The Downtime Podcast

Today I’m joined by one of the most stylish enduro riders on the planet, Iago Garay. Iago's story is one of passion, perseverance, hard work and dedication. In this episode, we'll explore the pivotal moments that shaped Iago's journey, from his introduction to mountain biking to his unique story of how he turned professional and got his big break. We'll also dive into the future of enduro racing, gaining valuable insights from Iago's unique and positive perspective as a seasoned competitor. But perhaps most importantly, we'll discuss Iago's incredible resilience in the face of adversity, including his recent battle with a brain aneurysm. Through it all, Iago's unwavering spirit and love for the sport have remained unbreakable, serving as an inspiration to riders around the world. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Iago Garay. You can watch this episode on the Downtime YouTube channel here. You can follow Iago on Instagram @i

Today we’re sitting down for a long overdue catch up with mountain biking legend Remy Metailler. In this episode, we discuss the action from Hardline Tasmania, explore the dynamic between racing and the influencer culture dominating YouTube and social media, and unravel the intricacies of collaborating with partners in the industry. Along the way, we'll also tackle the evolving landscape of enduro racing, the growing popularity of eBikes, and glean invaluable riding tips and advice from Remy himself. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Remy Metailler. You can watch this episode on the Downtime YouTube channel here. You can follow Louise on Instagram @remymetailler or 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 than £1 per episode and less than the price of a take away coffee. Every little counts and these donations will re

Today, we're diving into the adrenaline-fuelled world of Red Bull Hardline with none other than the fearless Louise Ferguson. Strap in as we explore Lou’s electrifying performance in Tasmania, where she pushed the boundaries of possibility and left an indelible mark on the mountain bike landscape. From saying no to her first Hardline invite, to being one of the first two women on the planet to complete a top to bottom Hardline race run, join us as we unravel the exhilarating tale of Louise Ferguson's unforgettable ride at one of the most legendary events in the mountain biking calendar. Stay tuned for insights, stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the mind of a true Hardline contender. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Louise Ferguson. You can watch this episode on the Downtime YouTube channel here. You can follow Louise on Instagram @loufergmtb or head to the team YouTube channel here. Podcast Stuff Patreon I would love it if you were able to support

Today I’m joined by Leo Malmeryd, the lead engineer behind the latest evolution of the Canyon Spectral. Leo will be sharing insights into the meticulous development process that brought forth this new iteration of the Spectral, as they take an evolutionary approach in search of trail bike perfection. But that's not all – I’m hitting the trails with Jonny Matthews, to put the new Canyon Spectral through its paces. Together, we'll compare its performance against its predecessor, which we both loved, unraveling the subtle yet impactful changes that Leo and his team have crafted. Get ready for a thrilling ride as we explore the intersection of engineering prowess and real-world trail experience. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Leo and then at around 50mins you can hear mine and Jonny's experience on the trail. You can watch this episode on the Downtime YouTube channel here. You can check out the new Canyon Spectral on Canyon's website here. Podcast Stuff Supporting

Today, I’m joined by BMX legend turned mountain biker, Brad Simms. From his humble beginnings in BMX, Brad has carved a path with resilience and passion that continues to inspire riders around the globe. But Brad's story is more than just about bikes; it's about exploration, adaptation, and a spirit of adventure. Join us as we journey through Brad's experiences. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected twists that have shaped Brad's path, as he shares candid insights into his life on and off the bike. From riding with BMX legends to forging new connections in the mountain biking community, Brad's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the universal language of two wheels. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Brad Simms. You can watch this episode on the Downtime YouTube channel here. You can follow Brad on Instagram @brad_simms, find him on YouTube here, or on TikTok here. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Shimano Shimano have launched a

Today I’m joined by Joe Breeden and Olly Morris, the team owner and team manager for the new Intense Factory Racing team. We hear what led to Joe deciding to form the team and what his vision for Intense Factory Racing looks like. Joe, Olly and I discuss what it takes to create a high-performance environment, the meticulous selection of riders and staff and just how hard it is to get support in the current bike industry climate. What’s clear in this episode is the energy and passion that Joe and Olly have, providing great insight into the importance of not just the equipment you ride, but the environment in which you do it. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Joe Breeden and Olly Morris. You can watch this episode on the Downtime YouTube channel here. You can follow the team on Instagram @intensefactoryracing, on YouTube here and at their website, intensefactoryracing.com. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Shimano Shimano have launched an awesome new range of

Today I’m joined by Jordan Williams. Jordan began his elite career with an amazing win at the opening round in Lenzerheide. The season that followed would bring new challenges for Jordan that became invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. In this episode, Jordan shares candidly about the highs and lows of his season, from the exhilarating moment watching Loic’s split go red in Lenzerheide, to the challenges he navigated behind the scenes. We delve into his transition to a prototype bike for 2024 and his plans to come out swinging when we kick off the season in Fort William. Tune in as we gain insights into the mindset of a champion, the resilience required to overcome setbacks, and the determination to pursue excellence in the face of adversity. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Jordan Williams. You can follow Jordan on Instagram @jordanwilliams17. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Shimano Shimano have launched an awesome new range of gra

Today I’m joined by coach and newly appointed Norco Team Manager, Alan Milway. With years of experience coaching riders both in the gym and trackside at the World Cups, Alan boasts an unparalleled understanding of riders and their craft. We sat down last week to delve into the exciting roster changes for the 2024 downhill season, and trust me, there's plenty to discuss! Alan generously shares his insights on each move, along with some discussion of when and how to advise riders, adding variability to your bike time and much more. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Alan Milway. You can follow Alan on Instagram @alanmilway. You can checkout Alan's awesome gym benches and future products at milwayperformance.com. 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 the price of a take away coffee. Every little counts an

Today’s episode is supported by OneUp and I'm delighted to be joined by their Chief Technical Officer, Jon Staples. Together, we'll delve into the intricacies of designing OneUp's latest and most innovative products. We'll explore OneUp's unique approach to handlebar design, aiming to alleviate arm pump, and discuss the enhancements made to their already super popular dropper post, for the latest V3 model. Join us for valuable insights into product design and testing from a brand who seem to have mastered the art of elegant design. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with OneUp's Jon Staples. You can see OneUp's entire range over at oneupcomponents.com. You can also find them on Instagram where they are @oneupcomponents. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners This episode is supported by OneUp Components. You can check out their entire range of dropper posts, handlebars, tools, guides and other awesome gear over at oneupcomponents.com. Patreon I would love it if you wer

Race seasons don’t get much more exciting than the one Jackson Goldstone had in 2023. This week we’re sitting down with Jackson to delve into the details of what actually went on. From intense rivalries and overcoming appendix issues to how he’s found a winning mindset, our conversation covers it all. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Jackson Goldstone. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel here. You can follow Jackson on Instagram @jacksongoldstone or on TikTok @jacksongoldstone1. 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 the price of a take away coffee. Every little counts and these donations will really help me keep the podcast going and hopefully take it to the next level. To help out, head here. Merch If you want to support the podcast and represent, then my webstore is the

Welcome to Downtime Goes Downhill, a podcast mini-series that’s followed our journey in downhill racing, as well as chatting to some of the most knowledgeable experts in the world to help us get faster. Today I’ll be joined by Jordi Cortes from Fox suspension to get the ultimate advice on how to get your bike suspension setup amazingly well for you. Downtime Goes Downhill wouldn’t be happening without the support of some incredible brands. So a massive thanks to Canyon bikes, Fox suspension, Wahoo Fitness, Fox clothing and protection, Maxxis tyres, Magura brakes and We Are One Composites wheels. This is episode nine of Downtime Goes Downhill and I’m joined by Fox’s suspension guru, Jordi Cortes. We’re going to be working through how to get setup, from setting sag, to deciding if you need to add or remove volume spacers, to what all the different adjusters do and how you should use them. We also chat about changes you might want to make to the bike in some common scenarios, such as going riding somewhere

Today we are kicking off the new year with a great guest, Laurent Delorme, the mastermind behind the Specialized Gravity team featuring the formidable talents of Loic Bruni, Finn Iles, and Jordan Williams. In our conversation, Laurent unveils his journey into team management, providing insights into his path to success while overseeing some of the fastest riders on the planet. Delve into the strategies that Laurent employs to manage a team comprising fiercely competitive riders. Gain an understanding of what qualities he seeks in riders and discover how the element of exclusivity has played a pivotal role in the team's remarkable success. Laurent is the brains behind one of the most successful teams on the circuit and there is a lot to learn. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Laurent Delorme. You can follow the team on Instagram @specializedgravity and on TikTok here. Podcast Stuff Patreon I would love it if you were able to support the podcast via a regular Patre

Welcome to Downtime Goes Downhill, a podcast mini-series that’s been taking you with us as we have a go at racing downhill at both a regional and national level. Downtime Goes Downhill wouldn’t be happening without the support of some incredible brands. So a massive thanks to Canyon bikes, Fox suspension, Wahoo Fitness, Fox clothing and protection, Maxxis tyres, Magura brakes and We Are One Composites wheels. This is episode eight, where we’ll be sharing what we’ve learned from a year of downhill racing and discussing the hits and misses from the products that we’ve been using. So sit back, hit play and listen to episode seven of Downtime Goes Downhill with me, Ben and Jonny. 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 the price of a take away coffee. Every little counts and these donations will really help me keep the podcast going and

Today, I'm excited to have Noga Korem with us. Now, you're likely aware of the unexpected turn of events earlier this year when Noga was released from her contract with GT Factory Racing. In the spirit of transparency, I want to address that this episode initially included a few more details from Noga's perspective regarding the contract termination. However, due to the legal sensitivity of the matter and the challenge of reconciling differing accounts between both parties, I've made some slight edits. This was done to ensure that only factual information is presented, respecting the complexities of the situation. In this episode we delve into Noga's 2023 season and navigate through the challenges of losing her ride mid-season. Noga shares the inside scoop on crafting her own race program, aptly named 'Team Improvise.' Hear about the incredible moment when Commencal stepped in with a bike, right between practice and race at Pietra Ligure. We also explore the friendship between Noga and the downhill sensat

In a week where we heard that the GOAT, Greg Minnaar, will be leaving the Santa Cruz Syndicate after an incredible 16-year tenure, it feels fitting to revisit the conversation I had with Greg back in 2019. Given the influx of new subscribers since then and the the fact that this episode was no longer available on the podcast RSS feed, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to re-share our insightful discussion. Picture the scene: in 2019, Greg and I gathered in a cozy pub in Leeds, delving into the rich tapestry of his sporting journey. We navigated through his pivotal moments with Animal Orange, Global Racing, G-Cross Honda, and a substantial portion of his illustrious tenure with the Syndicate. Discover why Greg deemed the Syndicate as the ideal fit for him, explore the evolution of his role within the team over time, and unravel many more fascinating aspects of his extraordinary career. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Greg Minnaar. Supporting Partners Misspent Summe

Today I’m joined by Vero Sandler. Vero has had an interesting five years since she last appeared on the podcast, moving from downhill racing into the freeride mountain bike world. We chat about her move to Santa Cruz, competing in the X-Games Real MTB series and find out what it’s like to ride at Darkfest. Hear how Vero’s unusual childhood helped shape the creativity that she has today and why some of the best freeriders on the planet will be visiting her backyard next year. Vero also shares details of her recent concussion and how meditation was a key part of her recovery. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Vero Sandler. You can follow Vero on Instagram @veroniquesandler. If you'd like to watch Vero's latest edit 'Maes Movements' it's here. The book that Vero mentioned in the episode is 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Toll, which is available here. Supporting Partners Misspent Summers - THE YEARBOOKS Misspent Summers awesome yearbooks for DH and Enduro are now

Today I’m joined by Tahnée Seagrave. Tahnée has been through a lot over the last few years and we chat about some of those highs and lows. Hear how Tahnée got on at Red Bull Hardline and how she feels about taking part in the new Hardline in Tasmania. We discuss her concussion and recovery as well as her return from racing. Find out how Missy Giove helped Tahnée’s recovery and what it was like being called Nina Hoffmann on live TV. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Tahnée Seagrave. You can follow Tahnée on Instagram @tahneeseagrave. You can find the 'How We Roll' series, following the team, over on the Canyon YouTube channel here. Supporting Partners Misspent Summers - THE YEARBOOKS Misspent Summers awesome yearbooks for DH and Enduro are now available. Downtime listeners can get 10% off those and everything else Misspent Summers until the end of 2023 using the code 'downtime' at the checkout. The perfect Christmas present for you or those special riders in your

Today I'm joined by Dakotah Norton. Dakotah had his best season ever in 2023 and had the pace to take wins at multiple venues. Hear Dakotah’s thoughts on this season and his time with Intense. We chat about bike setup, the challenge of training at world cup speeds without taking unnecessary risks, how he’s found a way to enjoy racing and much more. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Dakotah Norton. You can follow Dakotah on Instagram @daknorton and on YouTube here. Supporting Partners Misspent Summers - THE YEARBOOKS Misspent Summers awesome yearbooks for DH and Enduro are now available. Downtime listeners can get 10% off those and everything else Misspent Summers until the end of 2023 using the code 'downtime' at the checkout. The perfect Christmas present for you or those special riders in your life. 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

Alright, today I’m joined by Aaron Gwin to catch up on what he’s been up to. Hear about his experience in the commentary booth, why he bought Windrock Bike Park, if he’ll be racing next season and plenty more. There’s some great insight in this episode and I really hope you enjoy listening. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Aaron Gwin. You can follow Aaron on Instagram @aarongwin1 and find Windrock Bike Park @windrockbikepark. Supporting Partners We Are One Composites Downtime listeners get an extra special 20% off of WeAreOne Composites' awesome Convergence wheelsets and rims for the month of November 2023 by using the code DowntimeNovember2023 at the checkout over on weareonecomposites.com. 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 the price of a take away coffee. Every little counts and these

Today I’m joined by Neko Mulally to talk all things Frameworks. With a limited batch of 100 of the bikes going on sale tomorrow, Neko and I sat down for an in-depth chat about the project. You’ll hear how Neko has taken his experience from racing and translated that into designing and developing the Frameworks downhill bike. Hear who was involved to make this dream a reality. How much will the bikes cost, what specs will be available, how do you get hold of one and heaps of listener questions too. This is a great chance to immerse yourself in two hours of one of the most exciting projects in mountain biking right now. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Neko Mulally. You can get your hands on one of the first 100 frames and join the newsletter over at rideframeworks.com. You can follow the team @frameworksracing and watch their videos here. Supporting Partners We Are One Composites Downtime listeners get an extra special 20% off of WeAreOne Composites' awesome Co