Vital Mtb - Speaking Of Mountain Biking

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry NineThe 2023 season is over! What a season. Eight races, seven winners, five first-time winners, and 22 points-paying races (if you include qualifying, semi-finals, and finals). Rachel Atherton made her return to DH and won another World Cup; Vali Holl became the first female to win Worlds and the World Cup Overall since Rachel in 2018; Loic Bruni took his third World Cup overall title; Ryan Pinkerton won the Junior Mens overall for U.S.A; Valentina Roa Sanchez became the first South American to win a UCI World Cup overall; and our boy Dak added two more podiums to his name. Arguably one of the most exciting World Cup seasons to date, it also brought a lot of change with Warner Bros/Discovery taking over the broadcasting, the addition of semi-finals, fewer riders in finals, and a bit of unknown looking towards the future of downhill. In this episode, the crew reflects on the good and bad from the 2023 season, Dakotah breaks

Thank you Jenson USA | Maxxis Tires  | FOX ShoxWe have another great Inside Line with passionate interviews from the ground at the last World Cup Mountain Bike Downhill of 2023 in Mont-Sainte-Anne. Jack Rice talks to Elite riders, mechanics and team managers and asks if they think downhill is in a better place now than it was a year ago after the change from Red Bull's involvement to Warner Bros/Discovery. Bernard Kerr, Loic Bruni, Abigail Hogie has a lot of insight, Jordi from FOX and more. There are timestamps of the individual interviews in the description below.0:59 - Bernard Kerr5:07 - Loic Bruni16:14 - Abigail Hogie25:03 - Jordi Cortes31:59 - Colin Esquibel38:43 - Aaron Gwin44:10 - Wyn Masters46:31 - Evan Warner53:00 - Eddie Masters57:21 - Jorge Gomes1:03:10 - Nina Hoffmann1:06:14 - Sian A'hern1:09:02 - Danny Hart1:13:07 - Mikayla Parton1:14:35 - Chris Grice1:18:46 - Jim Bland1:21:07 - Austin Dooley1:24:29 - Tyler Ervin1:27:30 - Dave RichardsEveryone here at Vital would like to thank Jack, Joh

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry NineThe World Cup circus arrived in the U.S. two weeks ago and has provided some legendary racing! Big checks have been signed, more first-time winners have won, and World Cup overall titles have been handed out. But most importantly, our boy Dakotah Norton, aka Kubota, aka Stack Attack Dak, has been racking up the dough with a win at the Open and 3rd in Snowshoe. There was a lot to talk about, so get comfortable because we found nearly three hours of downhill-related topics to ramble on about. We open this episode by answering a question asked by Vital member kylestelzer in the comments of our Les Gets podcast that goes into how Dakotah maximizes his strengths as a racer, what he thinks are his weaknesses, and how dirt bikes are one of the biggest tools he uses to get better at downhill racing. We then discussed what Dak has done with his prize money from the last two racers, the economic state of downhill, and the value of

Thank you Jenson USA | Maxxis Tires  | FOX ShoxWelcome mountain bikers! Thanks for tuning into Vital MTB's The Inside Line podcast. We're going mobile today with Jack Rice in the pits at the Snowshoe World Cup Downhill. It's funny, Jack and I basically jinxed each other when we were texting, as we both wanted to cover the privateers at Snowshoe. The same old Elite Pit Bits galleries get a little old after so many back-to-back races. I figured we'd do a privateer Pit Bits, but Jack did what he does best. Instead of focusing on bikes, he got in there and helped tell the stories of U.S. Downhill's working class. Elite riders, juniors and team managers open up about the challenges and rewards of chasing their dreams. The interviews conclude with everyone's favorite commentator, Mr. Rob Warner. Rob's interview at the end does have some F-bombs dropped, so be aware if there are sensitive ears in the room. Long live #USDH0:00 - Intro1:11 - Jack Pederson3:27 - Austin San Souci9:00 -

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry Nine​With no racing to talk about this week, we called #USDH racer Dylan Maples to chat about his epic 2023 season! Dylan might have only started racing downhill a few years ago, but the Team NorCal rider has quickly become one of the most exciting American racers on the World Cup Circuit. We discussed his quick progression within the sport, what it's like being a DH racer from Sacramento, how his approach to racing has evolved as his confidence has grown, the importance of having time at home after being on the road for two months, going from a privateer program to having full-factory support with his fill-in ride with Commencal Muc-Off, riders he looks up to, who he hates getting beat by, and goals going into the last two World Cups. We hope you enjoy our conversation, and thank you, Dylan, for taking the time to talk with us! 

It's hard to believe the first U.S. Open of MTB was held 20 years ago in 2023. The event has come a long way since then with a prize purse totaling $80,000 this year, all thanks to the hard work of Clayton Harper and his crew. Vital talks with Clayton and #USDH shredder, Neko Mulally, to discuss the event's history and what we can expect in 2023.The 2023 U.S. Open of MTB takes place September 21-24 with Downhill, Enduro, Dual Slalom and Whip-off events at Killington Resort in Vermont. Amateur and open classes all use the same downhill track, making for a memorable experience for up-and-coming riders as they can compare their times to world-class pros.Riders confirmed for 2023 include the Santa Cruz Syndicate, Dakotah Norton, Neko Mulally, Wyn Masters, Jill Kintner and more.Vital is stoked to have the Gravity Cooperative filming a full race replay show that will air on Vital MTB. The Gravity Collective is the crew behind the awesome race replay shows from Downhill Southeast and the 2022 U.S. National

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry NineIn case you have any doubts, Les Gets, France, still produces the best World Cup downhill races. The intensity of the track, the passion of the French crowd, and the ability of French racers to rise to the occasion make Les Gets a picture-perfect stage for iconic racing. Last weekend was no exception, as a dry and loose track delivered a race with less drama, more first-time winners, and a riot-inducing double French victory. Join Dak as he brings you between the tape along with professional bench racers Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew chats about Dylan Maples filling in on Commencal Muc-Off, the toughness of Erice van Leuven, the challenge of racing a track like Les Gets that deteriorates so much, Vital's Shorts Bounty, the hardest part of Les Gets being the first two turns, Dean Lucas retiring, and the US Open happening in two weeks, and much more. Thank you so much for listening, an

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry NineFor the first time, the World Cup circus stopped in Loudenvielle, France, for round #5 of the 2023 World Cup season. The week kicked off with last-minute schedule changes due to the weather and only got weirder from there. Luckily, an insane track and constantly changing conditions delivered some of the most exciting racing of the year. And to top it off, our boy Dak Norton finished second—his best World Cup result to date! Join Dak as he brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and breaks down the excitement from the fresh Loudenvielle track with Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses the precedent set by the schedule change in Andorra, why junior racing shouldn’t have been canceled, Aaron Gwin crushing it as a commentator, why Loudenvielle was a good DH track and not easy to ride, the Nina vs. Vali battle, Kade Edwards and Thibaut Dapréla doing tuck-no-handers mid-run, t

Today the Junior World Cup Downhill race in Loudenvielle, France, was canceled. The race organizers claimed the track conditions were unsafe for competition due to overnight rain and the steep layout of the course.  Early in the morning, Junior riders struggled during practice, but as the day progressed, some riders were able to make safe top-to-bottom runs. Ultimately the race was canceled and qualifying results from the day before stood as final results.Jack Rice speaks with riders and mechanics to get their opinion on the cancellation.   Marshy of Cube, Jorge Gomes of Transition Factory Racing, John Hall of IFR, Wyn Masters of GT Factory Racing, Tim Flooks, Ethan Craik and Dean Lucas share their insight.

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry NineAfter a seven-week break (interrupted by World Champs), the World Cup Downhill season resumed last weekend from Pal Arinsal, Andorra. The weekend was filled with ups and downs that saw some riders' seasons, unfortunately, cut short while others checked off career-first wins. The weather again played a huge factor all weekend and ultimately decided the Elite Men's race. The racing was as tight as ever, and the track was fast, straight, and loose!Per usual, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and breaks down the excitement from Andorra with Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses what the hell is going on with semi-final points, the struggle of rain delays on race day, Troy Brosnan running a 200mm front and 220mm rear rotor, if Andorra's track makes for good racing or just good broadcasting, Loic Bruni's impressive run against the eleme

These great companies make The Inside Line possibleMaxxis Tires | Jenson USA | FOX Is it really possible to make carbon mountain bike frames, wheels and components cheaper in Canada than overseas? Dustin Adams, former World Cup downhill racer and owner of We Are One Composites says it is, and he is proving it. On this episode of The Inside Line podcast, we talk with Dustin, Nate Schumacher and Vlad Yordanov to hear about the journey of We Are One and how they're successfully making affordable and durable mountain bike parts in Kamloops, British Columbia. Dustin talks about the abrupt end to his seemingly successful downhill career as he was dropped by the Giant factory team, dealing with that life change, depression, multiple car accidents, and how he returned to find mountain biking.Thank you listeners for making The Inside Line what it is today! Enjoy the show.Show contents 0:00 - Why is Dustin Adams Fasting?4:05 - Getting into MTB in Kamloops7:25 - Move to Giant Factory Team and U.S. Racing13:10 - Sur

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Industry Nine | BurgtecWorld Champs, baby! This year, the chase for the elusive rainbow jersey went down on the legendary Fort Bill track, creating the perfect storm for some historical racing. Charlie Hatton (finally) took his first elite-level victory (becoming the 4th first-time winner in four races this season); Henri Kiefer secured his first Junior Men's victory after multiple podium finishes this year; Vali Höll became back-to-back World Champion in dominating fashion; and the Junior Women's field saw an all-New Zealand podium. What a year of racing we've all been treated to! And we can't wait to see how the back half of the World Cup season unfolds. As always, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and is joined by semi-professional bench racers Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses when World Champs should take place each year, the short-comings of t

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Industry Nine | BurgtecAfter the first stint of World Cup racing this year, we were overdue for a little #USDH coverage! Last weekend, the 2023 Gravity National Championships took place from Ride Rock Creek, North Carolina. Another bike park built by Neko Mulally and crew, the first time Nat Champs venue delivered quality tracks for downhill, slalom, and enduro racing. As always, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape to break down his weekend, the track, and the current state of #USDH. Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder feed the questions, and the crew covers the rise and dominance of Asa Vermette, Rock Creek’s World Cup-caliber DH track, the cost of racing USNats, first-time National Champions, why you should book a trip to Morzine, and why Dak was an hour late to record this episode. Enjoy!

These great companies make The Inside Line possibleMaxxis Tires | Jenson USA | FOX Brian Cahal sits down with Dan and Steve from Vorsprung Suspension to discuss the trajectory of their business as they've grown from mountain bike suspension servicing and upgrades to creating their new MTB shock.0:00 - From suspension service to making upgrade parts10:46 - Making The Vorsprung MTB shock17:04:- Vorsprung Suspension Problem Solving24:53 - Future of MTB Suspension / Electronic Suspension29:53 - What Would You Changet to Make MTB Better?35:28 - When Will the Vorsprung Shock Be Available?

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Industry Nine | BurgtecHoly cow, what a weekend of racing from Val di Sole! Arguably the gnarliest track on the circuit, this year provided spectacular racing thanks to some methodical course adjustments and bucketloads of new dirt. Racers were treated to periodic rain that really mixed things up as the track was ever-evolving, and bikes and bodies were put to the test, surviving the infamous Black Snake track. As always, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and breaks down the excitement from Val di Sole with Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses if VDS should be the blueprint for a World Cup DH track, what it’s like being chased by livestream drones, Jackson Goldstone’s textbook technique and bike setup, Ronan Dunne ingesting six Red Bulls on race day, weights strapped to down tubes, Dakotah playing in the tape during Semi-Finals, and the speed Junior racers in 2023. Thank

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Industry Nine | Burgtec​The B Practice Podcast is back! After some unfortunate technical difficulties last week that saw our post-Lenzerheide show evaporate from existence, the powers that be allowed our post-Leogang show to happen. Only two rounds into the UCI Downhill World Cup season, and we’ve been treated to tons of epic racing. We don’t know if there has ever been a season with as close of racing and so many potential winners. As always, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and breaks down the excitement from Lenzerheide and Leogang with Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses initial impressions of the new race format, thoughts on the new broadcasting, the impressive crop of talent spread across each category, first-time category winners, Rachel Atherton’s legend status, and Loic Bruni’s futuristic gear. Thank you so much for listening, and we will see everybody after Va

These great companies make The Inside Line possibleMaxxis Tires | Jenson USA | FOX Love him or hate him, Taylor Sage, or TSage as many call him, has been a breath of fresh air in the mountain bike scene for nearly 20 years. He's raced XC and downhill, he was a main builder at the infamous Hidden Valley trails, he's filmed for multiple New World Disorder movies, dug at Rampage for Kyle Strait and Cam Zink, helped keep MTB real with the 2Six Stallions, films and builds with Brandon Semenuk and so much more. Oh, and he's not on Instagram.Enjoy the show with a living legend who's all grown up now...sort of. #MTB #podcast #mountainbike Show Contents0:00 - Strava, Lopes and Racing XC5:43 - MTB history9:18 - Meeting Kyle Strait14:40 - Building Trails and MTB vs BMX27:54: - Mike Hucker Clark30:36 - Zink, Strait, 2Six Stallions, Filming for NWD39:51 - Robbie Bourdon's Broken Neck47:23 - Film, Digital and Battling The Collective with NWD50:47 - 2Six Stallions vs The Bicycle Rockers52:53 - Sage

The B Practice Podcast is back after a small hiatus! Since our last recording a few months back, the crew has been busier than ever. Austin moved from Colorado to California to start a new role with Specialized, Dakotah has been in the thick of developing the latest Intense DH bike while continuing to build his house, Tanner’s been busy jump-starting his career as a producer, and I’ve just been doing what I can to keep pumping out cool content for the site. With the 2023 World Cup downhill season less than a month out, the good news is that we will soon be back to our normally scheduled post-race podcasting. This offseason has been longer and more action-packed than usual, and a lot of pre-season racing has ensued. We sat down to discuss how the current crop of elite racers are looking after these warm-up events, who will be contending for the win at Lenzerheide, find out how Dak is feeling heading into summer, highlight some fast up-and-coming #USDH racers, and speculate on what type of course tape will be u

Welcome mountain bikers, I’m excited to have Ben Plenge on the show today. He’s a rider, racer, but he’s also the founder and coach at The Strength Factory in the UK. We discuss how Ben found mountain biking and being a fitness coach as well as specific philosophies and techniques to become a stronger, fitter rider.Episode Topics0:00 - Intro 2:34 - Getting into MTB and Joining the Army 9:21 - Becoming a Fitness Coach and Founding the Strength Factory 15:36 - Fitness for MTBers over 40 years old 21:32 - Mental Health, Training and Empathy 27:01 - Do You Need Weights or Tech Gadgets to Train Well? 34:13 - Importance of Posture for MTB 39:33 - Different Body Types and Training Based on Forward Riding Foot 44:37 - Nasal Breathing for MTB 50:26 - Being Successful with a Fitness Plan - Realistic Time Management 59:28 - Benefits of Low-Intensity Aerobic Training 1:10:48 - Does an E-Bike Make You Weak? 1:14:36 - Racers Ben Admires 1:16:56 - MTB Strength ProgramsStrength Factory Promotions for Vital MTBersUse the code

Luca Cometti is a professional mountain biker and filmmaker from Southern California. He moved from BMX to MTB at an early age, hitting local races and making videos of his friends. As the years progressed, he turned that passion into becoming a Dual Slalom specialist, landing a ride on a factory team to race World Cup downhills, competing in Crankworx festivals all over the globe and creating film projects with some of mountain biking's most talented riders. Enjoy the show with one of the nicest riders in the game.The Inside Line is supported by these great sponsorsJenson USAMaxxis TiresFOX Racing ShoxSee Luca on YouTube - @luca_cometti  Follow Luca on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/luca_comettiShow Contents0:00 - The Coffee Setup8:12 - Bonus for Beating Strait & Slalom Bike Setup21:11 - Finding Bikes and Grom Video-making in San Diego30:36 - DH Racing Progression & BetterRide Camps36:46 - Pursing a DH Racing Career43:43 - From Factory Racer to Privateer52:56 - Pursing Crankworx Instead o