What does it really take to manage a World Cup downhill team in 2025? In this episode, Alan Milway, team manager of Norco Factory Racing and long-time performance coach joins Olly and Davi to unpack the chaos, structure, and behind-the-scenes secrets of running a top-tier MTB team. We dive into the logistics of back to back race weekends, what it’s like managing huge personalities like Danny Hart and Greg Minnaar, and the setup mistakes even elite riders still make. Alan also breaks down the impact of the new Q1/Q2 format, the $100K belt drive prize, and why Greg Minnaar continues to be one of the most relentless forces in the sport. From scouting new talent to controversial DSQs and what the sport really needs to evolve this one is packed!

 

Follow Norco Race Division: https://www.instagram.com/norcoracedivision/ Follow Alan Milway: https://www.instagram.com/alanmilway/ & https://www.instagram.com/milwayperformance Alan sells performance products too at https://www.milwayperformance.com BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Pedros Tools → These are the best tools folks, no question. You can check out their range of bike specific torque tools, multitools and more at https://apex-dst.uk and use code theridecompanion for 15% off everything on site! HipLok → Get 20% off the entire store with code RIDECOMPANION20 at https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion (Offer excludes DX1000 D lock and AX1000, A1000 anchors) WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com

Support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion  - Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION - Compex: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/ - Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com - LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co - HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

Follow Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House #TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast