Henri Kiefer has already shown that he has the speed to race at the sharp end, finishing second at the 2025 Elite World Championships and standing on multiple Elite World Cup podiums, but getting there consistently has been a very different challenge.

In this conversation, Henri talks openly about confidence, expectation and the pressure he’s put on himself, and how learning to manage that has changed the way he approaches racing.

We also get into his journey from riding bikes with his Dad, through the Rookies Cup and Canyon Pirelli, to the Canyon factory team, as well as his approach to preparation, track walk, GoPro analysis and much more.

There’s plenty about the highs and lows along the way too, including broken wrists, difficult seasons, and the lessons he’s taken from the races where things haven’t gone to plan… remember that umbrella moment in Loudenvielle? So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Henri Kiefer.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.

You can follow Henri on Instagram @henri_kiefer and on YouTube here.

Industry Nine are well known for their system spoke, but did you know that using it increases impact resistance by 12-15%? What’s more, you can now get them paired up with We Are One’s tried and tested carbon rims. Check out what they have to offer over at industrynine.com.

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.

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.

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.

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

Lachie Stevens-McNab knows he can win a World Cup.

He’s shown he has the speed, been on the podium, qualified fastest and he’s come so close to that top step.

This year, Lachie has also had to deal with a concussion, but has fought his way right back to the sharp end. Now, with that first World Cup win still just out of reach, it’s natural to ask the question, what’s missing?

In this episode, I sit down with Lachie Stevens-McNab to talk about what it takes to make that final step, what he’s learned from coming so close, how his comeback has changed his perspective, and why he’s convinced that a World Cup win is coming. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Lachie Stevens-McNab.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.

You can follow Lachie on Instagram @lachiestevensmcnab and find his YouTube channel here.

Industry Nine are well known for their system spoke, but did you know that using it increases impact resistance by 12-15%? What’s more, you can now get them paired up with We Are One’s tried and tested carbon rims. Check out what they have to offer over at industrynine.com.

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.

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.

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.

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

This week, I’m joined by Angel Suarez, who is taking a very different approach to racing the World Cup in 2026. After leaving Frameworks, Angel decided to build his own privateer programme, testing bikes, suspension and setups to figure out exactly what he needs to be fast. We talk about how that project came together, his season so far, his time with Frameworks, what he makes of Asa Vermette, and his experience as one of downhill’s most interesting riders when it comes to testing and development. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Angel Suarez.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.

You can follow Angel on Instagram @angelsuarezdh and on his YouTube channel here.

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.

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.

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.

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 – Seb Schieck

I’m Chris Hall, this is the Downtime Podcast, and you’re tuned into your World Champs post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris.

Before we get into it, a quick ask… if you enjoy these shows and want to help us continue them until the end of the season, we’d really appreciate your support.

This series is fully independent, we don’t have brand backing. Putting it together means paying Chris, Neko and Olly for their time, and getting to races where possible to bring you the best coverage we can. It’s a big commitment, and it only works because of you.

Last season, a few hundred of you stepped up and made it happen and we’ve stoked that more of you have been helping out this season too.

So if you’re into World Cup downhill and want the best insight going, head to patreon.com/downtimepodcast and support from as little as £3 a month. It genuinely makes a difference.

Val di Sole and it’s infamous Black Snake delivered. Some got bitten and some took home the silverware. Join me, Neko and Olly to dig into what went on during the week. How hard was this track? Why did we see so many injuries? Why did some top names struggle to perform and plenty more. So sit back, hit play and listen to this World Champs post-race show with Neko and Olly.

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.

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.

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.

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

I’m Chris Hall, this is the Downtime Podcast, and you’re tuned into your World Champs pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray.

Before we get into it, a quick ask… if you enjoy these shows and want to help us continue them until the end of the season, we’d really appreciate your support.

This series is fully independent, we don’t have brand backing. Putting it together means paying Chris, Neko and Olly for their time, and getting to races where possible to bring you the best coverage we can. It’s a big commitment, and it only works because of you.

Last season, a few hundred of you stepped up and made it happen and we’ve stoked that more of you have been helping out this season too.

So if you’re into World Cup downhill and want the best insight going, head to patreon.com/downtimepodcast and support from as little as £3 a month. It genuinely makes a difference.

World Champs week is here and we’re headed to the infamous Black Snake in Val di Sole. Known for it’s all or nothing race runs, World Champs is always a special race and this year it’s going to be wild. As always, we’re joined by Chris Kilmurray to dig into what to expect, the details and demands of the track, eye tracking, neck strength, different schedules and much more. So sit back, hit play and listen to this World Champs pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray.

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.

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.

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.

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

Less than 48 hours before we were due to record our final Enduro World Cup roundup of the season, Warner Brothers dropped the bombshell that they would not be running a series in 2027. So in this episode with Morgane and Greg, we dig into that, as well as catching up on the last two rounds. Hear their take on what the future of enduro will look like. There’s a lot of positive energy and it feels like this could be the re-birth of enduro that we’ve all been waiting for.  So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Morgane Charre and Greg Callaghan.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.

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.

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.

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.

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 – Rick Schubert

I’m Chris Hall, this is the Downtime Podcast, and you’re tuned into your World Cup post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris.

Before we get into it, a quick ask… if you enjoy these shows and want to help us continue them until the end of the season, we’d really appreciate your support.

This series is fully independent, we don’t have brand backing. Putting it together means paying Chris, Neko and Olly for their time, and getting to races where possible to bring you the best coverage we can. It’s a big commitment, and it only works because of you.

Last season, a few hundred of you stepped up and made it happen and we’ve stoked that more of you have been helping out this season too.

So if you’re into World Cup downhill and want the best insight going, head to patreon.com/downtimepodcast and support from as little as £3 a month. It genuinely makes a difference.

Well I think it’s fair to say that Les Gets delivered some challenging conditions and brought the chaos to the 2026 World Cup season. The best on the planet rose to the challenge and put on a spectacle and we’re here to dig into the details of what went on throughout the week. So sit back, hit play and listen to this Les Gets post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris.

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.

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.

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.

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

Every rider’s path to the top looks different. For Will Brodie, it meant balancing work as a window cleaner while chasing the dream of racing at the highest level. That journey took him all the way to the Downhill World Cup, but along the way he realised his future might lie somewhere else.

In this episode, Will takes us through his story so far, from discovering bikes and progressing through downhill, to making the switch to enduro and committing to life as a full-time Enduro World Cup athlete. We talk about the challenges, the sacrifices and why now feels like the right time to go all in. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Will Brodie.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.

You can follow Will on Instagram @williambrodie04 and find his YouTube channel here.

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.

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.

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.

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 – Seb Schieck

I’m Chris Hall, this is the Downtime Podcast, and you’re tuned into your World Cup pre-race warm-up show with the one and only Chris Kilmurray.

Before we get into it, a quick ask… if you enjoy these shows and want to help us continue them until the end of the season, we’d really appreciate your support.

This series is fully independent, we don’t have brand backing. Putting it together means paying Chris, Neko and Olly for their time, and getting to races where possible to bring you the best coverage we can. It’s a big commitment, and it only works because of you.

Last season, a few hundred of you stepped up and made it happen and we’ve stoked that more of you have been helping out this season too.

So if you’re into World Cup downhill and want the best insight going, head to patreon.com/downtimepodcast and support from as little as £3 a month. It genuinely makes a difference.

We’re in Les Gets as racing gets going again after the summer break. A mixed forecast and a classic track with some of the most passionate spectators on the planet means we’ve got an exciting weekend ahead. As always, Chris brings the insight you won’t find elsewhere. So sit back, hit play and listen to this Les Gets pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray.

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.

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.

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.

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

Every racer’s journey is built on failures as much as victories. The crashes, the setbacks, the missed opportunities and the hard lessons all shape who you become.

Shawn Neer’s career has taken him through all of those moments, from chasing results as a racer, to failed businesses and learning what it takes to create lasting change in the sport he loves.

Now he’s going all in on a new challenge: building the future of American downhill racing through the Mountain States Cup.

In this episode, Shawn shares the story behind his racing journey, the failures that helped shape his mindset, and why he believes the next generation of US downhill riders needs a cutting edge race series in the Rockies. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Shawn Neer.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.

You can follow the Mountain States Cup on Instagram @mountainstatescup and find the website here and live broadcast here.

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.

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.

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.

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 – Mountain States Cup