Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast

Loïc Bruni is back on Downtime. It’s been seven years since we last sat down with Loïc, and a lot has changed in that time.

He’s won World Championships, World Cups, battled some of the best riders the sport has ever produced, and continued to establish himself as one of the defining riders of the sport’s history.

But this year has been a really difficult one.

Loïc had a complicated crash in Loudenvielle, which caused a serious wrist injury and multiple surgeries, and at the time of recording he’s still trying to get back on the bike. But as you’ll hear, he’s not done yet.

We talk about the injury and the frustration of being forced to watch from the sidelines, but also about his rivalry with Jackson Goldstone, the younger generation coming through and what will ultimately make him decide that it’s time to stop.

We also get into how downhill racing has changed, why Loïc thinks the tracks are getting too easy, the influence of Nico Vouilloz on the Specialized Gravity team, his changing approach to training, and what he thinks needs to happen for downhill to become a bigger sport.

And there’s a really honest insight into where Loïc is mentally right now. Still desperate to win, but increasingly aware that there aren’t an infinite number of seasons left to do it. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Loïc Bruni.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.

You can follow Loïc on Instagram @loicbruni29 and on his YouTube channel here.

Sponsoring Partners

Industry Nine

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.

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 – Seb Schieck

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

Don’t forget, if you enjoy these shows and want to support us in making 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. It’s not too late to get involved and to say thank you, we’ve got race jerseys from Tahnée Seagrave, Danny Hart, Andy Kolb, Anna Newkirk, Gracey Hemstreet and Martin Maes to give away to lucky Patreon supporters very soon.

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.

The final races of the 2026 season are here and for the first time, World Cup racing heads to Whistler. Join me and Chris Kilmurray as we dig into the challenges of this unique 1199 track, what it really means for World Cup mountain bike racing to be taking place in Whistler, the championship battles to watch and much more. So sit back, hit play and listen to this Whistler pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray.

Podcast Stuff

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 – Clint Trahan / Crankworx

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.

Sponsoring Partners

Industry Nine

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.

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

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.

Sponsoring Partners

Industry Nine

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.

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

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.

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 – Seb Schieck