This week, we’re joined by Luke Meier-Smith, who took his first World Cup win this weekend in Lake Placid. We caught up with Luke just a few weeks ago in Les Gets to talk about his journey from growing up on an avocado farm in Australia, through BMX and injuries, to finding his place in downhill World Cups. This one’s about grit, growth, and what it really takes to make it at the top. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Luke Meier-Smith.



You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.



You can follow Luke on Instagram @luke_ms1 and on YouTube here.



Podcast Stuff



Supporting Partners



Loam Pass



Loam Pass are currently offering their 2026 pass, which enables you to access over 70 destination in North America for the bargain price of $250. This is the cheapest you'll ever be able to buy the pass and you can get yours at this price from 1-14th Octcober right here - loampass.com.



Fox Racing



This episode is supported by Fox Racing and they recently launched their game changing full face helmet, the Rampage RS. Lighter, more comfortable and meeting more safety standards than ever before, the Rampage RS is a leap forward in helmet design. Check it out 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.

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our 2025 Mont-Sainte-Anne pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray for the final round of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.



If you’re listening, that means that like me, you probably LOVE the sport and want to know as much as possible about what’s going on. That’s exactly what we are here to do.



Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you analysis and insights that you won’t hear elsewhere.



However, as you probably know, the mountain bike industry isn’t in a great place right now and as a result, this series doesn’t have any brand support. The World Cup coverage is the most expensive thing I produce, as it often includes travel and I like to pay the guys for the expertise that they bring to the table.



So I’ve been funding it myself, along with the support of our wonderful Patreons.



If this show means something to you, and you want to help me keep it going, then please consider supporting us over on Patreon. You can sign up for as little as £3 a month at patreon.com/downtimepodcast. That’s less than the price of a coffee, but it makes a real difference. The more of you who chip in, the more likely it is that we can keep doing this.



I know times are tight. But if you value what we’re creating here, if it helps you stay connected to the sport you love, then now’s the time to chip in and help out.



Alright, it’s the final round of the year and we’re headed to the iconic Mont-Sainte-Anne. We dig into the challenges of this unique track, the differences and similarities to Lake Placid as well as who to watch in the upcoming battles as multiple overalls go to the wire. So sit back, hit play and listen to this Mont-Sainte-Anne 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 @do...

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our 2025 Whiteface / Lake Placid post-race show with Neko Mulally and Olly Morris for round 9 of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.



If you’re listening, that means that like me, you probably LOVE the sport and want to know as much as possible about what’s going on. That’s exactly what we are here to do.



Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you analysis and insights that you won’t hear elsewhere.



However, as you probably know, the mountain bike industry isn’t in a great place right now and as a result, this series doesn’t have any brand support. The World Cup coverage is the most expensive thing I produce, as it often includes travel and I like to pay the guys for the expertise that they bring to the table.



So I’ve been funding it myself, along with the support of our wonderful Patreons.



If this show means something to you, and you want to help me keep it going, then please consider supporting us over on Patreon. You can sign up for as little as £3 a month at patreon.com/downtimepodcast. That’s less than the price of a coffee, but it makes a real difference. The more of you who chip in, the more likely it is that we can keep doing this.



I know times are tight. But if you value what we’re creating here, if it helps you stay connected to the sport you love, then now’s the time to chip in and help out.



This week saw Lake Placid showcase a brand new track on Whiteface mountain that challenged the world's best. There were new winners, ongoing rivalries and plenty more. So sit back, hit play and listen to this Whiteface post-race show with Neko and Olly.



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.

This week I’m joined by Ben Wood, aka Woody, the mechanic behind World Champion Jackson Goldstone. Woody gives us a rare look at life inside the pits at the very top of downhill racing, from the pressure cooker of World Cups to the calm precision of race day prep. We chat about everything from track walks and bike setup, to handling the emotional highs and lows that come with chasing podiums. And of course, we relive the unforgettable moment when Jackson claimed the rainbow stripes, and speculate about how the overall battle might play out. It’s a story of mindset, trust, and the unique bond between rider and mechanic that makes the difference when it matters most. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this episode with Ben 'Woody' Wood.



You can also watch this episode on YouTube here.



You can follow Woody on Instagram @wmb149.



Podcast Stuff



Supporting Partners



Fox Racing



This episode is supported by Fox Racing and they've just launched their 'lit kit' winning IMAGE Phantom collection. You can check out the range over at foxracing.com.



Loam Pass



Loam Pass are currently offering their 2026 pass, which enables you to access over 70 destination in North America for the bargain price of $250. This is the cheapest you'll ever be able to buy the pass and you can get yours at this price from 1-14th Octcober right here - loampass.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,

I’m Chris, this is the Downtime Podcast and you’re tuned into our 2025 Whiteface / Lake Placid pre-race show with Chris Kilmurray for round 9 of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.



If you’re listening, that means that like me, you probably LOVE the sport and want to know as much as possible about what’s going on. That’s exactly what we are here to do.



Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you analysis and insights that you won’t hear elsewhere.



However, as you probably know, the mountain bike industry isn’t in a great place right now and as a result, this series doesn’t have any brand support. The World Cup coverage is the most expensive thing I produce, as it often includes travel and I like to pay the guys for the expertise that they bring to the table.



So I’ve been funding it myself, along with the support of our wonderful Patreons.



If this show means something to you, and you want to help me keep it going, then please consider supporting us over on Patreon. You can sign up for as little as £3 a month at patreon.com/downtimepodcast. That’s less than the price of a coffee, but it makes a real difference. The more of you who chip in, the more likely it is that we can keep doing this.



I know times are tight. But if you value what we’re creating here, if it helps you stay connected to the sport you love, then now’s the time to chip in and help out.



This week we’re heading to Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid, for Round 9 of the 2025 UCI Downhill World Cup. It’s a brand-new venue, and the course looks set to deliver something really special. With everything still to play for, tyres hit dirt here for the very first time. Join me and Chris Kilmurray as we break down what to expect, the key challenges riders will face, and why this Whiteface debut could be one of the standout races of the season. So sit back, hit play and listen to this Whiteface 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



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