Are One Composites. We Are One have been big supporters of what I’m doing from the start, and for that I’m really grateful. They also make amazing carbon fibre wheels which are hand made in Canada, and have recently added their DaPackage bar and stem to their line up. I’m running their Faction 29er rims on my new bike, and they look and feel amazing. They’ve managed to find the sweet spot between stiffness and compliance, making a wheel that tracks, but doesn’t feel harsh to ride. They’ve got a whole line up of wheels, so there is always something to suit your needs. Head to weareonecomposites.com and check out what they have to offer. If you’re tempted, then as a Downtime listener they have kindly offered you 15% off until 30th June. All you need to do is enter the code ‘handlaid2020‘ at the checkout. My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All the products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. Check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. For all things video related, including my live podcast shows, some riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast. If you are enjoying the podcast, then don’t forget to subscribe. It’s free, and it means you’ll get every episode delivered to your device as soon as it’s available. All the links you need are at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe. You can also find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and most of the podcast apps out there. While you’re there, you can also join our newsletter, which means you’ll get our Weekend Warm-Up email every Friday. If you want to share tips and advice with other podcast listeners on anything mountain bike related, you can join our Facebook group,

If you ride a mountain bike, then you own a saddle, but have you ever thought about what actually goes into designing and making it? Have you ever wondered how to find a saddle that is comfortable for you? Well, WTB has been at the forefront of saddle design for decades, and this week I’m joined by one of WTB’s founders, Mark Slate and their Product Marketing Manager Clayton Wangbichler to find out more. We sat down to talk about how saddles have progressed since mountain biking began, how a saddle is designed, prototyped, manufactured and tested, and how you can go about finding the right saddle for you, and making sure that it’s set up properly on your bike, so hit play below and give it a listen. You can find out more about what WTB have to offer, and use the Fit Right system to find your perfect saddle at wtb.com. If you’re based in North America, then they have 10% off saddles during June 2020. This month, We Are One Composites are back to support the podcast. We Are One have been big supporters of what I’m doing from the start, and for that I’m really grateful. They also make amazing carbon fibre wheels which are hand made in Canada, and have recently added their DaPackage bar and stem to their line up. I’m running their Faction 29er rims on my new bike, and they look and feel amazing. They’ve managed to find the sweet spot between stiffness and compliance, making a wheel that tracks, but doesn’t feel harsh to ride. They’ve got a whole line up of wheels, so there is always something to suit your needs. Head to weareonecomposites.com and check out what they have to offer. If you’re tempted, then as a Downtime listener they have kindly offered you 15% off until 30th June. All you need to do is enter the code ‘handlaid2020‘ at the checkout. My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All the products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. Check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time. I’ve got another live episode coming up on 10th June at 8pm BST with Polygon UR rider, Joe Breeden. You can head over to my YouTube channel now to set a reminder, and catch up with all the previous live episodes at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast. If you are enjoying the podcast, then don’t forget to subscribe. It’s free, and it means you’ll get every episode delivered to your device as soon as it’s available. All the links you need are at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe. You can also find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and most of the podcast apps out there. While you’re there, you can also join our newsletter, which means you’ll get our Weekend Warm-Up email every Friday. If you want to share tips and advice with other podcast listeners on anything mountain bike related, you can join our Facebook group, head to www.facebook.com/groups/mtbperformance/ request permission to join the group and get involved! Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at 

Kathy Sessler is the team manager for one of the most popular mountain bike teams in the world, the Santa Cruz Syndicate. She’s been into bikes since way before mountain biking began, and has a rich history with the sport and some great stories to tell. We talk about her early days as a 13yr old bicycle motocross race promotor. We chat about her race career, her time working as a stunt woman, and what it’s been like to run the Syndicate over the years, working with riders like Nathan Rennie, Steve Peat, Josh Bryceland, Greg Minnaar, and more recently Loris and Luca. We even find out about the Syndicate’s new no drinking rule! It’s always inspiring to chat to someone who’s dedicated their whole life to the sport, and Kathy was no exception, so hit play below and give it a listen. Check out Kathy’s lesson in history video here, it’s pretty short and a really great watch! This month, We Are One Composites are back to support the podcast. We Are One have been big supporters of what I’m doing from the start, and for that I’m really grateful. They also make amazing carbon fibre wheels which are hand made in Canada, and have recently added their DaPackage bar and stem to their line up. I’m running their Faction 29er rims on my new bike, and they look and feel amazing. They’ve managed to find the sweet spot between stiffness and compliance, making a wheel that tracks, but doesn’t feel harsh to ride. They’ve got a whole line up of wheels, so there is always something to suit your needs. Head to weareonecomposites.com and check out what they have to offer. If you’re tempted, then as a Downtime listener they have kindly offered you 15% off until 30th June. All you need to do is enter the code ‘handlaid2020‘ at the checkout. This episode of the podcast is also supported by PNW Components. I’ve been using a PNW dropper post and their fabulous Loam Lever remote for a year and they have been absolutely faultless, which makes them the only dropper set up I’ve ever had that hasn’t caused me any issues at all in that time period! They have recently launched their new Rainier dropper which has lots of adjustability and a shorter overall length, allowing you to maximise your drop. Check out what they have to offer at www.pnwcomponents.com and for you lucky Downtime listeners you get 15% off using the code ‘pnwdowntime‘ at the checkout. You can also checkout PNW’s new recycling program here. My webstore is BACK! It’s all brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All the products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. Check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. I’ve got another live episode coming up on 10th June at 8pm BST. You can head over to my YouTube channel now to set a re...

How do you go from your first mountain bike race in 2015 to standing on World Cup podiums in 2019? Well, Nina Hoffmann is the right person to ask. After a late start in Mountain Bike racing, Nina has already stood on the World Cup podium numerous times, and won qualifying at one of the toughest tracks on the circuit, making her on of the top riders to watch in 2020. We sat down to chat about her background in javelin and what was needed to convert her fitness for mountain biking. We cover her race career so far and talk about her quick rise to the podium. As Nina is studying psychology, she also provides some interesting insights into ways to improve that side of your racing game, so hit play below and give it a listen. You can find Nina on Instagram @nina.hfm96 This episode of the podcast is supported by PNW Components. I’ve been using a PNW dropper post and their fabulous Loam Lever remote for a year and they have been absolutely faultless, which makes them the only dropper set up I’ve ever had that hasn’t caused me any issues at all in that time period! They have recently launched their new Rainier dropper which has lots of adjustability and a shorter overall length, allowing you to maximise your drop. Check out what they have to offer at www.pnwcomponents.com and for you lucky Downtime listeners you get 15% off during May using the code ‘pnwdowntime‘ at the checkout. You can also checkout PNW’s new recycling program here. There isn’t a live episode this week, but you can catch up with all the previous episodes at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast. Merchandise sales are currently closed, but If you want to help support the show, then you can ‘share the love’ and make a financial contribution to help me keep this thing going and improving by clicking here. You can do this as a one-off, a regular thing, or whenever you fancy. If you are enjoying the podcast, then don’t forget to subscribe. It’s free, and it means you’ll get every episode delivered to your device as soon as it’s available. All the links you need are at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe. You can also find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and most of the podcast apps out there. While you’re there, you can also join our newsletter, which means you’ll get our Weekend Warm-Up email every Friday. If you want to share tips and advice with other podcast listeners on anything mountain bike related, you can join our Facebook group, head to www.facebook.

This week I’m joined by one of the most talented young mountain bike riders on the planet, Finn Iles. Finn took the MTB scene by storm when he won the Crankworx Whip-Offs aged 14. He was quickly signed to a pro team and won the first World Cup that he ever raced. From there he dominated the junior category, creating big expectations for his move to elite-level racing. We chat about his background in Ski racing, how important that Whip-Offs win really was,  and how you go from being in the hospital on a backboard to becoming world champion in the same week. We discuss the pressure that his amazing junior career put on him as he entered elites, and how he’s working to manage that, including training while he’s in bed. We talk about his testing process, those Specialized mullet bikes, and plenty more, so hit play below and give it a listen. You can find Finn on Instagram @finniles and you can watch his VLOG series on his YouTube channel here. This episode of the podcast is supported by PNW Components. I’ve been using a PNW dropper post and their fabulous Loam Lever remote for a year and they have been absolutely faultless, which makes them the only dropper set up I’ve ever had that hasn’t caused me any issues at all in that time period! They have recently launched their new Rainier dropper which has lots of adjustability and a shorter overall length, allowing you to maximise your drop. Check out what they have to offer at www.pnwcomponents.com and for you lucky Downtime listeners you get 15% off during May using the code ‘pnwdowntime‘ at the checkout. You can also checkout PNW’s new recycling program here. We are going LIVE again on Wednesday 20th May at 8pm BST with coach to the stars, Chris Kilmurray from Point1Athletic. You can watch the chat and ask your own questions by heading to youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast. You can catch up on previous LIVE episodes there too, so make sure you get subscribed to our YouTube channel to keep up to date. Merchandise sales are currently closed, but If you want to help support the show, then you can ‘share the love’ and make a financial contribution to help me keep this thing going and improving by clicking here. You can do this as a one-off, a regular thing, or whenever you fancy. If you are enjoying the podcast, then don’t forget to subscribe. It’s free, and it means you’ll get every episode delivered to your device as soon as it’s available. All the links you need are at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe.