From the Fundamentals to the World’s Fastest: Coaching Works

This week I’m talking MTB coaching with Paul Howard from ZEP Coaching and the GSMBC. Paul’s been shaping mountain bike coaching for years, and his work has helped define the global standards we see today. We dig into how modern coaching has evolved, how elite-level riders are pushing the limits, and what we can learn from the way the best in the world ride. From coaching kids to helping World Cup athletes rider faster more consistently, Paul shares powerful insights on technique, bike setup, and the power of coaching at all levels. Whether you’re a coach a wannabe coach, a racer, or just love thinking about how you ride, this one’s packed with value. So it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Paul Howard. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here . You can find the GSMBC here and ZEP MTB Coaching here . Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Insta360 Insta360 have just launched their latest game-changer, the X5 . It shoots full 360 video in 8K, with lenses that are more durable than ever, and comes with upgraded audio thanks to a new wind guard and smarter processing. It’s waterproof to 15 metres and can film both a ready-to-share flat video and a fully re-frameable 360 video at the same time. They also have their Ace Pro 2 action camera which delivers incredible quality footage in a small and simple to use package. With a responsive flip-up touchscreen, amazing low light performance and game changing wind noise reduction, this thing delivers. Use the code DOWNTIME at the checkout on insta360.com and you’ll get a free helmet chin guard with any X5 or Ace Pro 2 bundle order. That offer runs until the 30th July 2025 and is limited to just 30 free chin mounts, so don’t hang around. 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