Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast

Today, we’re joined by Anna Newkirk, a rider who had a standout 2024 season that put her on the radar of multiple teams. Ultimately, she chose to join Frameworks Racing for 2025. Anna’s journey started with racing IXS Cups, where she honed her skills and went head-to-head with Vali Höll—a rivalry that followed them into the World Cup circuit. In 2024, Anna delivered some incredible results, including a 3rd place qualifying at Fort William and a 2nd place finish in Leogang. Now, with her move to Frameworks Racing, we’re diving into what’s next for this rising star. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Anna Newkirk. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Anna on Instagram @annanewkirk_. 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 - Logan Mulally

Welcome to Downtime Goes Downhill, a podcast mini-series that’s bringing you along for the ride, as we have a go at racing downhill. Downtime Goes Downhill wouldn’t have happened without the support of some incredible brands. So a massive thanks to Canyon bikes, Fox suspension, Wahoo Fitness, Fox clothing and protection, Maxxis tyres, Magura brakes and We Are One Composites wheels. Downtime Goes Downhill is back for the final time ever. As the year comes to an end, so does our time together racing downhill. We’ll be sharing our experience at the final race of the season, along with the lessons we’ve learned from this project and discussing our plans for the future. So sit back, hit play and listen to Downtime Goes Downhill for the final time, with me, Ben and Jonny. You can also watch the 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 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. 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 - @fstopmedia99

Today, we're joined by the Gowaan Gals, Bex Baraona and Chloe Taylor, two of the most inspiring and down-to-earth riders in the mountain bike scene. We’ll be hearing about the ups and downs of their last couple of seasons. From the highs of race wins, to the lows of being dropped from a pro team, it's an honest reflection on the challenges of racing. But the well trodden path is not for everyone and Bex and Chloe are proving that with their unique approach. From racing to community building, these two are all about making mountain biking fun and accessible for everyone. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with the Gowaan Gals, Bex Baraona and Chloe Taylor. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Bex @bex_baraona, Chloe @chloetaylor_84 and Gowaan @gowaan_mtb. The Gowaan YouTube is 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 - Sven Martin

Today, we’re joined by one of the most accomplished athletes in mountain biking, Isabeau Courdurier. From dominating the Enduro World Series with multiple overall titles to overcoming incredible challenges through injury and adversity, Isabeau has firmly cemented her legacy in the sport. In this episode, we dive deep into her remarkable journey—from her early days racing cross-country to her transformation into a defining figure in enduro. Isabeau shares the mindset and physical resilience required to compete at the highest level, her experience becoming the sport’s first official enduro world champion, and the cutting-edge technology and meticulous process that helped her achieve greatness. We also explore the personal and professional challenges she’s faced along the way, uncovering what fuels her passion for racing and how she continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Open, honest, and inspiring, this conversation offers a rare insight into what it takes to be at the very top of the sport. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Isabeau Courdurier. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Isabeau on Instagram @isabeau_c. Podcast Stuff Magura If you want to win a pair of Magura’s new Gustav Pro brakes, then head over to my instagram and find the Gustav Pro post where Danny MacAskill shows what the brakes can do on some crazy slabs. Make sure you follow @downtimepodcast and @magura_bike on instagram and comment #sizematters on the post before midnight GMT on 7th December when we will choose a winner at random. You can see more of the new Gustav Pro over at Magura.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 - Boris Beyer