Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast

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

Today we’re joined by Neil Donoghue. While many now recognise Neil as a familiar face and presenter for GMBN, his journey started long before his YouTube fame. Neil was part of a group of UK riders handpicked and supported by Steve Peat through Royal Racing. In this episode, we delve into Neil’s career as a World Cup downhill racer, exploring the highs, the challenges, and what ultimately led him to step away from the race circuit. Neil opens up about rebuilding his life and career, transitioning into a respected coach and enduro racer, why the EWS didn’t quite click for him, and what eventually drew him into the ever-evolving world of YouTube. We also dive into the explosive growth of GMBN, the shifting landscape of mountain bike media, and Neil’s thoughts on topics like injury recovery, e-bike technology, and much more. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Neil Donoghue. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Neil on Instagram @neildonoghue. 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 - Global Mountain Bike Network

Today we’re joined by 2024 breakthrough star, Ellie Hulsebosch. Ellie made waves as a first year junior, qualifying first three times in a row, before taking her first win in Val di Sole in style, as she put down the fastest women’s time of the day. But Ellie's journey isn't just about podium finishes. It's a raw, honest story of relentless dedication, and the grit required to compete at the highest level. In this candid conversation, Ellie pulls back the curtain on her racing program, revealing the challenges, aspirations, and strategic thinking that are shaping her path to the top. This conversation is both inspiring and enlightening, showcasing the bright future ahead for Ellie and the sport. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Ellie Hulsebosch. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can follow Ellie on Instagram @elliehulsebosch. 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. Extract Coffee You can elevate your coffee experience with 20% off at Extract Coffee until the end of 2024. Extract are on a mission to make coffee better. I’d recommend starting off with either their Original blend, or Dr Strangelove Espresso, but there’s a whole host of options over at extractcoffee.co.uk to choose from. They’ll send it either as whole bean or ground for your brewing method of choice and there are brewing guides on the website to help you make the perfect cup. So if you want to treat yourself or those special people in your life, you can head over to extractcoffee.co.uk and use the code 'DOWNTIME' at the checkout. Please note, this offer is only valid in the UK. 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

Misspent Summers just launched their downhill and enduro yearbooks, so we thought it would be a good time to catch up and chat about some of our favourite memories from the 2024 season, as well as to look forward to 2025 and talk about some of the changes that are coming to the sport. Find out if we understand the rule changes. Hear our thoughts on three person podiums, the move to no protection, and the jeopardy created by the restriction on team numbers. The guys also tackle the big question, will enduro be ok? There’s lots to dig into. So, it’s time to sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Ben and James from Misspent Summers. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here. You can get your hands on Misspent Summers' amazing yearbooks here. 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. Extract Coffee You can elevate your coffee experience with 20% off at Extract Coffee until the end of 2024. Extract are on a mission to make coffee better. I’d recommend starting off with either their Original blend, or Dr Strangelove Espresso, but there’s a whole host of options over at extractcoffee.co.uk to choose from. They’ll send it either as whole bean or ground for your brewing method of choice and there are brewing guides on the website to help you make the perfect cup. So if you want to treat yourself or those special people in your life, you can head over to extractcoffee.co.uk and use the code 'DOWNTIME' at the checkout. Please note, this offer is only valid in the UK. 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 - Misspent Summers