What does it really take to manage a World Cup downhill team in 2025? In this episode, Alan Milway, team manager of Norco Factory Racing and long-time performance coach joins Olly and Davi to unpack the chaos, structure, and behind-the-scenes secrets of running a top-tier MTB team. We dive into the logistics of back to back race weekends, what it’s like managing huge personalities like Danny Hart and Greg Minnaar, and the setup mistakes even elite riders still make. Alan also breaks down the imp...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 35 min
Tom Fuller is the co-founder of Image Design Custom and, the man behind the paint on some of the most iconic helmets in two-wheel sports. From Red Bull Rampage and the UCI World Cup, to motocross legends and movie stars like Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill, his work has quietly shaped the visual identity of action sports for decades. In this episode, Tom joins us to share his journey from painting helmets in his dad’s garage as a teenager to running Image Design Custom, the UK’s leading custom paint...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 38 min
Kaos Seagrave joins Olly and Davi for one of the rawest and most inspiring episodes of The Ride Companion yet. From racing World Cups as a junior to flipping 90-foot jumps at Darkfest, Kaos opens up about the exact moment he walked away from downhill racing, the mental battles behind the scenes, and what it really takes to go full freeride. He shares what it was like growing up alongside his sister Tahnee, how their family built FMD Racing from the ground up, and what it meant to be hand-picked ...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 48 min
In this honest and emotional clip from the Red Bull Just Ride podcast, Rob Warner shares why The Ride Companion was the place he chose to open up about his autism diagnosis for the first time. He reflects on the powerful moment he called Olly and said, “I need to do it, mate — I’m going to lay it all out there.” That episode became a major turning point, not just for Rob, but for listeners who resonated with his story. What started as a casual lockdown podcast became a safe space for real talk, ...
Jun 01, 2025•5 min
DJ Zesty (Andy Lehmann) is in studio! Olly and Davi sit down with DJ Zesty to hear how a jump bike and a patch of woods in Swinley led him to building world class freeride courses in Queenstown. Andy shares his journey through the UK trails scene, competing in Dirt Wars, digging for Natural Selection, living out of a van, surviving medical trials to fund trips and now, signing to the DMR Pro Team with support from YT Industries. BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Do you get hangry? Want an...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 34 min
Ben Smith is the co-founder of HipLok. Ben joins Olly & Davi in studio for a deep-dive into his journey from working at Troy Lee Designs in California to launching one of the most innovative bike security brands in the world. During the episode Ben opens up about how the idea for HipLok was born, the early struggles of building a brand from scratch, the reality of product development and manufacturing, and how global trade issues like tariffs and certification standards are affecting the ind...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 47 min
This episode has serious old school TRC vibes! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Olly and Davi discuss everything you need to know heading into the 2025 downhill World Cup season. Including team moves, breakout picks, fantasy tips, and some insights from the inside. We also announce ourselves as the unofficial World Cup podium sponsor... we're Increasing World Cup Prize Money by 30% by giving an extra £1,000 to any rider who shouts out The Ride Companion on the podium... will anybody do it?...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Roger Vieira is in studio to share his incredible story! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Roger joins us in the studio to talk about his journey from growing up in Brazil to chasing the World Cup Downhill dream as a full on privateer. He opens up about the financial realities of racing, why his first ever World Cup at Fort William lead him to take a year off, and whether it's even possible to compete as a privateer after the recent changes. We also dive into Roger's new found success on th...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 45 min
Sam Reynolds is back in studio for a full DarkFest 2025 debrief! Sam shares behind the scenes stories about building the biggest freeride course on the planet, like the massive new Quarterpipe and the mind blowing progression of riders from this years event. We also talk about why DarkFest is the ultimate mountain bike safe space, how it stays true to the roots of freeride, what it’s like coming home after a week of madness, the future of the event, the Nutty P tradition, unique bike set-ups and...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 4 min
On this episode of The Ride Companion, Davi talks about his recent Trans Pennine Trail adventure. He shares what it’s really like riding across the UK, the accidental insane setup, the kit he took, and advice for anyone wanting to attempt the ride. The lads also chat about Katy Perry going to space, being featured by Red Bull, Olly riding the new BikePark Wales trail with Rob Warner, Tai Woffinden’s crash, WrestleMania, 50 Shades of Clay, and loads more... BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: ...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 36 min
It's a full house in the new studio! Jono Jones and Ben Deakin join Olly and Davi after a long day of filming the new Melon Optics photochromic lens launch video. During the episode the lads talk about the hilarious days filming at Rogate Bike Park, Jono talks about racing the Red Bull Cero Abajo in Mexico, his boxing career, quitting banking to help build the Mavrix video game with brother Matt Jones and Deaks shares his number one piece of advice after 460 races. There's also talk about Rob Wa...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 29 min
We’re back...and in a brand new studio! (building site) Olly and Davi sit down for a long overdue catch up. Olly shares stories from his Red Bull Cerro Abajo Guanajuato street race build trip, trail adventures in Madeira, and the shock of receiving a ridiculous water bill while he was away. The lads also chat about the new studio space, ancient pyramids, the Telepathy Tapes, Davi’s holiday, saving old people – and loads more... BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Want to take your productiv...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 40 min
Hang out with Davi live on YouTube to discuss downhill broadcast changes, AI, DarkFest and much more... - Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at https://www.oneskin.co/ - Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biking. Support our long term partn...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In this episode Olly sits down with John Fernandes, co-founder of Freeride Madeira. John takes us through the wild journey of turning a passion for trail building into a global MTB hotspot, hosting the Enduro World Series, Trans Madeira, and welcoming some of the biggest names in the sport. The lads discuss how Jacob Gibbins’ iconic photos and Brendan Fairclough's first visit helped put Madeira on the map, the behind-the-scenes madness of shooting DEATHGRIP, and what it really takes to maintain ...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Tahnée Seagrave is on the podcast! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Tahnée Seagrave reflects on the highs and lows of her career, from five years of injuries and nearly stepping away from racing to rediscovering her love for the sport. She opens up about the mental challenges of recovery, the impact of concussions and burnout, and how self-talk and mindset shifts helped her return to the top. We also discuss some of the big talking points in downhill racing, including the Speedsuit that de...
Mar 05, 2025•2 hr 5 min
Scott "Boom Boom" Beaumont is on the podcast! In this episode of The Ride Companion Olly and Davi sit down with the BMX, downhill, and 4X legend to take a deep dive into his wild 30 year career. From growing up in a motorsport racing family to pioneering 4X and fighting to keep it alive, Scott’s got some unbelievable stories. We chat about why 4X got mysteriously dropped from the World Cup calendar, how close it was to becoming an Olympic sport, and the behind-the-scenes drama that nearly killed...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 58 min
Reece Wilson is in studio for a well overdue podcast! Former Downhill World Champion Reece Wilson joins the podcast for a deep dive into his career so far, from his switch from motocross to downhill to the highs and lows of racing at the elite level. We discuss his decision to leave a secure factory contract to build his own team, Aon Racing. Reece opens up becoming a part owner of GAMUX, the challenges of building a race program from scratch, insights in to the evolution of training for downhil...
Feb 19, 2025•2 hr 14 min
Ben Plenge is in studio for a hard hitting banger of a podcast! On this episode of The Ride Companion Ben Plenge opens up about his past in the British Army, sharing intense war stories from his time in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the Battle of Danny Boy, one of the most brutal British military engagements in recent history and the war crimes inquiry that followed years later. Beyond his military past, Ben breaks down the biggest myths in MTB training, explaining why most riders are training...
Feb 12, 2025•2 hr 15 min
EXCLUSIVE: Sam Reynolds drops into the studio to announce he’s signed for Reece Wilson’s AON Racing team! In this episode of The Ride Companion, we dive into why he made the move, his custom GAMUX bike with a Gates belt drive, Pinion gearbox, and Manitou Dorado forks, and whether it’s ready to tackle DarkFest’s massive jumps. Sam also talks about the state of freeride, industry struggles, and whether young riders are missing out on opportunities. Plus, fatherhood, risk vs. reward, and his bigges...
Feb 09, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Tom Pinchard is a coach who helps people and businesses figure out what really matters, get clear on their goals, and create a solid plan to build the future they want. On this episode of The Ride Companion, Olly and Davi sit down with Tom to tackle some of life’s biggest questions: Do we get more uncertain as we age? How can we figure out what we really want in life? Why are men struggling with isolation, and could community and connection be the answer? Tom also shares practical strategies for...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 54 min
Olly and Davi are back in the studio for their first podcast of 2025! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Davi chats about his new bike sponsor, talks about losing his best mate, Jay the dog, and comes up with a new term: "Christmas guilt." Olly gives an update on his Sicilian flat project, talks about checking out UK Arenacross, and the lads introduce a fun new game called TRC Swap Shop. BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Want to turn your mental performance and clarity up to 11? Get 45%...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Jono Jones is back for his annual first-guest-of-the-year episode of The Ride Companion! In this episode, Olly and Jono reflect on 2024, diving into Jono's biggest achievements and his journey from working in the city to pursuing a new project. They explore the balance of risk versus reward that led Jono to take the leap. Jono also shares stories of riding the infamous Red Bull Hardline course with moto enduro legend Jonny Walker, growing up with his brother Matt Jones, and how the two rediscove...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 36 min
Jono Jones joins Olly and Davi for The Ride Companion Christmas quiz show special! Test your general, Christmas, geography, science, music and mountain biking history knowledge with The Ride Companion's family friendly Christmas quiz. Jono Jones also has a special announcement plus more... There's no sponsors on this episode but we want to say a HUGE thanks to everybody who supports this show. It's been an unreal year and we can't wait for more of the same in 2025! Support our long term partners...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 35 min
After months of waiting and secret trips, Olly’s insane purchase is finally revealed on the podcast! On this episode Olly and Davi sit down for a classic TRC episode. Olly talks about his hilarious property investment in Italy, Davi has an embarrassing experience on a dog walk, the lads recap their favourite episodes of the year, answer Jono Jones's listener questions and much more... The Christmas quiz drops Christmas Day here! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Companionship, please don't ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 40 min
Olly and Davi grab an early morning coffee and have an old school catch up. During the episode the lads talk about what they've been watching, playing Tetris, the offing, preparing for episodes, guest of the year and much more... Who would you like to see on the Christmas special? Let us know below! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Health is wealth folks so why not get optimised, cover your nutritional bases and probably ride better with AG1. Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D + 5 FREE ...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Rob Warner is BACK in The Ride Companion studio! After the overwhelming response to his powerful episode on autism and mental health, Rob shares how much the support has meant to him and how life’s shifted since opening up. But don’t worry, it’s not all deep stuff—Rob’s bringing the laughs too! We chat about his upcoming movie night in Guildford, dusting off his World Cup-winning Giant ATX990, and what the future holds for mountain bike tech. There’s a hilarious story about visiting Area 51, wha...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 50 min
Ever wondered where Brett Tippie get his endless jokes and infectious energy from? In this episode, Olly and Davi sit down with the freeride mountain biking legend to uncover his incredible journey—from being one of the first pro snowboard racers on the planet to dropping into his first steep gravel pit in Kamloops, where freeride mountain biking was born. Brett shares how freeride evolved into a movement, the bike industry’s initial reaction, and the early days of Red Bull Rampage (including th...
Nov 27, 2024•2 hr 13 min
Brendan Fairclough and Chris Seager join us in the studio to break down everything you need to know about DEATHGRIP2! During the podcast we dive into the story behind the original DEATHGRIP—how it made its way onto Netflix and became one of the most-watched pieces of mountain bike content ever. Brendan and Chris reveal how DEATHGRIP2 pushes the boundaries even further, from insane FPV drone shots to their passion for long form content. Find out how the unfortunate delay in the film's release hap...
Nov 22, 2024•2 hr 28 min
Tom Isted is back in The Ride Companion studio! Tom Isted sits down with Olly and Davi to talk about growing up in Cornwall and transitioning from BMX to MTB. Tom talks about the huge crash during the 'Panning for Gold' edit. He discusses what it takes to actually get an invite to Red Bull Rampage, bike setup for the event and why he chose 26" wheels and why he selected Joel Anderson and Connor Macfarlane for his dig team. Tom also recounts finding and building the BFC canyon with Tyler McCaul a...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 55 min
A classic catch-up episode of The Ride Companion! This week, Olly and Davi cover everything from the pressure of constantly pushing forward to LeBron’s son making it to the NBA. Olly shows his Mexican friend Fosforo around the UK, Davi pitches his new National Holiday idea, debate whether power tools should be allowed at Rampage, dive into the Hard MTB League and Natural Selection Tour, and share why mountain biking should stay a positive space. Plus, the guys taste test some 0% beer and some se...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 36 min
