The Downtime Podcast

Thanks to Tourism Tasmania I recently travelled to Maydena where I got to sit down with the one and only, Ed Masters. Ed’s at a really interesting point in his career right now, so we get into what’s changed for him, why he’s moving away from a full Enduro World Cup schedule, and how his perspective on racing has evolved over the years. We talk a bit about the state of enduro,where the discipline sits right now, the challenges it’s facing, and why things feel quite different to a few years ago. From there, the conversation continues, touching on the resurgence of downhill, the new generation coming through, and just how fast the level of the sport keeps moving. Along the way, we also chat about Ed’s plans for the season ahead, what’s keeping him motivated, and plenty more besidesSo sit back, hit play and check out this episode with Ed Masters. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. Thanks to Tourism Tasmania for making this episode possible. Tasmania is a dream MTB destination and you can find info

Alright, thanks to Tourism Tasmania I’ve been on the ground here in Maydena, bringing you some great conversations. This week, it’s Aaron Gwin. Five-time overall World Cup champion, but that’s history. This episode is about what’s next. We dive into the move to Frameworks, his plan to ‘go dark’ and get back to his very best, and what Hardline Tasmania was really like from inside the tape. We talk about sharing the pits with teammate and phenom, Asa Vermette, and how that dynamic is shaping up. He also opens up about rebuilding his fitness, the motivation that’s still driving him, and what he expects from the season ahead. It’s a laid-back chat with one of the greatest the sport has ever seen, heading into what could be the most exciting downhill season in years. So sit back, hit play and check out this episode with Aaron Gwin. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. Thanks to Tourism Tasmania for making this episode possible. Tasmania is a dream MTB destination and you can find info on all their amaz

Thanks to Tourism Tasmania, I’ve been on the ground in Maydena for Hardline Tasmania week and got to have a catch up with Neko Mulally, as well as a ride on their brand new Frameworks enduro bike. Frameworks Racing is a team that’s making some serious waves in the world of downhill. From building his own bike 4 years ago, to having a race team made up of some of America’s most talented riders. They’ve got new bikes, new ideas, and a new superstar signing in Aaron Gwin. To give us the inside story, we’re talking to Neko Mullaly, the man behind the team. He’ll take us through the strategy behind the bikes, the thinking behind signing one of the biggest names in the sport, and what it’s like managing a team at the cutting edge of downhill racing. So sit back, hit play and check out this episode with Neko Mulally. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. Thanks to Tourism Tasmania for making this episode possible. Tasmania is a dream MTB destination and you can find info on all their amazing riding spots

Thanks to Tourism Tasmania, I’ve been on the ground in Maydena this week for Red Bull Hardline, a race that sits right on the limit of what’s possible. The course demanded full commitment all week, and when heavy rain hit on race day, any margin for error vanished. The course crew did everything they could, but it simply wasn’t safe for the riders. Even without a race, the riders pushed the limits throughout the week, testing their skills, on one of the most unforgiving tracks in the sport. Afterwards, I sat down with Eliot Jackson, Neko Mulally and Asa Vermette to chat about the week and to break down what really went on: how decisions were made, and why not running the race was the only call possible. So sit back, hit play and check out this Hardline Tasmania post-race show with Eliot Jackson Neko Mulally and special guest, Asa Vermette. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can find Maydena Bike Park on Instagram @maydenabikepark or their website maydenabikepark.com. Thanks to Tourism Tasman

Thanks to Tourism Tasmania, I’m on the ground in Maydena this week, riding the trails, soaking up the atmosphere, and bringing you content straight from Red Bull Hardline. After day two of practice, I was invited to host a live show in front of a packed Maydena crowd, where I sat down with three riders taking on Hardline for the very first time, Mikayla Parton, Ryan Gilchrist, and Aaron Gwin. Different backgrounds, different careers, same task ahead of them. We talk honestly about the fear that comes with hitting these features for the first time, how each of them is working through that, and what it takes to go from simply surviving the track to actually riding it at race pace. This is a fun, open, and insightful conversation with three of the best in the sport, recorded live in Tasmania. So sit back, hit play and check out this Hardline Tasmania live show with Mikayla Parton, Ryan Gilchrist and Aaron Gwin. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can find Maydena Bike Park on Instagram @maydenab

Thanks to Tourism Tasmania, I’m on the ground in Maydena this week to experience the incredible trail network and to bring you content from Red Bull Hardline. So, following our World Cup style approach, you’ll be getting a pre and a post-race show from the event.  For today’s pre-race show, we’re joined by the man behind Maydena Bike Park and Hardline Tasmania, Simon French, alongside racer, local legend and last years rider of the week, Dan Booker. We’ll be hearing about changes to the course, sneaky inside lines and what it’s really like to ride this beast. We talk about some of the riders we’re excited to see on track, wether the world cup racers might be holding back a little to stay safe ahead of the season,  and how this track compares to the original Hardline in Wales. It’s the first big race of 2026 and there’s plenty to discuss. So sit back, hit play and check out this Hardline Tasmania pre-race show with Simon French and Dan Booker. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can

Jackson Goldstone’s first two elite seasons weren’t straight forward, but in 2025 we really saw what he is capable of. Coming back from injury, Jackson faced the pressure of expectation, the chaos of a packed race calendar, and the challenge of finding more speed while the rest of the field was doing the same.  In this episode, he breaks down what actually went on behind the scenes, from mindset shifts and race-day decision making, to testing new bike parts mid-season and learning how to stay in control when momentum really starts to build. We talk about chasing flow state, handling media and fan attention after both big wins and big losses, and why focusing on one race at a time became the key to his most complete season yet. It’s an honest look at what it takes to unlock the next level at the very top of downhill racing, from one of the best we’ve ever seen do it. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Jackson Goldstone. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Jackso

For Axess Intense Factory Racing, the 2025 season was full of high highs, and some really low lows. Injury. Uncertainty. Financial pressure. And moments behind the scenes that most race programmes never talk about publicly. But those lows are exactly what pushed Joe Breeden and Olly Morris forward with new partners, a bigger budget, and an exciting new setup for 2026 as the Nukeproof Axess Racing team is born. This is a conversation about pressure, vulnerability, and what it actually takes to keep a race team moving forward when everything’s on the line. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Joe Breeden and Olly Morris. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can find everything Nukeproof Axess Racing on Instagram @nukeproof_axess_racing and the Axess website is here and Axess Racing is on YouTube here. Podcast Stuff Sponsoring Partners This episode is sponsored by Wahoo Fitness. Over the last few years, the Wahoo KICKR has become in invaluable part of my training. They’ve rece

Mountain bike media has always been shaped by the riders, the bikes, and the culture around them. But right now, that landscape is changing faster than ever. Today’s guest has seen that shift from the inside. Drew Rohde started his career at Decline, right at the heart of print media, before going on to found the independent mountain bike platform, Loam Wolf. In this episode, Drew and I talk about how he made that jump, what it takes to build sustainable MTB media today, and whether the rise of platforms like Meta and AI content and search puts specialist MTB media at risk. We also dig into what riders are actually asking for, how e-bikes have changed both coverage and audience expectations, and where Drew thinks bikes, and e-bikes in particular, are heading next. This is a conversation about media, bikes, business, and the future of the sport we all care about. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Drew Rohde. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can find everything Loam Wolf at

For the last three months, I’ve been working on my nutrition with Chris Lowe, to do what a lot of us want to do… lose fat and build muscle. But I was very clear that this couldn’t come at the expense of not having enough energy to work, train and live life in general. Honestly, the biggest surprise hasn’t been the results, it’s been how easy it’s been and the other benefits that have come alongside the fat loss. In this episode, Chris will be sharing the methodology that we’ve been following, to enable sustainable fat loss whilst maintaining energy and building healthy habits. Find out how to periodise your nutrition to deliver what you need, when you need it. Hear how Chris approaches dialling in calorie deficit and why following Chris’ approach means you get the weight loss done once and never need to do it again. Whether you’re riding bikes, training seriously, or just trying to feel better day to day, this is one of the most practical conversations I’ve had about nutrition. No extremes, no fads, just habi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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