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

How much training do you actually need… and how much is just noise?Fit4Racing’s Jonny Thompson jumps back on the show to break down the myths and mistakes riders make in the gym, on the trail, and everywhere in between. Whether you’re a weekend warrior juggling a job, a parent battling daylight hours, or a racer trying to squeeze more speed out of your limited time — this episode gives you a roadmap. Strength and Condition Basic Guide:  https://fit4racing.com/strength-and-conditioning-guide-for-mtb-riders/

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.  

After a decade on the World Cup circuit, Luca Shaw pieced together his best season yet — finishing third overall and riding with more confidence than ever. In this season review, Luca opens up about learning to “trust the feel,” staying composed under the new qualifying pressure, and why experience and instinct beat overthinking. A raw, insightful chat on performance, growth, and finding flow at the top level. This Episode is brought to you by BOA®. From the bike park to backcountry lines, BOA keeps you dialed in. Learn more about how BOA is changing the game at BOAFit.com.  

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 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 final round in Mont Ste Anne, Canada.   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 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/

We’re diving into the 2025 US OPEN of Downhill with none other than Race Organiser and Founder, Clay Harper. Clay takes us inside the vision, the riders to watch, and what makes the US OPEN such a special stop on the calendar. Big names, wild cards, and the future of American downhill—all in one episode.

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 World Champs held in Champery.   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/

In this episode, Andrew sits down with John Lawlor – former World Cup downhill racer turned acclaimed MTB filmmaker. From racing at the highest level to documenting Ireland’s incredible rise in downhill through his new film Emerald Storm, John shares unique insights into life on both sides of the tape. The conversation dives into what it takes to capture the essence of a sport on screen, the influence of Ireland’s racing culture, and how his perspective as an athlete shapes his storytelling. Expect candid stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and a celebration of mountain biking’s rich history.  

In this deep, wide-ranging conversation, Andrew sits down once again with Dr. Jason Richardson — former BMX world champion turned sport psychologist — to explore the mental side of high performance. They unpack what it really takes to manage fear, handle burnout, and find purpose beyond the race tape. From reframing anxiety into fuel, to building rituals that anchor performance, to understanding how personality traits shape athletic success, Jason shares practical tools for pros, weekend warriors, and anyone chasing big goals. Expect stories from BMX and downhill, lessons on resilience, and a candid look at life after elite sport.

Olly Wilkins 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 RED BULL HARDLINE held in Wales 

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and Sven Martin and Ed Masters are 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 6th round in Andorra.   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-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 5th round in La Thuile, Italy.    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/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

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 4th round in Val Di Sole, Italy.    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/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Alan Milmay 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 3rd round in Leogang   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/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

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 2nd round in Loudenvielle   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/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle

The 2025 World Cup Downhill racing is here and racing Legend Wyn Masters 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 first round in Poland.   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/   Episode Sponsors:   Fuel your body like a pro! AG1 is offering you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-boosting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Claim your offer now at drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle