Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast

• Enduro Is Back, Is It Bigger and Better Than Ever?

  Enduro is back and it feels like it might be turning a corner. After a couple of tough seasons, there’s a real sense of momentum building in the sport, and we’re here for it. In this episode, I’m joined by Greg Callaghan and Morgane Charre, two riders who’ve been at the sharp end of Enduro racing for years, to dig into the first two rounds of the 2025 EDR season. We’re talking big changes: the return of two-day racing, a fresh energy in the pits, and a crop of new talent shaking things up. Greg and Morgane share their experiences from Pietra and Poland so we get the low down on what went on. We get into everything from course design and recovery strategies to weather chaos, injuries, and the impact of a brand new documentary series that's got people talking. There’s still a way to go, but if the start of the season is anything to go by, Enduro’s future is looking a whole lot brighter. So it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Morgane Charre and Greg Callaghan. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Morgane on Instagram @morganecharre. Greg is @greg_callaghan on Instagram and you can find his YouTube channel here. To be in with the chance of winning a set of Magura Gustav Pros and a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT bike computer, fill out our audience survey here before the end of June 2025. Podcast Stuff Supporting Partners Magura With the new Gustav Pro, Magura have produced the ultimate gravity and ebike brake. With all the power you could ever need, delivered with incredible modulation, you never need to question your brakes again. Head to magura.com and check them out. Wahoo Head to wahoofitness.com to check out Wahoo’s brand new ELEMNT BOLT and ROAM bike computers. From tracking your rides, through navigation, to sharing the results, Wahoo have got you covered with easy to use, lightweight computers with incredible battery life. 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.com/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 an...

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• Loudenvielle 2025 – Pre-Race Show

  I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Loudenvielle pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray. If you’re listening, that means that like me, you probably LOVE the sport and want to know as much as possible about what’s going on. That’s exactly what we are here to do. Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you analysis and insights that you won’t hear elsewhere. However, as you probably know, the mountain bike industry isn’t in a great place right now and as a result, this series doesn’t have any brand support. The World Cup coverage is the most expensive thing I produce, as it often includes travel and I like to pay the guys for the expertise that they bring to the table. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please consider supporting us over on Patreon. You can sign up for as little as £3 a month at patreon.com/downtimepodcast. That’s less than the price of a coffee, but it makes a real difference. The more of you who chip in, the more likely it is that we can keep doing this. I know times are tight. But if you value what we’re creating here, if it helps you stay connected to the sport you love, then now’s the time to chip in and help out. Everyone’s just about warmed up after Poland and we’re going again this weekend in Loudenvielle. Join me as I sit down with Chris Kilmurray to discuss how riders who didn’t perform well in Poland will be dealing with it, how riders might change their approach to Q1, why Loudenvielle might be TOO fast and much more. There’s heaps to dive into, so without further ado, here’s Chris Kilmurray. 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 - Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool

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• Bielsko-Biala, Poland 2025 – Post-Race Show

  I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our Poland post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris. If you’re listening, that means that like me, you probably LOVE the sport and want to know as much as possible about what’s going on. That’s exactly what we are here to do. Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you analysis and insights that you won’t hear elsewhere. However, as you probably know, the mountain bike industry isn’t in a great place right now and as a result, this series doesn’t have any brand support. The World Cup coverage is the most expensive thing I produce, as it often includes travel and I like to pay the guys for the expertise that they bring to the table. I honestly considered not running the series this year, but I love doing it and from what all of us involved have heard trackside from the fans, you love it to.  So I’ve decided to fund it myself, for now. But if this show means something to you, and you want to keep it going, then please consider supporting us over on Patreon. You can sign up for as little as £3 a month at patreon.com/downtimepodcast. That’s less than the price of a coffee, but it makes a real difference. The more of you who chip in, the more likely it is that we can keep doing this. I know times are tight. But if you value what we’re creating here, if it helps you stay connected to the sport you love, then now’s the time to chip in and help out. Right, the season kicked off in style with rain, hail and snow for the riders to deal with on track in Poland. We’ll be talking about the new qualifying format, if Amaury Pierron should have been disqualified and of course belt driven bikes. There’s heaps to dive into, see without further ado, here’s Neko Mulally and Olly Morris. 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 - Nathan Hughes

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• Secrets of Suspension Tuning with Mark Fitzsimmons

  Mark Fitzsimmons has been shaping how mountain bikes ride for decades. From his early days in customer support to developing cutting-edge suspension at RockShox and FOX, he’s worked with the world’s fastest riders and the best teams in the business. In this episode, Mark shares hard-earned wisdom on suspension tuning, what really makes suspension work, why building trust with athletes matters, and the habits that lead to long-term success both on and off the bike. Whether you're chasing podiums or just trying to get your bike feeling dialled, this one’s packed with gold. So it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Mark Fitzsimmons. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Mark his tips on LinkedIn 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.com/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

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  1:23:23
• 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. ...

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