MOVING THE NEEDLE : The Andrew Neethling Podcast

Leogang delivered exactly what Leogang always seems to deliver: mud, mayhem and unforgettable racing. Ed Masters joins me on Bench Racing to unpack Finn Iles' emotional return to World Cup victory, the wild conditions that caught out some of the sport's biggest names, and the performances that could shape the rest of the 2026 season. From championship implications to race-winning mindset, we break down all the biggest talking points from Round 3 of the UCI Downhill World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup Downhill season rolled into France for Round 2, and Loudenvielle delivered one of the most unpredictable races we've seen in years. Photographer and World Cup insider Sven Martin joins me for another edition of Bench Racing as we break down a weekend defined by blown-out conditions, huge crashes, surprise results, and a long-awaited first World Cup victory for Lucas Shaw. We dive into the incredible crash rate that caught out many of the sport's biggest names, the costly mistakes from Asa Vermette and Jackson Goldstone, Loïc Bruni's injury concerns, and why the overall championship picture has suddenly been blown wide open. We also discuss Vali Höll's growing dominance, the rise of the sport's next generation, and which riders left France with momentum heading into Leogang. Bench Racing is your go-to source for technical analysis, insider perspectives, and post-race debriefs after every single World Cup round this season. Tune in for one of the deepest dives into Downhill racing anywhere in the sport.

South African freerider, racer and all-round character Theo Erlangsen joins the podcast for one of the most honest MTB conversations yet. We dive into how Darkfest changed the direction of his career, the reality of World Cup racing, the rise of the new generation led by Jackson Goldstone, and Theo’s insights into the 2026 downhill season. From South Korea track previews to racing politics, freeride culture and plenty chaos along the way — this one covers it all.

XC racing has evolved fast. Technical tracks, aggressive riding styles, modern bikes and a new generation bringing personality back into the sport. Cannondale Factory riders Luca Martin and Charlie Aldridge join the podcast to talk racing, training, gravity riding and life behind the scenes of World Cup XC. Their fun, aggressive approach to racing has even caught the attention of Monster Energy, with both riders becoming new signings for the iconic brand as XC continues to evolve into one of the most exciting disciplines in mountain biking. From flat pedals and e-bikes to nearly missing race starts and accidentally brushing teeth with denture glue… this one goes everywhere.  

The 2026 World Cup Downhill season has arrived, and we are kicking things off with a massive review of the historic first round in South Korea. Alan Milway joins me for the first 'Bench Racing' episode of the year to deconstruct a weekend that defied the script. We dive deep into Asa Vermette’s incredible elite debut, the 'Aaron Gwin factor' as his team mate, and how a brand-new, hand-cut track changed the game for the world’s best riders. From the technical challenges to the mental hurdles of racing a venue with no test event, we break down who mastered the chaos and what it means for the rest of the season. Bench Racing will be your go-to source for technical analysis and post-race debriefs after every single World Cup round this year. Tune in for the most in-depth look at Downhill racing on the circuit Milway Performance Products - equipment designed and built using Alan’s 20years of coaching experience. Precision engineered products for stability, durability and performance. The weights bench is built to last and made in the UK http://www.milwayperformance.com/    

The 2026 Downhill World Cup season is ON! Join legendary photographer Sven Martin as we dive deep into the upcoming year of thrilling races on this episode of Bench Racing. Get the inside line on the riders to watch in 2026, New Tracks, New Teams, New Era: 2026 MTB World Cup Preview show is here with some juicy behind-the-scenes info and gossip! We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.

After more than two decades at the top of cross-country mountain biking, Nino Schurter reflects on life after stepping away from full-time racing. In one of his first in-depth conversations since retiring, Nino shares what it’s really like to stay #1 for so long — from the mindset required on race day to adapting through every evolution of the sport. We talk about longevity, pressure, training, and why success didn’t feel like sacrifice, as well as what comes next beyond the World Cup circuit. 

Luke Meier-Smith went from growing up on a small avocado farm in Australia to standing on top of a World Cup podium — but the path there was anything but smooth. In this episode, Luke opens up about injuries that nearly ended his career, the mental battles of racing at the highest level, and the breakthrough moment where everything finally clicked. He dives deep into his first World Cup win, the unexpected changes that made the difference, and what it really feels like when years of work pay off in one run. We also get into Hardline, the evolving World Cup format, and the reality of chasing consistency in one of the most competitive eras downhill has ever seen. 🌎 Get the Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/needle It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 👍

From backyard jumps to one of the biggest freeride events on the planet. Sam Reynolds dives into Darkfest’s 10-year legacy, the progression of big air, and what the future holds. He opens up on how it all started, what it really took to build it into a cornerstone of the freeride calendar, and just how tough it is to curate the invite list.

Tom Van Steenbergen has built a career pushing the limits of Freeride mountain biking. From landing world-record front flips at Red Bull Rampage to surviving some of the most devastating crashes the sport has seen, Tom’s journey is one of risk, resilience and relentless progression. Tom talks about the mindset behind Rampage, the brutal injuries that nearly ended his career, and what it really takes to keep coming back. Tom opens up about fear, recovery, fatherhood, and why he still chooses to push the limits on a mountain bike. If you love freeride MTB, Rampage stories and the psychology behind extreme sports, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Get the Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/needle It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 

Randy Lawrence has lived multiple lifetimes in two-wheel sport. From wrenching in the golden era of 90’s motocross — working alongside icons like Jeremy McGrath — to racing downhill during its wild west rockstar phase… to training elite motocross champions like Ryan Villopoto… Randy has seen it all. This is a raw conversation about talent, work ethic, burnout, fatherhood, and what it actually takes to build a champion. 🌎 Get the Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/needle It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 👍

Randy Lawrence has lived multiple lifetimes in two-wheel sport. From wrenching in the golden era of 90’s motocross — working alongside icons like Jeremy McGrath — to racing downhill during its wild west rockstar phase… to training elite motocross champions like Ryan Villopoto… Randy has seen it all. This is a raw conversation about talent, work ethic, burnout, fatherhood, and what it actually takes to build a champion. 🌎 Get the Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/needle It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 👍

In this episode of Moving the Needle, Andreas Kolb opens up about the hardest season of his career — racing under pressure, dealing with uncertainty behind the scenes, and staying mentally strong when his future felt unclear. We unpack how riding for himself, trusting the process, and delivering when it mattered ultimately led to a dream opportunity with the Santa Cruz Syndicate for 2026. A raw conversation about belief, timing, and why tough seasons often set up the biggest breakthroughs.

Dakotah Norton opens up about a career-threatening hip injury, the tough recovery no one saw, and how he found his way back to form during the 2025 season. He also breaks down his 2026 team move, what changed behind the scenes, and why this next chapter feels different — not just on the bike, but mentally and professionally. An honest conversation about setbacks, resilience, and choosing the right environment to perform at your best.

Dakotah Norton opens up about his major 2026 team move, what led to the decision, and why this next chapter feels different. In this short clip, Dak talks mindset, long-term goals, and how timing, support, and direction played a huge role after stepping away from his previous setup. We also touch on what he’s looking for heading into 2026 — on and off the bike — and why this move feels like the right reset at the right moment. 🎧 Full episode out Jan 13th!! Check back then. 

Former World Cup downhiller Dean Lucas opens up about the crash that left him temporarily paralysed, the terrifying minutes where he thought he'd never walk again, and the identity crisis that began long before he retired. Dean speaks candidly about losing his competitive fire after COVID, the emotional spiral of recovery, rebuilding his life from rock bottom, and discovering purpose beyond racing. Raw, vulnerable, philosophical, and surprisingly funny — this is Dean Lucas unfiltered on the moment that changed everything and the reinvention that followed

How much training do you actually need… and how much is just noise? Fit4Racing’s Jonny Thompson jumps back on the show to break down the myths and mistakes riders make in the gym, on the trail, and everywhere in between. Whether you’re a weekend warrior juggling a job, a parent battling daylight hours, or a racer trying to squeeze more speed out of your limited time — this episode gives you a roadmap. Strength and Condition Basic Guide:  https://fit4racing.com/strength-and-conditioning-guide-for-mtb-riders/

Dirk Friel, co-founder of TrainingPeaks, joins Needles to dive into the evolution of data-driven coaching — from the early fax-machine days of training logs to the cutting-edge AI and tech shaping the future of sport. Dirk shares lessons from decades in cycling and coaching, the importance of balancing data with intuition, and why recovery, nutrition, and mindset are the real performance unlocks. They also explore how downhill and gravity athletes can leverage endurance principles, the art versus science of coaching, and how adaptability fuels both athletes and entrepreneurs.  

After a decade on the World Cup circuit, Luca Shaw pieced together his best season yet — finishing third overall and riding with more confidence than ever. In this season review, Luca opens up about learning to “trust the feel,” staying composed under the new qualifying pressure, and why experience and instinct beat overthinking. A raw, insightful chat on performance, growth, and finding flow at the top level. This Episode is brought to you by BOA®. From the bike park to backcountry lines, BOA keeps you dialed in. Learn more about how BOA is changing the game at BOAFit.com.  

In this episode of Moving the Needle, Andrew chats with Connor Fearon, the Australian downhill legend who traded podiums for power tools. They dive into his racing journey, the highs and lows of professional life, and his smooth transition into a new career as an electrician. Connor opens up about finding happiness beyond results, the evolution of downhill racing, and why staying grounded—and having a backup plan—matters. From his carefree attitude on the bike to the friendships that shaped his path, this is a raw and honest look at life after racing and the joy of keeping it simple.   Thanks to our episode sponsor ODI.  I have been on these and only these Grips for well over 20 years. How cool is that. They are the original Lock on grip. Learn more at www.odigrips.com

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Sven Martin is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the final round in Mont Ste Anne, Canada.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Wyn Masters is my co-hosts for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 9th round in Lake Placid,USA.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

We’re diving into the 2025 US OPEN of Downhill with none other than Race Organiser and Founder, Clay Harper. Clay takes us inside the vision, the riders to watch, and what makes the US OPEN such a special stop on the calendar. Big names, wild cards, and the future of American downhill—all in one episode.

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Sven Martin is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 8th round in Lenzerheide,Switzerland.    We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Wyn Masters is my co-hosts for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the World Champs held in Champery.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Milway Performance Products - equipment designed and built using Alan’s 20years of coaching experience. Precision engineered products for stability, durability and performance. The weights bench is built to last and made in the UK http://www.milwayperformance.com/  

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Wyn Masters is my co-hosts for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 7th round in Les Gets.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

In this episode, Andrew sits down with John Lawlor – former World Cup downhill racer turned acclaimed MTB filmmaker. From racing at the highest level to documenting Ireland’s incredible rise in downhill through his new film Emerald Storm, John shares unique insights into life on both sides of the tape. The conversation dives into what it takes to capture the essence of a sport on screen, the influence of Ireland’s racing culture, and how his perspective as an athlete shapes his storytelling. Expect candid stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and a celebration of mountain biking’s rich history.  

In this deep, wide-ranging conversation, Andrew sits down once again with Dr. Jason Richardson — former BMX world champion turned sport psychologist — to explore the mental side of high performance. They unpack what it really takes to manage fear, handle burnout, and find purpose beyond the race tape. From reframing anxiety into fuel, to building rituals that anchor performance, to understanding how personality traits shape athletic success, Jason shares practical tools for pros, weekend warriors, and anyone chasing big goals. Expect stories from BMX and downhill, lessons on resilience, and a candid look at life after elite sport.

Olly Wilkins is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing.  We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year.  We break down RED BULL HARDLINE held in Wales 

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Sven Martin and Ed Masters are my co-hosts for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 6th round in Andorra.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Wyn Masters is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 5th round in La Thuile, Italy.    We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Sven Martin is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 4th round in Val Di Sole, Italy.    We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Alan Milmay is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 3rd round in Leogang   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Milway Performance Products - equipment designed and built using Alan’s 20years of coaching experience. Precision engineered products for stability, durability and performance. The weights bench is built to last and made in the UK http://www.milwayperformance.com/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Sven Martin is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 2nd round in Loudenvielle   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Wyn Masters is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the first round in Poland.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

The 2025 Downhill World Cup season is ON! Join legendary photographer Sven Martin and renowned coach Alan Milway as they dive deep into the upcoming year of thrilling races on this episode of Bench Racing. Get the inside line on the riders to watch in 2025, crucial rule and venue changes you need to know, and some juicy behind-the-scenes info and gossip! We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race. CRANKBROTHERS Crankbrothers is our oldest supporter of the Podcast. Crankbrothers is synonymous with the MTB and DH racing circuit, and last year celebrated 13 years in a row of Elite World Champs wins with the Mallet DH pedal.Be sure to check out all the latest pedals and gear HERE  Milway Performance Products - equipment designed and built using Alan’s 20years of coaching experience. Precision engineered products for stability, durability and performance. The weights bench is built to last and made in the UK http://www.milwayperformance.com/ Episode Sponsor: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

In this raw and revealing conversation, Aaron Gwin opens up like never before — sharing the true cost of chasing greatness in downhill racing. From battling injuries and navigating brutal comebacks to handling the intense pressure of dominating a sport, Gwin reflects on the highs, the lows, and what keeps him pushing forward. Whether you're a fan, rider, or just love a good comeback story, this one hits deep. Episode Sponsor: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle ODI: Drawing on over 40 years of experience of producing performance-driven grips and feedback from their extensive network of top riders across the globe, ODI and the Reflex grips have been engineered to reduce impacts and vibration being passed on to the riders’ hands to allow you to ride more with less pain and fatigue. Learn more at: http://www.odigrips.com/  

In this raw and revealing conversation, Aaron Gwin opens up like never before — sharing the true cost of chasing greatness in downhill racing. From battling injuries and navigating brutal comebacks to handling the intense pressure of dominating a sport, Gwin reflects on the highs, the lows, and what keeps him pushing forward. Whether you're a fan, rider, or just love a good comeback story, this one hits deep. Episode Sponsor: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle ODI: Drawing on over 40 years of experience of producing performance-driven grips and feedback from their extensive network of top riders across the globe, ODI and the Reflex grips have been engineered to reduce impacts and vibration being passed on to the riders’ hands to allow you to ride more with less pain and fatigue. Learn more at: http://www.odigrips.com/    

In this episode of Moving the Needle, we sit down with one of the most naturally gifted and enduring riders in downhill mountain biking—Sam Blenkinsop. From his humble beginnings carving ruts on the way to school in New Zealand to winning a World Cup and racing at the top level for two decades, Sam shares his incredible journey. We dive into his early days as a fearless junior, his transition to factory teams, and the game-changing moment that led him to World Cup glory. Sam opens up about the challenges of balancing family life with racing, his unique approach to training, and why he still has the hunger to compete. He also reflects on the evolution of the sport, rivalries, and the raw passion that has kept him going when others have burned out. This is a must-listen for MTB fans, aspiring racers, and anyone who loves a good underdog story. Tune in and get inspired by one of the sport’s most authentic and exciting riders! Episode Sponsor: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

Three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel dives deep into the mindset, preparation, and mental strategies that shaped his legendary career. From his relentless pursuit of performance to his innovative approach to race-day tactics, Fabien shares untold stories about pushing the limits—both physically and mentally. We talk about his early years growing up on the same street as Nicolas Vouilloz, the evolution of his mental preparation, and how visualization gave him an edge when it was still considered unconventional. He breaks down legendary race moments, including his calculated strategy at Les Gets 2004 and his razor-thin World Championship battle in Canberra. Plus, Fabien opens up about the role of ego in high-performance sports, how belief shapes results, and why he treats every morning as a chance to define who he wants to be. This episode is packed with wisdom, behind-the-scenes racing insight, and game-changing takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their performance—on or off the bike. Episode Sponsor: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle    

Jonny from Fit4Racing has worked with some of the world’s fastest mountain bikers, helping them push the limits of strength, endurance, and resilience. But what makes top riders truly excel? And can those same principles apply to everyday athletes? In this episode, we break down the key factors behind elite performance—both physical and mental. From strength training and conditioning to mindset, focus, and mental toughness, Jonny shares how top riders train and why their approach can benefit anyone, whether you're a serious racer, weekend warrior, or just looking to improve your fitness. We also discuss common training mistakes, injury prevention, and how to develop the mental edge that separates the best from the rest. Episode Sponsor: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

Sven Martin is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing.  We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year.  We break down RED BULL HARDLINE held in Tasmania  This podcast series is brought to you by Crankbrothers. Crankbrothers is synonymous with the DH racing circuit, and last year celebrated 13 years in a row of Elite World Champs wins with the Mallet DH pedal! And it’s not just pedals; Crankbrothers has been adding to their product offering over the last few years and now has a whole host of podium contenders in their shoes, riders like Benoit Coulanges, Bernard Kerr, Luca Shaw, Troy Brosnan, Camille Balanche, and many more Episode Sponsors:  AG1  Athletic Greens are going to give you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle.    

What does it take to raise not just one but two world-class mountain bikers? In this episode, we sit down with Tony Seagrave, the father of Tahnee and Kaos Seagrave, to uncover the journey behind building champions. From the early days of racing to the mindset, sacrifices, and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped their success, Tony shares his unique perspective on parenting elite athletes. Expect untold stories, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep dive into the culture of speed, resilience, and family in mountain biking. Whether you're a fan of the sport, a parent of an aspiring athlete, or just love a good story of passion and perseverance, this episode is for you!

In this exclusive episode, we sit down with Greg Minnaar, the undisputed greatest of all time in downhill mountain biking. After over two decades of dominating the World Cup circuit, Greg opens up about his decision to retire from professional racing. He shares the highs of standing atop countless podiums, the lows of injuries and setbacks, and the invaluable lessons learned through it all. But this isn’t just a look back. Greg takes us into the next chapter of his journey as the new Director of Norco Race Division. From mentoring the next generation of riders to shaping the future of the sport he helped define, Greg reveals his vision and passion for what’s ahead. Oh, and don’t worry—there are plenty of unfiltered stories from the race circuit that you won’t want to miss!

In this exclusive episode, Danny Hart opens up about his challenging 2024 season, what it takes to back yourself, and his exciting new chapter with Norco Factory Racing. Hear all about the moment he got the call from downhill legend Greg Minnaar and what’s in store for him in the 2025 season. Get the inside scoop on Danny’s latest move, his goals, and what’s next for this seasoned MTB pro!

In this exclusive episode, Danny Hart opens up about his exciting new chapter with Norco Race Division. Hear all about the moment he got the call from downhill legend Greg Minnaar and what’s in store for him in the 2025 season. Get the inside scoop on Danny’s latest move, his goals, and what’s next for this seasoned MTB pro!

Todd Barber, co-founder of Red Bull Rampage, joins us to share the incredible journey behind one of the most iconic freeride mountain biking events in the world. From Rampage’s daring beginnings in 2001 to the groundbreaking inclusion of women riders and the evolution of its unique judging format, Todd reflects on two decades of redefining action sports. We also dive into the creation of NST Bike, a bold evolution of the Proving Grounds qualifier Todd launched in 2019. Discover how a collaboration with snowboarding legend Travis Rice helped shape the Natural Selection Tour’s expansion into biking, bridging the gap between slopestyle and big-mountain freeride competitions. With upcoming events in Queenstown, New Zealand—including a “last chance qualifier” at the Dream Track—Todd shares his vision for the future of freeride, the challenges of finding unique locations, and the exciting multi-sport expansion of NST. This episode is packed with stories of innovation, community, and pushing the limits of what’s possible. The Search | Natural Selection Tour Bike Episode Sponsors: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle MANSCAPED If you head over to MANSCAPED.com and use code " movingtheneedle" you'll get an exclusive 20% off and free shipping on your order. That's right, 20% off! So whether you're moving the needle in life or moving the needle on the trail, do it with style, precision, and the MANSCAPED Lawn Mower 5.0. Your jewels will thank you!

In this episode, we dive into the world of elite mountain biking with Jamie Read, of Athlete Optimization, a renowned high-performance MTB coach who’s helped some of the sport’s top athletes reach their peak. With years of experience blending cutting-edge training techniques and mental performance strategies, Jamie has built a reputation for unlocking riders' full potential both on and off the bike. Jamie is also studying for his Masters in Sports and performance coaching.  Join us as we explore Jamie's journey from his roots as a former British Army member, and sports and conditioning coach to becoming a sought-after coach, working with world-class pros and dedicated amateurs alike. We discuss the key elements of high-performance MTB training, some serious misconceptions of training, the importance of mental toughness, and how to overcome challenges that every rider faces. Whether you're a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, Jamie's insights are packed with actionable advice to elevate your game.

In anticipation of the Deathgrip 2 release here is a rerelease of the episode if you missed it with exclusive Deathgrip 2 chat and his " retirement " Brendan Fairclough known as BRENDOG is one of the biggest stars in MTB. The original free racer is back on the show to chat about "retirement" from World Cup racing..sort of, his new movie DEATHGRIP 2, racing alongside Sam Hill, and what the future may hold.  Episode Sponsors: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle MANSCAPED If you head over to MANSCAPED.com and use code " movingtheneedle" you'll get an exclusive 20% off and free shipping on your order. That's right, 20% off! So whether you're moving the needle in life or moving the needle on the trail, do it with style, precision, and the MANSCAPED Lawn Mower 5.0. Your jewels will thank you!

In this episode, we sit down with Clay Harper, the driving force behind the Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series and a Co-Founder of the US Open. A lifelong advocate for mountain biking. With a career spanning decades, Clay is an event organizer and ambassador for the sport. Clay shares stories from his time working with elite riders, the challenges of organizing top-tier events, and his vision for the future of downhill racing. Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast or new to the sport, you’ll love this behind-the-scenes look at one of its most influential leaders. Episode Sponsors: AG1 AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle MANSCAPED If you head over to MANSCAPED.com and use code " movingtheneedle" you'll get an exclusive 20% off and free shipping on your order. That's right, 20% off! So whether you're moving the needle in life or moving the needle on the trail, do it with style, precision, and the MANSCAPED Lawn Mower 5.0. Your jewels will thank you!