Insider MTB (iMTB)

Austin White
Insider MTB (iMTB)

Get insights from some of the top athletes and insiders in the mountain bike industry

  1. Whats new for 2025 with Liam Woods - EP18

    JAN 7

    Whats new for 2025 with Liam Woods - EP18

    In this episode, Austin White and Spencer Rathkamp reconnect after a brief hiatus, discussing their personal experiences in motocross and cycling, the introduction of a new sponsor, and plans for live event coverage. They delve into the challenges and dynamics of the cycling retail industry, including insights on brand strategies and market trends. The episode features a guest, Liam Woods from Worldwide Cyclery, who shares his perspective on the online retail landscape and the impact of recent industry changes. In this segment of the conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of the cycling industry, focusing on the Kettle brand's growth and the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic. They delve into personal journeys in cycling, career development, and the importance of community engagement in local racing. The conversation also highlights the complexities of trail management and the political landscape affecting trail systems in Southern California. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of navigating federal and state lands for mountain biking, the rise of underground racing communities, and the evolution of racing formats. They share personal experiences with poison oak and poodle dog brush, discuss the intriguing life of an FBI agent who is also a cyclist, and explore the exciting adventures offered by Chasing Epic. The conversation wraps up with plans for upcoming races and personal goals in the biking community. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the balance between racing and enjoying mountain biking, sharing personal experiences from races like the Downeyville Classic. They delve into bike setup, race preparation, and the social aspects of racing, emphasizing the camaraderie among riders. The conversation also touches on future races, training goals, and the logistics of planning adventures together, highlighting the importance of teamwork and shared experiences in the biking community.

    1h 37m
  2. The fastest wiener dog in racing w/ Alexey Vermeulen - EP17

    11/26/2024

    The fastest wiener dog in racing w/ Alexey Vermeulen - EP17

    In this episode, Austin White discusses various aspects of the cycling world, including upcoming events, athlete perspectives, and the impact of the Lifetime series on the sport. He introduces guest Alexey Vermeulen, who shares his journey from road cycling to mountain biking and insights on the evolving landscape of gravel racing. The conversation delves into the challenges athletes face, the importance of community support, and the future of professional cycling. In this conversation, Alexey Vermeulen and Austin White discuss the evolution of gravel racing, the challenges of live streaming events, the importance of sponsorship and investment in cycling, the need for authenticity among athletes, and the influence of the UCI on competitive cycling. They explore how these factors impact viewer engagement and the future of the sport. In this conversation, Alexey Vermeulen and Austin White delve into the intricacies of professional cycling, discussing the dynamics of racing, the evolution of mountain biking and gravel racing, and the challenges athletes face when transitioning between disciplines. They explore the significance of feed zones, the controversies surrounding race rules, and the complex issue of doping in cycling. The discussion also highlights the mental aspects of racing and the unique mindset required to succeed in competitive environments. In this engaging conversation, Alexey Vermeulen shares his unique approach to training and racing, emphasizing the importance of adapting to altitude and sea level, the simplicity of his training methods, and the significance of knowing one's body. The discussion also touches on the competitive spirit in cycling, memorable experiences from races, and the camaraderie among athletes. Vermeulen's light-hearted banter with host Austin White adds a humorous touch, making for an entertaining and insightful episode.

    1h 45m
  3. Red Bull Rampage, UCI World Cup Rules w/ Elizabeth Walker of Liv Racing - EP16

    10/10/2024

    Red Bull Rampage, UCI World Cup Rules w/ Elizabeth Walker of Liv Racing - EP16

    In this episode, hosts Austin White and Spencer Rathkamp discuss various topics in the mountain biking world, including the recent Red Bull Rampage event, the emergence of women in the sport, judging controversies, and the current state of the cycling industry. They also introduce a new fan engagement segment and analyze the dominance of Keegan Swenson in the Lifetime Series. In this segment, the conversation explores various themes surrounding mountain biking, including the challenges and opportunities presented by e-bike racing, the role of Liv Factory Racing, and the complexities of UCI regulations. Elizabeth Walker provides insights into the communication challenges faced by teams and the impact of commercialization on the sport. The discussion also touches on the importance of regional events and the need for financial support in cycling, particularly in the context of Enduro racing. In this segment of the conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of Enduro racing, the implications of UCI rules, and the evolution of kit regulations. They discuss the financial aspects of racing, the importance of branding for athletes, and the strategic decisions teams must make to succeed. The conversation also touches on the broadcasting challenges faced by cycling events and the need for better accessibility for fans. In this conversation, Austin White and Elizabeth Walker delve into various aspects of cycling, coaching, and athlete dynamics. They discuss the balance between luck and talent in sports, the importance of empowering athletes in decision-making, and the evolving role of mental coaching. The conversation also touches on the influence of road cycling on mountain biking, the challenges of gravel racing, and the need for a supportive team environment. Throughout, they emphasize the significance of emotional intelligence and the mental aspects of racing while also addressing the changing dynamics within cycling teams.

    1h 53m
  4. We sit down with Sean Estes from Fox Factory - EP13

    09/03/2024

    We sit down with Sean Estes from Fox Factory - EP13

    In this episode, Austin White and Spencer Rathkamp are joined by Sean Estes, the senior product marketing manager at Fox. They discuss various topics, including their experiences at Sea Otter, Sean's home renovation projects, the cost of mountain bikes compared to dirt bikes, and the rise of Keegan Swenson in the endurance racing scene. They also touch on the Lifetime Series and the advantages of older riders in endurance events. The conversation covers topics such as Keegan Swenson's impressive riding skills, the use of dropper posts in races like Leadville, the similarities between cross racing and motocross, the early days of the A1 ride, the introduction of e-bikes by Specialized, and the impact of e-bikes on the mountain biking community. The conversation in this part focuses on the rise of e-bikes and their impact on the mountain biking industry. The hosts discuss the surge in e-bike popularity during the pandemic and how it has contributed to the growth of cycling. They also explore the differences between e-bikes and analog bikes, including the experience of riding them and the benefits they offer to different types of riders. The conversation then shifts to the recent launch of a new dropper post by Fox and the marketing efforts behind it. The hosts discuss the advantages of Kashima coating and its impact on performance and longevity. They also touch on the importance of stiffness and weight in bike components and how it affects overall performance. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the BC Bike Race and the experience of riding in British Columbia. In this part of the conversation, Sean and Austin discuss their preference for riding the trails in Whistler rather than the park. They talk about the popularity of the park during Crankworx and how the trails get crowded and worn out. They mention the appeal of the Valley trails and the option of e-bike access. They also discuss some specific trails in Whistler that they enjoy, such as Into the Mystic, Lord of the Squirrels, and Bring on the Weekend. The conversation then shifts to Sean's role at Fox and the different brands under the Fox umbrella. They talk about the company's focus on suspension and their efforts to align the different brands within the company. They also briefly mention their interest in off-road truck racing and the Baja 1000. The conversation ends with a discussion about their experiences at Interbike and the NorCal SoCal Showdown race in Bakersfield. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the state of the industry and the future of Enduro racing. They touch on the challenges faced by the industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent surge in demand for bikes. They also explore the evolution of Enduro racing and its current identity crisis. The conversation concludes with a discussion about upcoming events and plans for future episodes of the podcast.

    2 hr
  5. Rae Morrison talks cactus, racing and keeping her arm attached - EP 12

    07/28/2024

    Rae Morrison talks cactus, racing and keeping her arm attached - EP 12

    In this conversation, Austin White and Spencer Rathkamp interview Rae Morrison, an experienced mountain bike racer. They discuss various topics, including Rae's experience at Sea Otter, her retirement plans, and her new role as a riding coach for the Liv Racing XC team. Ray shares insights into her racing career, her decision to retire, and her recent success in races. She also talks about the challenges and opportunities of being a riding coach and the importance of tire pressure in XC racing. In this part of the conversation, the hosts and Rae discuss her experience racing in industry events and the challenges of broadcasting and promoting enduro racing. They also touch on the growth of women's racing and the importance of inclusivity in the sport. Rae shares her perspective on the changes she has seen in the industry and the need for continued support for local events and grassroots racing. They also discuss the difficulties of being away from home for extended periods of time and the financial implications of racing internationally. In this final part of the conversation, Rae discusses the challenges of traveling with bikes and the cost-effectiveness of staying in Europe rather than going home. She also talks about the feeling of coming home after being away for a long time and the importance of decompressing. The conversation then shifts to the dynamics of Rae and Jesse's relationship, with Rae sharing how they navigate disagreements and work together as a team. The conversation concludes with Rae sharing her recent elbow injury and the emergency surgery she had to undergo, highlighting the importance of seeking medical help early on.

    1h 27m
  6. 2024 Paris Olympics talk with Jonathan Lee & Brian Gordon - EP11

    07/05/2024

    2024 Paris Olympics talk with Jonathan Lee & Brian Gordon - EP11

    In this conversation, Austin and Spencer discuss various topics including cross country racing, technical trails, Nino Schurter's skills, and the Downieville race. They also touch on the controversy surrounding e-bikes and the use of TrainerRoad for training. Jonathan Lee, a guest from TrainerRoad, joins the conversation and talks about the company's approach to marketing and their support for athletes. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the use of TrainerRoad by professional cyclists and the training process for the Olympics. They also talk about the role of genetics, work ethic, and team support in an athlete's journey to the Olympics. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about TrainerRoad and its goal of using AI to make cyclists faster. The hosts also touch on their own cycling backgrounds and preferences. They discuss the importance of data-driven training and the challenges faced by athletes in the pursuit of Olympic qualification. The conversation concludes with a discussion about specialized bikes and chainring choices for different race courses. The conversation explores the unique talents of Tom Pidcock and his ability to excel in multiple disciplines of cycling. The hosts discuss the possibility of Pidcock participating in both the XCO race and the road race at the Olympics, and the challenges he may face. They also touch on the selection process for building a team and developing young riders. The conversation then shifts to the evolution of cross-country courses and the bikes designed to handle them. The hosts discuss the technical skills required by modern riders and the importance of developing those skills at a young age. They also touch on the design and development of specialized bikes for different race formats. The conversation covers the topic of the impact of weight on performance in cycling. The participants discuss how weight is often overestimated in terms of affecting race times and how compliance and other factors can have a positive impact on performance. They also talk about the role of carbon components in improving the feel and performance of a bike, rather than just reducing weight. The conversation then shifts to predictions for the Olympics, with the participants sharing their top picks for the men's and women's categories.

    1h 39m

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Get insights from some of the top athletes and insiders in the mountain bike industry

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