MOVING THE NEEDLE : The Andrew Neethling Podcast

Vero Sandler has become one of the most influential riders in women's freeride mountain biking, but her journey started on the World Cup downhill circuit.

In this episode, Vero joins Andrew Neethling to talk about walking away from racing, discovering a passion for freeride, helping pioneer opportunities for women at events like DarkFest and Rampage, and why finding balance has been the key to a long and fulfilling career.

The conversation also dives into fear, burnout, concussions, meditation, progression, and what the future holds for the next generation of female freeriders.

Whether you're...

Blake Samson has lived a life most riders have never heard about.

Before becoming one of mountain biking's most recognisable presenters and content creators, Blake grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe before his family fled the country and started again in England with almost nothing.

In this episode we dive into that incredible journey, his rise through professional freeriding, life behind the scenes at GMBN, content creation, burnout, and what it really takes to build a career in the bike industry.

Clemens "C-Dog" Kaudela joins the show to share the story behind DarkFest's biggest jumps, his engineering approach to building world-class freeride features, lessons from Rampage, and why big air mountain biking continues to evolve. It's an inside look at one of freeride's most creative minds.

Sponsors: 

Supported by Kenda Tires EU 

Episode Presented by Monster Energy 

Jordan Williams continued his incredible form, the level of racing reached new heights, and qualifying proved once again that simply making the finals is becoming one of the toughest challenges in mountain biking.

On the women's side, Vali Höll strengthened her grip on the overall, Gracey Hemstreet bounced back with another podium, and Sasha Earnest continued her impressive rise with back-to-back podium finishes.

Sven Martin joins Andrew Neethling to break down everything from Andorra, including Jordan's incredible pace, the evolution of World Cup downhill, Specialized's dominance, the brutal qualifying format, the biggest storylines from t...

The La Thuile World Cup delivered one of the most demanding downhill races of the season.

Jordan Williams finally claimed his first Elite World Cup victory, Vali Höll returned to the top step, and the depth of the field continues to redefine what it takes just to qualify for a final.

This week I'm joined once again by Alan Milway, fresh from the mountain, to break down everything that happened in Italy.

British downhill racer Ethan Craik joins the podcast to share his journey from Junior World Cup Champion to one of the sport's most exciting rising talents. We dive into the injuries that threatened to derail his career, the mindset behind his comeback, life with the SCOTT Downhill Factory Team, and why he believes his best racing is still ahead. A fascinating conversation with a rider who's quickly becoming one to watch on the World Cup circuit.

The 2026 World Cup Downhill season rolled into Lenzerheide, and once again the Swiss classic delivered some of the tightest racing of the year.

Wyn Masters joins me for another edition of Bench Racing as we break down Finn Iles' second consecutive World Cup victory, Anna Newkirk's incredible journey from privateer racer to World Cup winner, and a race where the smallest mistakes carried massive consequences.

We dive into the growing debate around the qualifying format, Jackson Goldstone's return to form, the riders who thrived under pressure, and why Lenzerheide remains one of the most demanding...

Leogang delivered exactly what Leogang always seems to deliver: mud, mayhem and unforgettable racing.

Ed Masters joins me on Bench Racing to unpack Finn Iles' emotional return to World Cup victory, the wild conditions that caught out some of the sport's biggest names, and the performances that could shape the rest of the 2026 season.

From championship implications to race-winning mindset, we break down all the biggest talking points from Round 3 of the UCI Downhill World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup Downhill season rolled into France for Round 2, and Loudenvielle delivered one of the most unpredictable races we've seen in years.

Photographer and World Cup insider Sven Martin joins me for another edition of Bench Racing as we break down a weekend defined by blown-out conditions, huge crashes, surprise results, and a long-awaited first World Cup victory for Lucas Shaw.

We dive into the incredible crash rate that caught out many of the sport's biggest names, the costly mistakes from Asa Vermette and Jackson Goldstone, Loïc Bruni's injury concerns, and why the o...

South African freerider, racer and all-round character Theo Erlangsen joins the podcast for one of the most honest MTB conversations yet.

We dive into how Darkfest changed the direction of his career, the reality of World Cup racing, the rise of the new generation led by Jackson Goldstone, and Theo’s insights into the 2026 downhill season.

From South Korea track previews to racing politics, freeride culture and plenty chaos along the way — this one covers it all.

XC racing has evolved fast.

Technical tracks, aggressive riding styles, modern bikes and a new generation bringing personality back into the sport.

Cannondale Factory riders Luca Martin and Charlie Aldridge join the podcast to talk racing, training, gravity riding and life behind the scenes of World Cup XC.

Their fun, aggressive approach to racing has even caught the attention of Monster Energy, with both riders becoming new signings for the iconic brand as XC continues to evolve into one of the most exciting disciplines in mountain biking.

From flat pedals and...

The 2026 World Cup Downhill season has arrived, and we are kicking things off with a massive review of the historic first round in South Korea. Alan Milway joins me for the first 'Bench Racing' episode of the year to deconstruct a weekend that defied the script.

We dive deep into Asa Vermette’s incredible elite debut, the 'Aaron Gwin factor' as his team mate, and how a brand-new, hand-cut track changed the game for the world’s best riders. From the technical challenges to the mental hurdles of racing a venue with no test event, we break down...

The 2026 Downhill World Cup season is ON! Join legendary photographer Sven Martin as we dive deep into the upcoming year of thrilling races on this episode of Bench Racing. Get the inside line on the riders to watch in 2026, New Tracks, New Teams, New Era: 2026 MTB World Cup Preview show is here with some juicy behind-the-scenes info and gossip!

We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.

After more than two decades at the top of cross-country mountain biking, Nino Schurter reflects on life after stepping away from full-time racing.

In one of his first in-depth conversations since retiring, Nino shares what it’s really like to stay #1 for so long — from the mindset required on race day to adapting through every evolution of the sport.

We talk about longevity, pressure, training, and why success didn’t feel like sacrifice, as well as what comes next beyond the World Cup circuit. 

Luke Meier-Smith went from growing up on a small avocado farm in Australia to standing on top of a World Cup podium — but the path there was anything but smooth.

In this episode, Luke opens up about injuries that nearly ended his career, the mental battles of racing at the highest level, and the breakthrough moment where everything finally clicked. He dives deep into his first World Cup win, the unexpected changes that made the difference, and what it really feels like when years of work pay off in one run.

We also get into Ha...

From backyard jumps to one of the biggest freeride events on the planet.
Sam Reynolds dives into Darkfest’s 10-year legacy, the progression of big air, and what the future holds.

He opens up on how it all started, what it really took to build it into a cornerstone of the freeride calendar, and just how tough it is to curate the invite list.

Tom Van Steenbergen has built a career pushing the limits of Freeride mountain biking. From landing world-record front flips at Red Bull Rampage to surviving some of the most devastating crashes the sport has seen, Tom’s journey is one of risk, resilience and relentless progression.
Tom talks about the mindset behind Rampage, the brutal injuries that nearly ended his career, and what it really takes to keep coming back.
Tom opens up about fear, recovery, fatherhood, and why he still chooses to push the limits on a mountain bike.
If you love freeride MTB, Rampage st...

Randy Lawrence has lived multiple lifetimes in two-wheel sport.

From wrenching in the golden era of 90’s motocross — working alongside icons like Jeremy McGrath — to racing downhill during its wild west rockstar phase… to training elite motocross champions like Ryan Villopoto… Randy has seen it all.

This is a raw conversation about talent, work ethic, burnout, fatherhood, and what it actually takes to build a champion.

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Randy Lawrence has lived multiple lifetimes in two-wheel sport.

From wrenching in the golden era of 90’s motocross — working alongside icons like Jeremy McGrath — to racing downhill during its wild west rockstar phase… to training elite motocross champions like Ryan Villopoto… Randy has seen it all.

This is a raw conversation about talent, work ethic, burnout, fatherhood, and what it actually takes to build a champion.

🌎 Get the Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/needle It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 👍

In this episode of Moving the Needle, Andreas Kolb opens up about the hardest season of his career — racing under pressure, dealing with uncertainty behind the scenes, and staying mentally strong when his future felt unclear.

We unpack how riding for himself, trusting the process, and delivering when it mattered ultimately led to a dream opportunity with the Santa Cruz Syndicate for 2026.

A raw conversation about belief, timing, and why tough seasons often set up the biggest breakthroughs.

Dakotah Norton opens up about a career-threatening hip injury, the tough recovery no one saw, and how he found his way back to form during the 2025 season.

He also breaks down his 2026 team move, what changed behind the scenes, and why this next chapter feels different — not just on the bike, but mentally and professionally.

An honest conversation about setbacks, resilience, and choosing the right environment to perform at your best.

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...

In this episode of Moving the Needle, Andrew chats with Connor Fearon, the Australian downhill legend who traded podiums for power tools. They dive into his racing journey, the highs and lows of professional life, and his smooth transition into a new career as an electrician.

Connor opens up about finding happiness beyond results, the evolution of downhill racing, and why staying grounded—and having a backup plan—matters. From his carefree attitude on the bike to the friendships that shaped his path, this is a raw and honest look at life after racing and the joy of k...

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Sven Martin is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the final round in Mont Ste Anne, Canada.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Wyn Masters is my co-hosts for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 9th round in Lake Placid,USA.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

We’re diving into the 2025 US OPEN of Downhill with none other than Race Organiser and Founder, Clay Harper. Clay takes us inside the vision, the riders to watch, and what makes the US OPEN such a special stop on the calendar. Big names, wild cards, and the future of American downhill—all in one episode.

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Sven Martin is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 8th round in Lenzerheide,Switzerland.    We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Wyn Masters is my co-hosts for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the World Champs held in Champery.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Milway Performance Products - equipment designed and built using Alan’s 20years of coaching experience. Precision engineered products for stability, durability and pe...

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Wyn Masters is my co-hosts for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 7th round in Les Gets.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

In this episode, Andrew sits down with John Lawlor – former World Cup downhill racer turned acclaimed MTB filmmaker. From racing at the highest level to documenting Ireland’s incredible rise in downhill through his new film Emerald Storm, John shares unique insights into life on both sides of the tape. The conversation dives into what it takes to capture the essence of a sport on screen, the influence of Ireland’s racing culture, and how his perspective as an athlete shapes his storytelling. Expect candid stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and a celebration of mountain biking’s rich history.

In this deep, wide-ranging conversation, Andrew sits down once again with Dr. Jason Richardson — former BMX world champion turned sport psychologist — to explore the mental side of high performance. They unpack what it really takes to manage fear, handle burnout, and find purpose beyond the race tape. From reframing anxiety into fuel, to building rituals that anchor performance, to understanding how personality traits shape athletic success, Jason shares practical tools for pros, weekend warriors, and anyone chasing big goals. Expect stories from BMX and downhill, lessons on resilience, and a candid look at life after elite sport.

Olly Wilkins is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing.  We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year.  We break down RED BULL HARDLINE held in Wales 

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Sven Martin and Ed Masters are my co-hosts for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 6th round in Andorra.   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Wyn Masters is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 5th round in La Thuile, Italy.    We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5...

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Sven Martin is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 4th round in Val Di Sole, Italy.    We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune...

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Alan Milmay is my co-host for this episode of Bench Racing. We will cover the season and bring you Review episodes after each race throughout the year. We break down the 3rd round in Leogang   We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.   This series is powered by Crankbrothers. Explore their latest innovations HERE: https://www.crankbrothers.com/   Milway Performance Products - equipment designed and built using Alan’s 20years of coaching experience. Precision engineered products for stability, durabi...