The Downtime Podcast

06/01/2025

Big News: Anna Newkirk has officially joined Frameworks Racing for the 2025 season.

This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Anna to discuss her incredible journey. From starting out in the IXS Cups, where she battled riders like Vali Höll, to delivering standout results in 2024—including a third-place qualifying finish at Fort William and a second-place podium at Leogang—Anna has established herself as one of downhill MTB’s most exciting talents.

In this episode, Anna reflects on her decision to join Frameworks Racing, the challenges and triumphs of her 2024 season, and her plans for the 2025 World Cup circuit. She also shares her insights on the evolving landscape of women’s downhill racing and what it takes to compete at the highest level.

This is a must-watch for anyone passionate about mountain biking, racing, or inspiring stories of resilience and determination.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W4PcgoaJ3WM�The audio version will be available tomorrow.

Who’s your pick for the next breakout rider in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments!

30/12/2024

The Final Chapter of Downtime Goes Downhill Is Here!

After an incredible 2024 season racing downhill, we’re wrapping up our journey in this special season finale. Join me, Ben, and Jonny as we reflect on the highs, the lows, and all the lessons learned from our time racing downhill.

From tackling challenging tracks to balancing the demands of racing as amateur riders, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a celebration of the DH community.

🎥 Watch the full video now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NaISB0QWgCI

💬 What’s been your favourite moment from Downtime Goes Downhill? Let us know in the comments!

16/12/2024

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Gowaan Gals - Bex Baraona and Chloe Taylor!

From race wins to personal setbacks, these two inspiring riders are redefining what it means to be part of the MTB world. In this episode, they share their journey of overcoming fear while racing downhill in Val di Sole, the challenges of transitioning from pro teams to independent racing, and their efforts to build a more inclusive and fun MTB community for everyone.

Whether you’re here for the racing stories or to hear how they’re making mountain biking accessible for all, this conversation is packed with insight, laughs, and inspiration!

🔗 The episode is NOW LIVE on the Downtime Podcast YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ZYusItWA6BM

🎧 Audio version available from Tuesday 17th Dec.

This week on the Downtime Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Gowaan Gals, Bex Baraona and Chloe Taylor, two trailblazers in the mountain biking community...

02/12/2024

Today, we’re joined by Neil Donoghue, a true legend of mountain biking and a cornerstone of GMBN’s incredible success.

From his days as a World Cup downhill racer supported by Steve Peat and Royal Racing, to his journey as a coach, enduro racer, and now one of MTB media’s most recognised faces, Neil’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and passion for the sport.

In this episode, Neil opens up about the highs and lows of his racing career, the mental and physical toll of injuries, and how he found his way to the forefront of mountain biking media with GMBN. Plus, hear his thoughts on the rise of e-bike technology, coaching the next generation, and the future of the sport we all love.

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://youtu.be/VnYGQbwg_pA

🎧 The audio version will be available from Tuesday 3rd Dec. Head to bio for all the links.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Neil Donoghue, a legendary figure in the mountain biking world and a familiar face from GMBN. Neil’s story is one o...

25/11/2024

Latest episode with 2024 breakthrough rider, Ellie Hulsebosch, is now live on YouTube. Hit the link below to find out why this young lady has already seen so much success and has plenty more to come.

https://youtu.be/p-n3Uv0zy5o

The audio version of the episode will be available at www.downtimepodcast.com from Tuesday onwards.

11/11/2024

Today, we’re joined by one of the most groundbreaking athletes in freeride MTB - Vero Sandler! Fresh off competing in the first-ever women’s Red Bull Rampage, Vero takes us behind the scenes of this historic event. We dive into her incredible journey, from the rigorous selection process to the intense training and preparation for Rampage’s huge drops, massive jumps, crazy exposure, and steep lines down the Utah mountains.
Vero talks about building her dream line with the perfect dig crew, pushing through her fears, and making history as a woman in one of MTB’s most extreme events. This episode is packed with inspiration, grit, and insights into what it takes to break boundaries in the world of freeride mountain biking!

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtu.be/plchldtwB7o

🎧 The audio version will be available from Tuesday.

🔗Head to bio for all links to watch and listen!

Photo Credit: Red Bull Media - Paris Gore

04/11/2024

Today, we’re joined by Lachie Stevens-McNab, one of 2024’s breakout DH stars. From just missing the win in Poland to his 3rd place in Leogang, and finishing just 0.06 seconds from victory in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Lachie’s journey has been nothing short of incredible.

A three-time BMX world champ turned MTB sensation, he’s overcome serious injuries and pushed through challenges to make his mark this season. Hear about his journey, the impact of Loic Bruni’s mentorship, and what it took to reach the top. Plenty of inspiration in this one!

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://youtu.be/hXVgbawzHwg

The audio version will be available from Tuesday 5th Nov.

Head to bio for all the links.

28/10/2024

Today, we’re diving into an incredible story of resilience and drive with YT Mob’s own Sian A’Hern.

From a total sceptic about mountain biking to racing at Nationals—and then World Cups—all within a couple of years, Sian’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

Join me as I chat with Sian about what has been an incredible career so far.

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

The audio version will be available from Tuesday 29th Oct.

🔗Head to bio for all the links.

21/10/2024

Fan favourite, Josh Bryceland, joins me on the podcast this week.

After stepping away from World Cup racing after his 2016 season, we've seen Josh change his focus. But after all those years away, will we finally see him back between the tape at a downhill World Cup?

Join me as Josh and I catch up on the last few years.

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL - https://youtu.be/eKOu73JMxno.

The audio version will be available from Tuesday 22nd Oct.

🔗Head to bio for all the links.

14/10/2024

Do you want to be a better mountain bike rider?

Well, coach Ben Plenge is here to help you with six simple steps.

On this week's podcast, Ben lays out the fundamentals needed to put together a winter of progression that will lead to you being a better, faster, safer rider in 2025, as well as a better all-around human.

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL - https://youtube.com/shorts/Fo-Ktf_BvMk.

The audio version will be available from Tuesday 15th Oct.

🔗Head to bio for all the links.

07/10/2024

Today, we’re joined by from the .

After less than a year on a downhill bike, Kasper entered his first World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne and made it all the way to the finals.

But his journey to this point has not been easy.

We sat down at the Loudenvielle World Cup to hear Kasper’s incredible story.

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL - https://youtu.be/21wVO3I7O_o.

The audio version will be available from Tuesday 8th Oct.

🔗Head to bio for all the links.

30/09/2024

Today, we are joined by Santa Cruz Syndicate's Nina Hoffmann.

Nina dives into her approach to optimising mountain bike performance through a focus on coaching, technique, process, and psychology.

We also explore her fascinating university project, which examines the use of hypnosis to enhance downhill racing performance, and get a glimpse into her upcoming PhD journey.

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL - https://youtu.be/NgzikM2-_WA.

The audio version will be available from Tuesday 1st Oct.

🔗Head to bio for all the links

23/09/2024

Today we are joined by Enduro World Cup racer, Charlie Murray.

This season, Charlie has really come into form, taking 3rd place in the overall. But it hasn't all been plain sailing for Charlie as he shares some of the challenges he's faced behind the scenes this season.

Charlie also shares what he believes have been the secrets that have helped him perform at the top this year, as well as his thoughts on the future of enduro racing.

THE EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON THE DOWNTIME PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL - https://youtu.be/iaykNkKJkp8

The audio version will be available from Tuesday 24th Sept.

🔗Head to bio for all the links

Image by Sebastian Schieck.

16/09/2024

This week's episode is a big one... I feel honoured to have had the chance to visit Danny MacAskill at home and to get some previously unheard insight into his career so far. I'd love you to give it a watch...

In this podcast episode, we're joined by world-renowned Scottish mountain biker and trials rider Danny MacAskill. We sit down with Danny at his home in Scotl...

09/09/2024

Neko Mulally joins me this week to discuss the development and manufacture of the Frameworks enduro bike, which I had the chance to ride just before recording the episode.

We also catch up on his experience so far in team management, signing Asa Vermette and discuss his approach to his own racing and how that has changed in recent years.

THE NEW EPISODE IS LIVE ON YOUTUBE NOW - https://youtu.be/AKLv_VMzhQA

The audio version will be available tomorrow.

🔗 Head to our bio for all the video and audio links.

Image by Callie Horwath.

02/09/2024

Today we're joined by Kate Mason, the presenter tasked with taking mountain biking to the masses through the new Warner Brothers Discovery coverage.

Find out what goes into covering the sport we all love, and hear how Kate is settling in.

Kate also shares more on how she got into sports journalism, her thoughts on the online hate and much more.

THE NEW EPISODE IS LIVE ON YOUTUBE NOW - https://youtu.be/d_SiEnGs_CM

The audio version will be available tomorrow.

🔗 Head to our bio for all the video and audio links.

26/08/2024

Alright, today we’re joined by ‘Mr. Gas to Flat’ himself, Adam Brayton.

Adam’s faced some serious challenges over the past couple of years, from changes in World Cup entry requirements to the unexpected shutdown of his bike sponsor, Nukeproof, right before the 2024 season.

Despite these setbacks, Adam has kept pushing forward, racing whenever and wherever he can, and seizing every opportunity.

THE NEW EPISODE IS LIVE ON YOUTUBE NOW - https://youtu.be/fggUd9SGnow

The audio version will be available tomorrow.

🔗 Head to our bio for all the video and audio links.