Anna Newkirk on Her First Career Win
About this episode
Anna Newkirk discusses her first career win and the current state of North American downhill racing.
North American DH racers are collectively having their best season in a long time, and Anna Newkirk is a big part of that success, notching her first career win — the first by an American woman in 23 years — and currently sitting fourth in the overall standings. So we brought Anna back on the show to talk about her phenomenal weekend at Lenderheide, where she qualified first and repeated the result in finals; her injury-interrupted 2025 season and returning to form; managing the pressure of racing, and how to ride at the limit; and a whole lot more. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in. RELATED LINKS: Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide Get Our Free Newsletter & Gear Giveaways Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+ TOPICS & TIMES: First career win at Lenzerheide Qualifying first & the resulting pressure Knowing when to push vs. aiming for smooth and safe Qualifying format & changes to World Cup DH Upcoming Juniors & growing North American momentum USA Cycling & developing DH racers Joining Frameworks & the benefits of a factory…
People in this episode
Guest: Anna Newkirk
Topics covered
- Anna Newkirk's first career win
- pressure in racing
- World Cup DH qualifying format
- development of DH racers
- North American momentum in downhill racing
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