MOVING THE NEEDLE : The Andrew Neethling Podcast

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 overall championship picture has suddenly been blown wide open. We also discuss Vali Höll's growing dominance, the rise of the sport's next generation, and which riders left France with momentum heading into Leogang. Bench Racing is your go-to source for technical analysis, insider perspectives, and post-race debriefs after every single World Cup round this season. Tune in for one of the deepest dives into Downhill racing anywhere in the sport.

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 e-bikes to nearly missing race starts and accidentally brushing teeth with denture glue… this one goes everywhere.

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

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.

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 keeping it simple. Thanks to our episode sponsor ODI. I have been on these and only these Grips for well over 20 years. How cool is that. They are the original Lock on grip. Learn more at www.odigrips.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/

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 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/