ICONS UNCOVERED with Stefan Garlicki

Remy Metailler (French MTB rider based in BC, Canada) discusses how the mountain bike sport remains popular while the industry struggles with high prices, excess stock, discounts, and shrinking marketing budgets that reduce opportunities for athletes and media. 

He explains why 2024–2025 have been especially tough for contracts, the stress caused by delayed sponsor communication, and why longer (2–3 year) deals matter for stability and performance. Remy describes pro riding as entrepreneurship with constant workload, time-zone pressures, and difficulty switching off, often reducing riding time—especially during contract season. 

Remy recounts his path from France to Whistler in 2013, early support and first pay in 2014, and growth through trail-bike content and consistent social media. He compares World Cup, urban downhill, and Rampage demands, reflects on Rampage safety debates, shares a gnarliest Utah slab ride, notes regrets like starting YouTube later, and defines success as being proud of what you’ve done.

00:00 Intro
01:44 Contracts and Budget Crunch
08:25 Sponsorship Horror Story
10:22 Entrepreneur Life
16:42 How Sponsors Scale Work
21:39 From France to Whistler
29:52 Turning point
32:25 Social Media 
34:52 Racing Background 
41:34 World Cup Speed Is Different
45:49 Urban Downhill 
49:20 Rampage Versus Racing
53:37 Rampage Safety 
01:11:45 Gnarliest Forbidden Line
01:15:51 Regrets 
01:19:38 Sponsorship Value 
01:23:36 Life After Riding
01:24:22 Defining Success

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAP6gUL-Aws

Follow Rémy:

https://www.instagram.com/remymetailler/

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

The episode is with MTB slopestyle legend Nicholai Rogatkin. It covers how he started riding bikes before age five, began competing around age seven in skatepark contests, and how his father coached him by placing him in the highest categories to push his level. Rogatkin describes his gradual switch from BMX to mountain biking due to more contest opportunities and support from Martin Söderström and Specialized, while still achieving major BMX results like winning BMX Worlds in Cologne at 17 and winning an ASA Triple in Miami. 

We discuss BMX vs MTB culture and perceived one-sided BMX animosity, along with positive crossover moments at Swatch Nines. The conversation shifts to making a living in action sports, the lack of public salary/contract transparency in mountain biking, and how that can leave riders with less negotiating power. 

Rogatkin explains why he hasn’t returned to Rampage in recent years, describing his notable cliff crash, the fact he was largely uninjured, how Rampage’s structure changed after that year (including detaching from FMB), and how Utah requires extensive familiarity due to exposure and technical terrain. They discuss the emotional difficulty of watching friends crash at Rampage (including the year’s major incidents involving Adolf and Emil), how certain life-risk moves can’t be motivated by money, and how athletes manage intrusive fear thoughts. 

The episode also addresses whether Rampage can be made safer, with Rogatkin suggesting a new site would reduce the escalation that comes from repeated venues. They talk about slopestyle crash training and durability, riders’ differing injury luck, and whether there’s an ideal body type for elite riding. Rogatkin shares moments of throwing tricks without full confidence, including landing a “cashy whip” under pressure at Innsbruck, and identifies his most memorable competition moment.

We discuss how judged events can be confusing compared to racing, Rogatkin’s crowd-pleasing style versus technical judging priorities, and the supportive camaraderie among slopestyle competitors. He names riders who impressed him most, highlighting Emil Johansson’s dominance and technical level, Cam Zink’s determination, and Thomas Genon’s longevity and Rampage progression. Rogatkin talks about his regrets around occasional reckless partying before contests (including the night before Joyride 2022), and his interest in future hosting/commentary and a “Drive to Survive”-style series for mountain biking. 

00:00 Intro
02:30 Growing Up on BMX
06:19 Switching to MTB
09:11 Turning Pro for Real: Crankworx Breakthrough
12:54 BMX vs MTB Culture 
16:20 Slopestyle vs BMX, Money, and Pay Transparency
23:49 Risk vs Reward in MTB
28:06 Rampage Crash, and Why He Stepped Away 
33:49 Watching Rampage as a Friend
35:21 Adolf Silva crash
38:14 Emil’s crash
40:33 Mental Strength 
46:37 Can Rampage Be Made Safer? 
50:32 Why Slopestyle Riders Crash So Much 
57:15 Is There an ‘Elite’ MTB Body Type? 
01:00:44 Sending It Without 100% Confidence
01:07:20 Career Highlight
01:11:38 Riding for the Crowd vs. for the Judges
01:13:47 Sportsmanship 
01:18:13 Best riders ever 
01:24:22 Worst injury
01:28:37 Regrets
01:33:58 What’s Next
01:39:29 Defining Success 
01:42:21 Future Collab

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDkKm6czEms

Follow Nicholi:

https://www.instagram.com/nicholirogatkin/

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Sebastian Bauer AKA NRML MTBER, also known as  C-Bass, who has become a social media sensation through his unique mountain biking content. We explore his background, his rise to fame, his experience dealing with online negativity, and his ambitious future plans, including the launch of his new company, Filthy. Sebastian shares candid insights into the realities of being a social media influencer and discusses the challenges and rewards that come with it. Tune in to learn about his incredible journey, his thoughts on OnlyFans in the sports industry, and much more!

Watch on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/VpPMcHI_Ebw

Follow C-Bass:
https://www.instagram.com/nrml_mtber/

https://www.tiktok.com/@nrmlmtber?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/@nrmlmtber

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Andreas Kolb, one of the top World Cup downhill racers, as he shares his journey from privateer to podium, overcoming injuries, and the mindset shifts that led to his first World Cup win. This episode covers:

Andreas' early days and breakthrough moments
The realities of racing, injuries, and recovery
Insights on bike setup, training, and mental coaching
The evolution of World Cup racing and the future of the sport
Personal stories, favorite tracks, and what success means to a pro athlete

Whether you're a mountain biking fan or just love stories of perseverance and growth, this episode is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes insights.

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5brU9-jgBM

Follow Andy:
https://www.instagram.com/andreas.kolb66/

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

In this captivating episode, we dive into the world of downhill mountain biking with Benoit Coulanges, a French World Cup Downhill star and 2x national champion. Benoit reflects on his journey, highlights from his career, and the challenges faced along the way. He shares insights into his early struggles, his unique training methods, and the pivotal moments that led him to victory. Benoit also discusses the evolution of the sport, the importance of team dynamics, and his thoughts on the future of downhill biking. Join us for an inspiring conversation with one of the sport's finest, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your thoughts and guest suggestions.

00:00 Intro
03:24 The New Format and Its Impact
12:36 How Benoit started
18:38 Rising Through the Ranks
31:36 The Road to the First World Cup Win
38:26 Pre-Race Nerves and Warmup
40:05 Celebrating Victory: The Afterparty
41:17 Second World Cup Win: Challenges and Triumphs
47:26 Prize Money in Downhill Racing
52:58 The Importance of the Team 
01:06:23 Future of Downhill Racing
01:12:00 Reflections on a Racing Career
01:17:30 Defining Success 

Watch on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/_WBupfEj4Kw

Follow Benoit:
https://www.instagram.com/benoitcoulanges/

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

The journey of Johann 'Pottie' Potgieter: From South African MTB Legend to YT Mob Coach

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and career of Johann 'Pottie' Potgieter, a South African mountain biking legend and 9 time national champion. Johann shares stories from the early days of his career, racing events in Europe, his journey with YT Mob, and his transition from a professional rider to a lines coach. He also reflects on his experiences racing World Cups, the evolution of downhill mountain biking, and the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way.

00:00 Intro
04:52 Pottie's MTB Beginnings
09:39 Racing Progression and Achievements
14:11 Overseas Racing Challenges
19:25 Crazy van life year in 2011
32:32 A Hilarious Car Mishap
35:05 Van Troubles and Creative Fixes
39:22 Unexpected Wins and Podiums
42:37 Challenges and Triumphs in Racing
47:59 Reflections on Racing Career
01:03:53 Reflecting on a Year Without Training
01:04:29 Advice for Junior Riders
01:05:19 Journey with YT Industries
01:08:30 Role Transition: From Racer to Coach
01:20:14 The Evolution of Downhill Racing
01:36:09 Success and Personal Reflections
01:39:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmCWjd2gq98

Follow Logan:
https://www.instagram.com/johannpotgieter_downhill/

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

In this episode, professional Supercross racer and social media personality Logan Karnow shares his experiences and insights into the world of Supercross racing. He discusses the challenges and safety aspects of motocross vs. Supercross, his unconventional path to becoming a pro, and the impact of factory bikes on performance. Logan also opens up about his experience dealing with injuries, including a severe ankle dislocation, and how he navigated sponsorships, notably being the first Supercross racer sponsored by OnlyFans. The discussion covers various topics from the intense competition within the sport, the physical and mental demands on athletes, to the strategic decisions involved in racing. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the highs and lows of life as a Professional Supercross racer.

00:00 Intro
01:46 Motocross vs. Downhill
03:56 BMX Influence on Supercross
08:25 2025 Season
12:13 Privateer Life
21:12 OnlyFans Sponsorship
29:08 Racing and Partying
31:14 European and Continental Racing Events
31:27 Comparing Supercross and Motocross Schedules
32:02 Off-Season Racing and World Supercross
32:13 Declining Racing Opportunities for Time Off
34:18 Becoming a Supercross Racer
39:16 Challenges and Injuries in Racing
39:52 The Skill and Technique of Whoops
43:23 Comparing Riders and Racing Styles
45:59 Dealing with Injuries and Recovery
57:07 Reflecting on the Risks of Racing
01:03:59 Mentality and Risk Assessment in Extreme Sports
01:06:07 The Pressure of Limited Practice 
01:07:42 Comparing Mountain Biking and Motocross
01:09:23 The Physical Demands of Motocross
01:15:38 Financial Realities of Privateer Racing
01:16:46 The Role of Sponsors and Prize Money
01:23:06 The Impact of Social Media 
01:28:19 Future Plans 
01:34:55 Defining Success

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHwNRVQZEjc

Follow Logan:
https://www.instagram.com/logankarnow/

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

In this episode, French professional tennis player Alex Miller, ranked 41st in the world, discusses his unique partnership with OnlyFans, the intense pressures of professional tennis including dealing with death threats from bettors, the realities of prize money and expenses, and his thoughts on gender prize money equality. Alex opens up about his career challenges, training regime, and his goal to have no regrets by the end of his career. He also talks about his admiration for tennis legends like Roger Federer, and shares some fascinating insights on the importance of entertaining behaviors in tennis, like breaking rackets. The episode dives into the impact of social media on athletes and intriguing stories about betting scandals in tennis.

00:00 Intro
00:44 OnlyFans Sponsorship
07:48 Nick Kyrgios and entertainment
11:55 The Finances of Professional Tennis
15:45 Prize money gender equality 
17:50 The Journey to Becoming a Pro
24:30 How to win a Grand Slam
26:50 Roger Federer is the GOAT
29:31 Upcoming Tennis Stars
30:42 Facing Novak Djokovic
34:52 Training Regime
36:30 Advice
38:00 The Impact of Starting Young in Sports
40:17 Drugs in Tennis
44:29 Do Tennis Players Party
48:54 The Role of Social Media in Modern Sports
55:16 Life Beyond Tennis: Future Plans 
59:43 Final Thoughts on success

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK6IpdnB4hg

Follow Alex:
https://www.instagram.com/alex2mumu/?hl=en

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

In this in-depth podcast episode, we sit down with downhill mountain biking legend Aaron Gwin. This comprehensive conversation covers Aaron's incredible career, from his beginnings in BMX and motocross to his transition into downhill biking where he quickly made a name for himself by securing a top 10 at his first ever World Cup! Gwin shares the highs and lows of his career, including his numerous accomplishments like winning 8 US National Championships, 5 World Cup overall titles, and achieving 20 World Cup victories—including a remarkable win without a chain. 

The episode dives into his unique approach to racing, the evolution of his bike setups over the years, and the physical and mental challenges he's faced. Gwin also discusses his recent entrepreneurial venture of taking over the Windrock Bike Park, his perspective on the future of the sport, Ken Roczen making the switch to DH and much more. Fans of mountain biking and sports enthusiasts will be inspired by the resilience and dedication that Aaron Gwin brings to the sport.

00:00 Intro
02:21 Top 10 at first world cup
05:29 Childhood Passion for Two Wheels
08:56 Transition from BMX to Motocross
11:28 Downhill Mountain Biking: The New Path
13:01 Racing Under Pressure
16:10 The secret to winning
21:51 The last 5 years
25:29 Recent Injuries and bad luck
36:08 Racing in 2025
38:22 Comparing downhill from 2011 to 2025
42:06 the comeback in 2024
48:30 Thoughts on Warner bros and modern downhill
58:40 Red Bull Hardline and Crankworx
01:06:09 Prize Money
01:12:34 Comparing Downhill to Motocross
01:13:17 Ken Roczen's Potential Move to Downhill
01:18:58 First time riding downhill
01:26:19 The Next Gene of racers
01:29:37 Dakota Norton
01:33:48 Motocross retirement
01:36:15 Sam Hill
01:41:10 Race run mindset
01:45:38 Best bike
02:01:23 What happened with YT in 2018
02:07:06 Intense deal
02:10:06 Windrock Bikepark
02:17:32 Definition of Success

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9DX1NacMC8

Follow Aaron:
https://www.instagram.com/aarongwin1/

https://www.youtube.com/@GwinnerTube

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74

In this episode, Rhiannon Gelsomino, a professional rally co-driver for action sports icon Travis Pastrana, shares her journey through the exhilarating and dangerous world of rally racing. She discusses the intricacies of co-driving, the unique bond between a driver and co-driver, her experiences with injuries, and the dynamics of rally racing in America versus the world stage. Rhiannon also opens up about her personal milestones, including partnering with her husband Alex in rallying and their collaborative venture, Oz Rally Pro. The episode delves deep into the importance of hard work, the impact of Ken Block on the sport, and the intriguing crossover between various motorsports disciplines. Don’t miss her motivational insights and stories of resilience and passion in one of the most challenging sports there is.

00:00 Intro
02:00 Getting in a car with Travis Pastrana
14:26 Travis Pastrana's Work Ethic and Versatility
20:33 Hitting a tree at 180kph
25:51 School teacher to Rally Racing
28:00 Motivation in Rally Racing
36:07 WRC vs F1 vs Nascar
41:55 Brandon Semanuk
46:20 Cross over into Rally
49:07 The Decline of X Games
53:20 Prize money and sponsorships
56:44 Australian vs American Rally
01:07:45 Thoughts on Ken Block
01:15:56 Ken Block's Gymkhana
01:20:17 Goals in WRC
01:32:00 Future plans
01:36:25 Meaning of Success

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEmiFpbEI7E

Follow Rhianon:
https://www.instagram.com/rhianongelsomino/

Follow me:
https://www.instagram.com/stefangarlicki/