The Downtime Podcast

Today we’re joined by Kriss Kyle. Kriss found his fame in BMX and more recently has brought that style and creativity onto the mountain bike. From living in a skatepark, to jumping over a moving formula one car, Kriss has been on quite the journey. We talk about the crossover from BMX to MTB, how skills, style, and fearless thinking translate from ramps to trails. We dig into the pressure of performing, the risks of big projects, and the process behind turning wild ideas into reality. Kriss is a truly unique addition to the MTB world and it was fascinating to find out more about him. so sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Kriss Kyle. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Kriss on Instagram @krisskyle, find him on YouTube here and watch his latest MTB edit here. Podcast Stuff Patreon I would love it if you were able to support the podcast via a regular Patreon donation. Donations start from as little as £3 per month. That’s less than £1 per episode and less than

To round out the year, we’re joined by Chris Kilmurray to get behind the results and into the data of the 2025 downhill season.  Winning margins. Track difficulty. Rider consistency. Junior depth. Elite pressure. Chris Kilmurray is a coach, an analyst, a man who lives in the numbers. So, together, we’re breaking down the 2025 season, statistically, objectively, and honestly. What the juniors told us about the future. Why some tracks separated the field… and others didn’t. Which riders redefined expectations and which comebacks mattered most. From tyre performance to suspension trends. From French dominance to the rise of the USA and what all of it means as we look ahead to 2026.. There’s heaps to chat about, so sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Chris Kilmurray. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. Podcast Stuff Patreon I would love it if you were able to support the podcast via a regular Patreon donation. Donations start from as little as £3 per month. That’s less tha

Welcome to the final episode of Downtime Debrief for 2025 and our last episode before Christmas. As many of you will know, this is 3 friends and fans of the sport, chatting about what we love. In this episode, we talk about our World Cup withdrawal, our favourite 2026 team rumours and our own plans to return to downhill racing next year. Ben and Jonny then turn the tables and grill me about the podcast. There’s heaps to talk about, so sit back, hit play and listen to this final episode of Downtime Debrief with me, Ben and Jonny. Podcast Stuff Sponsoring Partners Downtime Debrief is proudly sponsored by Fox Racing, Wahoo, Continental, Magura and Sprung Suspension. Listener Offers Downtime listeners can now get 10% off of Stashed Space Rails. Stashed is the ultimate way to sort your bike storage. Their clever design means you can get way more bikes into the same space and easily access whichever one you want to ride that day. If you have 2 or more bikes in your garage, they are definitely worth checking out. Ju

Today on the Downtime Podcast, we’re sitting down with a Oli Zwar, a rider who’s lived the full spectrum of what downhill racing can throw at you. From the spark of motocross as a kid in Australia, to finding his feet on the World Cup stage, to battling injuries that almost took the joy out of riding altogether. Oli Zwar’s journey is about grit, growth, and the people who kept him going. We get into how Zwar Brothers Racing came to be, the highs and lows of life on The Union, and that breakthrough 2022 season where everything finally clicked. Oli opens up on the pain that robbed him of grip strength, the surgery that changed everything, and the mental resilience he’s had to build along the way. It’s an honest look at the realities behind race results, the importance of support networks, and rediscovering the simple joy of riding pain-free. There’s heaps to chat about, so sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Oli Zwar. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Oli on Insta

Today on the Downtime Podcast, I'm joined by the one and only, Wyn Masters. Wyn’s got a unique view of the sport, from racing to reporting, and in this episode he brings the full picture. We sit down to hear Wyn's thoughts on the state of World Cup enduro and we discuss some of the stand out moments from the 2025 World Cup downhill season. Does Wyn think privateers can still make it at World Cup level? What does Wyn think about the widely rumoured end of the junior category at World Cup level in 2027 and what are we excited about heading into the 2026 season? We cover it all, as well as hearing about Wyn's move to Focus and his involvement with the iXS Gravity Alliance and how you can get involved too. There's heaps to chat about, so sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Wyn Masters. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can find out more about the iXS Gravity Alliance on their website here. You can follow Wyn on Instragram @wynmasters and find WynTV on YouTube here. Podca

Today on the Downtime Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about stories in mountain biking this year. YT went into insolvency, the internet blew up with rumours and frustration… and then, founder Markus Flossmann bought the brand back. In this episode, Markus sits down with me for an open conversation to set the record straight. We dig into the questions riders have been asking and the things they’ve been angry about. The pre-insolvency fire sale. The downhill team's very public issues. The shutdown of YT’s US operation. And ultimately, why Markus felt the need to step back in and rebuild the company he started. Markus also shares his vision for the future of YT along with a tease of some upcoming product. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Markus Flossmann. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can find all things YT at their website yt-industries.com or by checking out their Instagram @yt_industries. Podcast Stuff Episode Sponsors WTB WTB'

Today I’m joined by Matt Jones for a really honest and reflective conversation about what it takes to build a life around mountain biking. You may have seen his latest Red Bull video, where he jumps through two autonomous moving trucks, but I wanted to go beyond the spectacle and understand the process behind it. We talk about fear, pressure, and the uncertainty that comes with taking on ideas that don’t have a clear path to the finish line. We also get into the business side of what he does: turning ideas into real ventures, balancing content creation with family life, building HELFARE, and the development of his new MTB game, MAVRIX. Including working with trail builders and bringing Rob Warner into the mix to try and capture the feel of mountain biking in gaming form. It’s a conversation about creativity, risk, resilience, and doing things your own way. I hope you enjoy it. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy listening to this conversation with Matt Jones. You can also watch this episode on YouTube

Glenn MacArthur grew up in a tiny village high in the French Alps, where riding bikes and exploring mountains was just part of everyday life. He’s taken that foundation and built a really interesting path in mountain biking, one that doesn’t follow traditional racing norms. From blind racing to setting fastest known times on crazy routes. From navigating the privateer world to landing a standout result at Epic Enduro, Glenn’s approach is all about curiosity, commitment and finding what actually feels right, rather than what the sport says you should do. This is a chat about carving your own place in the MTB world, learning from the tough days, and keeping things authentic. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Glenn MacArthur. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Glenn on Instagram @glennmac_mtb and you can watch his Giro Del Monviso film here. Podcast Stuff Episode Sponsors WTB WTB's biomechanics expert joined me recently on the podcast. If you'

There’s been a lot of discussion around wether or not it’s getting harder for the smaller teams to survive in World Cup downhill. This week I’m joined by Team High Country’s Chris Higgs to find out how they are making it work. Chris has poured everything into creating opportunities for the next generation of downhill racers. We chat about what it really costs to compete at the highest level, how he and his wife self-fund the team, the challenges of working with sponsors, and what it takes to look and act like a professional team on a privateer budget. Chris also shares his vision for the future, becoming a World Series Team, supporting both juniors and elites, and why he believes keeping junior categories in the World Cup is essential for the health of the sport. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a downhill racing team from the ground up, or you just love hearing stories from people who genuinely live and breathe mountain biking, then this episode is one you won’t want to miss.So sit bac

This week, I’m catching up with none other than Josh Bryceland. We dive into his thoughts on the 2025 Downhill World Cup season, and some of the exciting young riders coming through the ranks right now. Josh opens up about his changing relationship with his nickname Ratboy, and what it’s like riding alongside his son. We also talk about how becoming a dad has shifted his perspective on influence and legacy in the sport. Plus, we dig into the story behind his Bolly Skyline race event, what really motivated him during his race career, and his experiences at Hardline Wales and Maydena this year. It’s a chat full of honesty, perspective, and that trademark Josh Bryceland energy. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Josh Bryceland. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can find the Cannondale YouTube channel here and the 50to01 YouTube channel here. Here are a few select videos featuring Josh... Hardline Tasmania Moterra SL Makes Waves Josh Bryceland's Back

Downtime Debrief episode 3 is here. 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, we changed things up a bit. Our race plans are headed in different directions, and we wanted to create space to talk about more than just our own racing. So you get to hear the ups and downs of our racing experiences, alongside world cup drama, bikes, tech, products, basically whatever is on our mind. This is a bunch of fans talking about the sport we love. So if that sounds like your vibe, then settle in for episode three of Downtime Debrief. We’ll be chatting about the end of the downhill and enduro world cup season as well as covering our own racing experiences across both downhill and enduro. There’s heaps to talk about, so sit back, hit play and listen to Downtime Debrief episode 3 with me, Ben and Jonny. Podcast Stuff Sponsoring Partners Downtime Debrief is proudly sponsored by Fox Racing,

How much thought do you really give to your saddle? It’s one of the most personal contact points on the bike and yet, for most of us, it’s also one of the least understood. This week, I’m joined by Sean Madsen, a true expert when it comes to bike fit and saddle design. Sean’s spent over 25 years working with some of the biggest names in cycling. From developing products used by the pros, to helping everyday riders find real comfort on the bike. We get into what actually makes a saddle comfortable, why numbness and pain aren’t something you should just accept, and how things like shape, padding, and rail material all come into play. We also chat about the future, 3D printed saddles, new materials, and how often you should really be replacing yours. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether your saddle’s helping or holding you back, sit tight, this one’s going to change the way you think about one of the most overlooked parts of your bike. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Sean Madsen. Yo

This week, I’m joined by Germany’s Max Hartenstern, a rider who’s quietly been building toward a breakthrough. Max started out racing BMX before switching to downhill in his early teens, working his way up through the iXS Cups, and eventually finding his rhythm on the World Cup circuit. We chat about what those early years taught him, how he’s evolved his training and bike setup, and the importance of team dynamics in getting results at the top level. Max also shares his thoughts on the new World Cup format, how he’s learned to keep racing fun, and what’s clicked for him this season as he’s delivered his strongest results yet. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Max Hartenstern. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Max on Instagram @max.harternstern and on YouTube here. Podcast Stuff Episode Sponsors Fox Racing This episode is supported by Fox Racing and they recently launched the brand new Jackson Goldstone signature collection. Check it out here

This week, we’re joined by Strength Factory's Ben Plenge to find out how to improve our riding by being healthier humans. Ben breaks it down into five pillars of health, from nutrition and hydration, through weight and sickness management to muscle, mobility, cardio and sleep. This is the complete guide to looking after yourself, so you can have a long and happy life riding bikes and generally being a healthy, functional human. As always with Ben, there's heaps to learn. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Ben Plenge. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. Here are those discount code details if you want to follow one of Ben's plans. Code: DTPOD expires on 2nd November. Gives you 1/3 off The Over 40s MTB Program or 50% off the first month of Complete MTB Program and you still get a 1 week free trial. Both programs now include The MTB Nutrition Guide for free! You can follow Ben on Instagram @strenghfactory_coach or @mtbfatloss. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast, and you’re tuned into our final post-race show of the season from Mont-Sainte-Anne, with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris. It’s been a big year and honestly, a tough one for the podcast too. We’ve had no brand support for this World Cup series, which is the most expensive content we make. But we’ve done it because we love it, and we know you love it too. Along the way, a bunch of you have stepped up through Patreon, and that’s made a huge difference, so a massive thank you to everyone who’s been part of that. As I record this, we don’t yet have support locked in for 2026, so our Patreon community really is what’s going to keep us going. Because of that, we’re going to be doing more for out Patreon’s in 2026, and you’ll hear more about that soon. If you want to be part of the crew that makes our World Cup coverage possible and helps the podcast in general, you can join from just £3 a month, that’s less than the price of a coffee, but it goes a long way. Just hea

This week, we’re joined by Luke Meier-Smith, who took his first World Cup win this weekend in Lake Placid. We caught up with Luke just a few weeks ago in Les Gets to talk about his journey from growing up on an avocado farm in Australia, through BMX and injuries, to finding his place in downhill World Cups. This one’s about grit, growth, and what it really takes to make it at the top. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Luke Meier-Smith. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Luke on Instagram @luke_ms1 and on YouTube here. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Loam Pass Loam Pass are currently offering their 2026 pass, which enables you to access over 70 destination in North America for the bargain price of $250. This is the cheapest you'll ever be able to buy the pass and you can get yours at this price from 1-14th Octcober right here - loampass.com. Fox Racing This episode is supported by Fox Racing and they recently launched their game changing f

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our 2025 Mont-Sainte-Anne pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray for the final round of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. If you’re listening, that means that like me, you probably LOVE the sport and want to know as much as possible about what’s going on. That’s exactly what we are here to do. Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you analysis and insights that you won’t hear elsewhere. However, as you probably know, the mountain bike industry isn’t in a great place right now and as a result, this series doesn’t have any brand support. The World Cup coverage is the most expensive thing I produce, as it often includes travel and I like to pay the guys for the expertise that they bring to the table. So I’ve been funding it myself, along with the support of our wonderful Patreons. If this show means something to you, and you want to help me keep it going, then please consider supporting us over on Patreon. You can sign up fo

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our 2025 Whiteface / Lake Placid post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris for round 9 of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. If you’re listening, that means that like me, you probably LOVE the sport and want to know as much as possible about what’s going on. That’s exactly what we are here to do. Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you analysis and insights that you won’t hear elsewhere. However, as you probably know, the mountain bike industry isn’t in a great place right now and as a result, this series doesn’t have any brand support. The World Cup coverage is the most expensive thing I produce, as it often includes travel and I like to pay the guys for the expertise that they bring to the table. So I’ve been funding it myself, along with the support of our wonderful Patreons. If this show means something to you, and you want to help me keep it going, then please consider supporting us over on Patreon. You c

This week I’m joined by Ben Wood, aka Woody, the mechanic behind World Champion Jackson Goldstone. Woody gives us a rare look at life inside the pits at the very top of downhill racing, from the pressure cooker of World Cups to the calm precision of race day prep. We chat about everything from track walks and bike setup, to handling the emotional highs and lows that come with chasing podiums. And of course, we relive the unforgettable moment when Jackson claimed the rainbow stripes, and speculate about how the overall battle might play out. It’s a story of mindset, trust, and the unique bond between rider and mechanic that makes the difference when it matters most. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Ben 'Woody' Wood. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Woody on Instagram @wmb149. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Fox Racing This episode is supported by Fox Racing and they've just launched their 'lit kit' winning IMAGE Phantom collection. You can c

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our 2025 Whiteface / Lake Placid pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray for round 9 of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. If you’re listening, that means that like me, you probably LOVE the sport and want to know as much as possible about what’s going on. That’s exactly what we are here to do. Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you analysis and insights that you won’t hear elsewhere. However, as you probably know, the mountain bike industry isn’t in a great place right now and as a result, this series doesn’t have any brand support. The World Cup coverage is the most expensive thing I produce, as it often includes travel and I like to pay the guys for the expertise that they bring to the table. So I’ve been funding it myself, along with the support of our wonderful Patreons. If this show means something to you, and you want to help me keep it going, then please consider supporting us over on Patreon. You can sign up for