MOVING THE NEEDLE : The Andrew Neethling Podcast

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.