Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast

3d ago

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. Just head to stashedproducts.co.uk/downtime and use the code DOWNTIME at the checkout for 10% off your entire order. And Just so you know, we get 10% of the sale too, so it’s a win win. 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 place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – JWDT Photography

Dec 9

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 Instagram @oliverzwar . 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 place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – Kike Abelleira

Dec 2

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 . Podcast Stuff Episode Sponsors iXS This episode is a paid partnership with iXS, who’ve supported us to bring you this conversation. You can checkout their entire range and find out more about the iXS Gravity Alliance here . 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 place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – Sven Martin

Nov 25

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 ‘s biomechanics expert joined me recently on the podcast. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right saddle for you, then check out that episode here . If you’d like to check out WTB’s full range of saddles and other products, you can find them over at wtb.com . 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 place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – Downtime Podcast

Nov 21

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 here . You can see all of Matt’s YouTube videos on his channel here . Find the Red Bull track gap that we discuss in this video here . Find the MARVIX video game 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 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 place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – Dan Griffiths / Red Bull Content Pool

Nov 18

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’ve ever struggled to find the right saddle for you, then check out that episode here . If you’d like to check out WTB’s full range of saddles and other products, you can find them over at wtb.com . Canyon Canyon recently launched the Neuron:ON CLLCTV and it’s a whole lot of fun to ride. With a gravity ready spec and the latest Bosch motor, this is an insanely good bike for £5149. Check it out over at canyon.com . 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 place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes

Nov 11

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 back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Team High Country’s Chris Higgs. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here . You can follow Team High Country on Instagram @team_high_country_mtb and support them via their website here . Podcast Stuff Episode Sponsors WTB WTB ‘s biomechanics expert joined me recently on the podcast. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right saddle for you, then check out that episode here . If you’d like to check out WTB’s full range of saddles and other products, you can find them over at wtb.com . Canyon Canyon recently launched the Neuron:ON CLLCTV and it’s a whole lot of fun to ride. With a gravity ready spec and the latest Bosch motor, this is an insanely good bike for £5149. Check it out over at canyon.com . 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 place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – Monica Gasbichler

Nov 4

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 on a Big Rig Josh Bryceland’s One Stylish Lad Podcast Stuff Episode Sponsors Cannondale This episode is a paid partnership with Cannondale , who’ve supported us to bring you this conversation. You can check out all they have to offer over at cannondale.com . WTB Our recent episode with WTB ‘s biomechanics guru and saddle expert, Sean Masen, is a must listen if you have any numbness or discomfort when you’re riding. Listen here . If you’d like to check out WTB ‘s full range of saddles and other products, you can find them over at wtb.com . 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 place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop . Newsletter If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at downtimepodcast.com/newsletter . Follow Us Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments. For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast . Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/follow . You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes Photo – Downtime Podcast