The Downtime Podcast

From the spark of an idea in an engineer’s mind to becoming one of the most talked about innovations in mountain biking, this is the story of OChain. Today, we go behind the scenes with Fabrizio Dragoni, the creator of the OChain system, and James Alberts, MTB Category Director from SRAM, to find out how this radical concept became a reality and why SRAM saw enough potential to bring it under their wing. This is about passion, persistence, and pushing the boundaries of what a bike can feel like. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this conversation with Fabrizio Dragoni and James Alberts. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can find out more about OChain at ochain.bike. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners 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

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our La Thuile post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please consi

From racing between the tape to calling the action from the booth, Josh Carlson has experienced mountain biking from every angle. In this episode, we dive into his unique journey from pro Enduro racer to one of the key voices in the sport's global broadcast. Josh shares what it’s like working behind the mic for Warner Brothers, how he connects with athletes and audiences, and why storytelling is at the heart of great coverage. We also get into the evolution of Enduro, the grind of balancing family life, racing and media, and what it takes to build a personal brand that truly represents the sport. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into broadcasting the sport we all love, so sit back, hit play, and enjoy this conversation with Josh Carlson. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Josh on Instagram @joshcarlson__ or on his YouTube channel here or website here. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Worx If you ride bikes, you need a Worx Hydroshot. It’s a cordless

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our La Thuile pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please consider supporting

Our Enduro World Cup debrief with Morgane Charre and Greg Callaghan after the first two rounds of the season proved to be really popular, so the team is back to discuss what went on in Loudenvielle and Leogang. Hear which top rider nearly didn’t make it to the first stage in Leogang, which rider has reverted to singing songs to calm the mood and who should we be watching out from from the upcoming crop of young, talented enduro racers. We’ll also discuss our thoughts on the sneak peak of Warner Brothers series, Grit and Glory, that we got to see in Leogang. There’s heaps of stories to dig into from rounds 3 and 4 of the 2025 Enduro World Cup, so sit back, hit play, and enjoy this conversation with Morgane Charre and Greg Callaghan. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Morgane on Instagram @morganecharre. Greg is @greg_callaghan on Instagram and you can find his YouTube channel here. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Worx If you ride bikes, you need a Worx Hydroshot

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Val di Sole post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please con

This week’s episode is a little different as it was recorded in front of a live audience. BOA invited me out to the Leogang World Cup and after the race we went to their office in Mondsee to record an episode with their supported athlete, Nina Hoffmann, in front of the BOA team. I want to say a huge thanks to BOA for inviting me over, it was great to meet the whole team and inspiring to see the focus and attention to detail that goes into the design of every product that features a BOA dial. After seeing that, it’s really no surprise that the products are so good. Nina literally just bounced back from the biggest crash of her life, off the top of the wall ride in Leogang. We’ll be hearing all about that crazy moment along with how Nina’s dealing with both the physical and mental side of recovery. Nina discusses some of the changes she’s made over the the winter, like bringing on a coach, getting to know a new mechanic and becoming a podcaster herself. It’s an honest, inspiring conversation with one of down

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Val di Sole pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please consider supporti

Hattie Harnden is one of the most versatile riders on the planet, and this year she’s taken a bold leap into downhill racing. In this episode, we dive into what drove that move and how it’s played out so far. Hear how Hattie’s adapted to a bike that’s wildly different from anything she’s ridden before, and how she’s found even more speed by refining her technique. Hattie shares the highs and lows of racing, the pressure of media attention, and what it feels like to finally belong. This is a raw, honest look at what it takes to evolve at the highest level of the sport. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this conversation with Hattie Harnden. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Hattie on Instagram @hatt1e_harnden. To be in with the chance of winning a set of Magura Gustav Pros and a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT bike computer, fill out our audience survey here before the end of June 2025. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Wahoo Head to wahoofitness.com to check out Wahoo’s br

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Leogang post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please conside

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Loudenvielle post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please co

Today I'm joined by Cy Turner, the founder of Cotic, to find out more about one of the most commented on bikes of the year, their brand new Cotic eBike. It’s a bold move from a small, steel-focused brand known for doing things differently, and it’s certainly ruffled a few feathers. We dig into the design process, the engineering challenges, what made Cy take the leap into e-bikes and the thinking behind some of the key design decisions. We also chat about Cotic’s fresh new branding, what it means for the brand’s future, and how people have responded. This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how innovation, great engineering, and a strong sense of identity come together to shape a product and a brand. So it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Cy Turner. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Cotic on Instagram @coticbikes and find them on YouTube here and see the full range at cotic.co.uk. To be in with the chance of winning a set of Magura

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Leogang pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please consider supporting u

Enduro is back and it feels like it might be turning a corner. After a couple of tough seasons, there’s a real sense of momentum building in the sport, and we’re here for it. In this episode, I’m joined by Greg Callaghan and Morgane Charre, two riders who’ve been at the sharp end of Enduro racing for years, to dig into the first two rounds of the 2025 EDR season. We’re talking big changes: the return of two-day racing, a fresh energy in the pits, and a crop of new talent shaking things up. Greg and Morgane share their experiences from Pietra and Poland so we get the low down on what went on. We get into everything from course design and recovery strategies to weather chaos, injuries, and the impact of a brand new documentary series that's got people talking. There’s still a way to go, but if the start of the season is anything to go by, Enduro’s future is looking a whole lot brighter. So it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Morgane Charre and Greg Callaghan. You can also

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Loudenvielle pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please consider support

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Poland post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris. 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. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please consider

Mark Fitzsimmons has been shaping how mountain bikes ride for decades. From his early days in customer support to developing cutting-edge suspension at RockShox and FOX, he’s worked with the world’s fastest riders and the best teams in the business. In this episode, Mark shares hard-earned wisdom on suspension tuning, what really makes suspension work, why building trust with athletes matters, and the habits that lead to long-term success both on and off the bike. Whether you're chasing podiums or just trying to get your bike feeling dialled, this one’s packed with gold. So it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Mark Fitzsimmons. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Mark his tips on LinkedIn here. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Insta360 Insta360 have just launched their latest game-changer, the X5. It shoots full 360 video in 8K, with lenses that are more durable than ever, and comes with upgraded audio thanks to a new wind guard and

This week I’m talking MTB coaching with Paul Howard from ZEP Coaching and the GSMBC. Paul’s been shaping mountain bike coaching for years, and his work has helped define the global standards we see today. We dig into how modern coaching has evolved, how elite-level riders are pushing the limits, and what we can learn from the way the best in the world ride. From coaching kids to helping World Cup athletes rider faster more consistently, Paul shares powerful insights on technique, bike setup, and the power of coaching at all levels. Whether you're a coach a wannabe coach, a racer, or just love thinking about how you ride, this one’s packed with value. So it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Paul Howard. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Insta360 Insta360 have just launched their latest game-changer, the X5. It shoots full 360 video in 8K, with lenses that are more durable than ever, and comes with upgraded audio thank

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into the original pre-race show with me and coach to the stars, Chris Kilmurray. 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, I’ll be joined by Chris for the pre-race and ex-racers and team managers Neko Mulally and Olly Morris for the post-race debrief. We’ll be doing our best to bring 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. I definitely considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans

This week I’m joined by Jan Ehrhard, senior design engineer and one of the key minds behind the new Canyon Sender, to find out what it takes to design a World Cup winning bike. From sketchbook to the start gate, Jan takes us inside the high-stakes world of bike development. We talk about the evolution of Canyon’s downhill platform, the wild insights from their Mule test bike, and the delicate dance between anti-rise, pedal kickback, and speed generation. You’ll hear how rider feedback, innovative thinking, and raw race emotion come together to shape the bikes that push the limits of the sport. This is a deep dive into the future of mountain bike design, and one of the fastest bikes on the planet. So it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Jan Ehrhard. You can find out all about the new bike here. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Insta360 Insta360 have just launched their latest game-changer, the X5. It shoots full 3