The Hkt Podcast

Wyn Masters joins the show to talk about his move to Focus Bikes, how he's “shifting focus” after 17 years on the World Cup circuit, and why cooking lunch with your bike brand might be the ultimate vibe check. We dive deep into Wind TV’s evolution, e-bike warm-up secrets, caffeine-fueled race prep, Jackson Goldstone's unconventional setup, and the psychology of qualifying. Plus, Wyn shares behind-the-scenes stories from the privateer project, why he skipped Andorra, and his dream of being a jockey. Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion  - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr - Athletic Greens: Get a

Brendan Fairclough had a crazy start to Red Bull Hardline 2025 and after missing two days of practice showed up and did a first run top to bottom towed by Kaos Seagrave. This is the full story of one of the wildest and most impressive Red Bull Hardline runs of all time... Everything you need to know about Red Bull Hardline 2025 here https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/events/red-bull-hardline-uk-2025/ Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion  - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr - Athletic Greens: Get

We sat down with Eliot Jackson to chat about what’s to come in the next few days including Berndard Kerr's secret line, predictions, course changes and more...  Everything you need to know about Red Bull Hardline 2025 here https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/events/red-bull-hardline-uk-2025/ Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion  - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr - Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION - Compex: Get 20

Red Bull Hardline 2025 is just around the corner and we’re finally heading to Wales to be there in person and bring behind the scenes (back door?) content! In this episode, we run through the rider list, speculate on who’s racing (and who might not be), and try to figure out whether Jackson Goldstone will show up or sit it out to protect the World Cup overall. We talk track changes, legendary moments, and which riders have something to prove. TRC Patreon news, Fantasy Hardline picks and much more... Who’s your money on this year? What you like to see from the event? Drop a comment and get involved… New merch drops soon + you can support the show by checking out our NEW Patreon! You can also support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion  - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy

What does it take to race almost every Enduro World Series round since 2013, survive a life threatening brain aneurysm and then keep racing? In this episode of The Ride Companion we sat down with Iago Garay to hear about his journey from early Mega Avalanche races to the modern EDR World Cup. We cover everything from how Enduro racing has evolved, the training demands, nutrition, memorising tracks and Iago’s near death brain aneurysm in 2023 that changed everything. We also dive into what he would do if he ran the sport, why coverage is still an issue, how enduro is still the most relatable form of MTB and how his recovery reshaped his entire perspective on life. Follow Ella Conolly: @iagogaray New merch drops soon + you can support the show by checking out our ad free Patreon! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Pedros Tools → These are the best tools folks, no question. You can check out their range of bike specific torque tools, multitools and more at https://apex-dst.uk and use code theridecompa

What does it take to become the 2025 Enduro World Cup overall champion... without a factory team and without ever planning to go pro? In this episode, we sit down with Ella Conolly, the 2025 EDR World Cup overall winner, to hear about her incredible journey. Ella opens up about growing up in Inverness and leaving British Cycling’s Olympic program, to discovering enduro (thanks to a knock on the door from Tracy Moseley) and going all in on a new discipline with limited funding, no plan and a passion for adventure. We talk about privateer life, her calculated approach to risk, how she fuels race weekends, finding joy in the process, the power of building your own path, discover wether will Ella plans to race downhill and much more more... Follow Ella Conolly: @ella_conolly New merch drops soon + you can support the show by checking out our ad freee  Patreon! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com Hiplok → Head on over to ht

Massive thanks to YOU for helping us get to 200 episodes of The Ride Companion! In this episode Olly and Davi sit down in a Welsh mountain lodge for a general catch up and to answer your listener questions. In this episode Olly and Davi dive into the origins of the podcast, Olly’s epic Bikepark Wales challenge, Travis Pastrana ghosting Davi, Robot Wars, Deaks’ weird feet, bucket list guests, favourite crisps and Freedom Ride. Again, whether you’ve been here since day one or just recently joined us THANK YOU for being part of this journey with us... it means the world! New merch drops soon + we're starting a Patreon so you can go ad free! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Pedros Tools → These are the best tools folks, no question. You can check out their range of bike specific torque tools, multitools and more at https://apex-dst.uk and use code theridecompanion for 15% off everything on site! Support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL:

What does it really take to manage a World Cup downhill team in 2025? In this episode, Alan Milway, team manager of Norco Factory Racing and long-time performance coach joins Olly and Davi to unpack the chaos, structure, and behind-the-scenes secrets of running a top-tier MTB team. We dive into the logistics of back to back race weekends, what it’s like managing huge personalities like Danny Hart and Greg Minnaar, and the setup mistakes even elite riders still make. Alan also breaks down the impact of the new Q1/Q2 format, the $100K belt drive prize, and why Greg Minnaar continues to be one of the most relentless forces in the sport. From scouting new talent to controversial DSQs and what the sport really needs to evolve this one is packed!   Follow Norco Race Division: https://www.instagram.com/norcoracedivision/ Follow Alan Milway: https://www.instagram.com/alanmilway/ & https://www.instagram.com/milwayperformance Alan sells performance products too at https://www.milwayperformance.com BIG thanks

Tom Fuller is the co-founder of Image Design Custom and, the man behind the paint on some of the most iconic helmets in two-wheel sports. From Red Bull Rampage and the UCI World Cup, to motocross legends and movie stars like Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill, his work has quietly shaped the visual identity of action sports for decades. In this episode, Tom joins us to share his journey from painting helmets in his dad’s garage as a teenager to running Image Design Custom, the UK’s leading custom paint house. We cover how a single airbrush sparked a lifelong obsession, getting his big break with Red Bull, painting 21,000 phone cases a day for Nokia, and why helmet design is still all about the details. This is Kaos Seagrave like you’ve never heard him before. If you’ve ever admired a custom lid or wondered what really goes into them, this one’s for you... Learn more about Image Design Custom https://imagedesigncustom.co.uk BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - HipLok: Get 20% off the entire store with code RI

Kaos Seagrave joins Olly and Davi for one of the rawest and most inspiring episodes of The Ride Companion yet. From racing World Cups as a junior to flipping 90-foot jumps at Darkfest, Kaos opens up about the exact moment he walked away from downhill racing, the mental battles behind the scenes, and what it really takes to go full freeride.  He shares what it was like growing up alongside his sister Tahnee, how their family built FMD Racing from the ground up, and what it meant to be hand-picked for Deathgrip 2. We also dive into his dream of riding Red Bull Rampage, the challenges Europeans face getting invited, and why freeride gives him more purpose than racing ever did. This is Kaos Seagrave like you’ve never heard him before. BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - - Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com - Laka Bike Insurance → 30 days FREE with cod

In this honest and emotional clip from the Red Bull Just Ride podcast, Rob Warner shares why The Ride Companion was the place he chose to open up about his autism diagnosis for the first time. He reflects on the powerful moment he called Olly and said, “I need to do it, mate — I’m going to lay it all out there.” That episode became a major turning point, not just for Rob, but for listeners who resonated with his story. What started as a casual lockdown podcast became a safe space for real talk, deep connection, and conversations that genuinely matter. Watch Olly Wilkins on Just Ride here: https://youtu.be/58WH7VjSU0c?si=ak5czCsvLtmuX9VF Listen to Just Ride here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5U4Ke8BkUH9zEg95RVH4EX?si=a4bebba4c6a244e3 Support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion  - Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html - Pl

DJ Zesty (Andy Lehmann) is in studio! Olly and Davi sit down with DJ Zesty to hear how a jump bike and a patch of woods in Swinley led him to building world class freeride courses in Queenstown. Andy shares his journey through the UK trails scene, competing in Dirt Wars, digging for Natural Selection, living out of a van, surviving medical trials to fund trips and now, signing to the DMR Pro Team with support from YT Industries. BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at https://huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biking. - Melon’s Kingpin, Alleycat and Alleycat S riding glasses are now available with Vantage photochromic lenses. Use code THERIDECOMPANION at melonoptics.com to get a FREE lens cleaning kit + a low light lens with your order! (trail enhancing tints) -

Ben Smith is the co-founder of HipLok. Ben joins Olly & Davi in studio for a deep-dive into his journey from working at Troy Lee Designs in California to launching one of the most innovative bike security brands in the world. During the episode Ben opens up about how the idea for HipLok was born, the early struggles of building a brand from scratch, the reality of product development and manufacturing, and how global trade issues like tariffs and certification standards are affecting the industry. Ben also shares what it was like designing gear during the golden era of MTB at TLD, why bike theft is on the rise, and how HipLok’s anti-angle grinder tech is pushing the boundaries of what's possible and much more... Use code THERIDECOMPANION20 at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion for 20% off! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Get 30 days of free cover on us when you sign-up to Laka with code RIDECOMPANION30 at https://my.laka.co/the-ride-companion. T&Cs Apply.  - Melon’s Kingpin, Alleycat and All

This episode has serious old school TRC vibes! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Olly and Davi discuss everything you need to know heading into the 2025 downhill World Cup season. Including team moves, breakout picks, fantasy tips, and some insights from the inside. We also announce ourselves as the unofficial World Cup podium sponsor... we're Increasing World Cup Prize Money by 30% by giving an extra £1,000 to any rider who shouts out The Ride Companion on the podium... will anybody do it? During the episode we also discuss Bernard Kerr’s pre-season crash and what it means for his year, why have Gates offered up the $100,000 prize?, Our top fantasy MTB picks for round one, Rachel Atherton rumours, finding passions, Olly's Slovenia trip, is MTB too expensive and loads more! Don't forget https://www.theracecompanion.com is now live! You can sign up and play for FREE to win epic prizes, create leagues with your mates and take your downhill fandom to the next level! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors

Roger Vieira is in studio to share his incredible story! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Roger joins us in the studio to talk about his journey from growing up in Brazil to chasing the World Cup Downhill dream as a full on privateer. He opens up about the financial realities of racing, why his first ever World Cup at Fort William lead him to take a year off, and whether it's even possible to compete as a privateer after the recent changes. We also dive into Roger's new found success on the Red Bull Cerro Abajo circuit, what it takes to go fast on an urban race course, his bike setup secrets, what the future looks like for the wildest series in MTB, Red Bull Hardline and much more...  If you weren't a Roger Vieira fan before watching this podcast then we're sure you will be by the end! Don't forget https://www.theracecompanion.com is now live! You can sign up and play for FREE to win epic prizes, create leagues with your mates and take your downhill fandom to the next level! BIG thanks to this episo

Sam Reynolds is back in studio for a full DarkFest 2025 debrief! Sam shares behind the scenes stories about building the biggest freeride course on the planet, like the massive new Quarterpipe and the mind blowing progression of riders from this years event. We also talk about why DarkFest is the ultimate mountain bike safe space, how it stays true to the roots of freeride, what it’s like coming home after a week of madness, the future of the event, the Nutty P tradition, unique bike set-ups and Sam also teases out the giant lake jump planned for 2026. BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Get 30 days of free cover on us when you sign-up to Laka with code RIDECOMPANION30 at laka.co/the-ride-companion. T&Cs Apply. - Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at www.oneskin.co/ - Melon’s Kingpin, Alleycat and Alleycat S riding glasses are now available with Vantage photochromic lenses, featuring mirrored coatings and trail optimised tints. They automatically adjust to changing light, look insane

On this episode of The Ride Companion, Davi talks about his recent Trans Pennine Trail adventure. He shares what it’s really like riding across the UK, the accidental insane setup, the kit he took, and advice for anyone wanting to attempt the ride. The lads also chat about Katy Perry going to space, being featured by Red Bull, Olly riding the new BikePark Wales trail with Rob Warner, Tai Woffinden’s crash, WrestleMania, 50 Shades of Clay, and loads more... BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Hiplok Exclusive TRC Offer! Get a FREE Jaw+ compact bike rack & Z Lok security tie with any 1000 Series HipLok purchase (excl. BR1000 bracket). Simply use code THERIDECOMPANION at checkout at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at www.oneskin.co/ - Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally comple

It's a full house in the new studio! Jono Jones and Ben Deakin join Olly and Davi after a long day of filming the new Melon Optics photochromic lens launch video. During the episode the lads talk about the hilarious days filming at Rogate Bike Park, Jono talks about racing the Red Bull Cero Abajo in Mexico, his boxing career, quitting banking to help build the Mavrix video game with brother Matt Jones and Deaks shares his number one piece of advice after 460 races. There's also talk about Rob Warner’s secret hair transplant, Domini's pizza, sea level and loads more... It's low energy episode due to the long day but we hope you enjoy the hang! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Hiplok Exclusive TRC Offer! Get a FREE Jaw+ compact bike rack & Z Lok security tie with any 1000 Series HipLok purchase (excl. BR1000 bracket). Simply use code THERIDECOMPANION at checkout at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - LIMITED COMPEX OFFER! Get 20% off the Compex Ayre Boots and Fixx Mini with code TRC20 at compex.co

We’re back...and in a brand new studio! (building site) Olly and Davi sit down for a long overdue catch up. Olly shares stories from his Red Bull Cerro Abajo Guanajuato street race build trip, trail adventures in Madeira, and the shock of receiving a ridiculous water bill while he was away. The lads also chat about the new studio space, ancient pyramids, the Telepathy Tapes, Davi’s holiday, saving old people – and loads more... BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Want to take your productivity up a couple of notches!? Magic Mind have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code RIDE20 at checkout. You can claim it at magicmind.com/ride20 - Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biki

Hang out with Davi live on YouTube to discuss downhill broadcast changes, AI, DarkFest and much more... - Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at https://www.oneskin.co/ - Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biking. Support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion  - Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr - Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs a