#189. Loudenvielle DH Review: Lucas Shaw's Long-Awaited Breakthrough & World Cup Chaos with Sven Martin

Sam Hill like you've NEVER heard him before. The legend joins Andrew Neethling for a rare, nearly three-hour conversation — opening up about his incredible career, the reality of retirement, losing his motivation to race, and what life looks like away from the World Cup circuit. Sam doesn't do many interviews, so this is a special one. We go back through the highs, the injuries, the World Championships, his move from downhill into Enduro, and the decisions that shaped one of mountain biking's most iconic careers. Sam also talks honestly about burnout, the challenges of stepping away from racing, the industry moving on, and finding a new purpose beyond competition. Plus, we get into his life in Australia, family, trail building, the riders he respects, and how he sees the sport today. Nearly three hours with one of the most understated legends mountain biking has ever seen. No big introduction needed — just Sam Hill, opening up. 🎙️ Moving The Needle Podcast with Andrew Neethling Presented by Monster Energy If you enjoyed this one, subscribe for more conversations with the riders and people who have shaped mountain biking. Pic Credit : Sven Martin

The 2026 World Cup season is DONE — and what a way to finish it. Asa Vermette is the 2026 World Cup Overall Champion after a dramatic final day in Lake Placid, with Jordan Williams pushing him all the way to the final run. At just 19, Asa joins a select few riders to win the World Cup overall in their rookie season. Luke Meier-Smith took his second straight Lake Placid World Cup win, while Lisa Bouladou claimed her first Elite World Cup victory in the women’s race. Vali Höll wrapped up another overall championship, while Hattie Harnden, Gracie Hemstreet and the next generation of riders continued to make their mark. Andrew Neethling and Wyn Masters break down the final round, the title battle, the pressure on Asa, Jordan’s incredible season, Jackson and Amaury’s difficult finish to the year, Lachlan Stevens-McNab’s rise, the changing guard in downhill and the biggest storylines from an incredible 2026 season.

Cam Zink is 40 years old — and he’s still chasing Rampage wins. In this episode of Moving The Needle, Cam opens up about the process behind continuing to compete at the highest level, what keeps him motivated, and the mental side of pushing yourself when you're no longer the youngest rider on the mountain. We talk about his approach to Rampage, the feedback loop that keeps him motivated, knowing when to push and when to walk away, and why Cam has no interest in simply taking a Rampage spot for the sake of being there. If he’s going to ride Rampage, he wants to genuinely believe he can win. A really honest conversation about competition, motivation, getting older, and what it takes to keep chasing something that still matters. Subscribe for more conversations with the athletes, riders and people pushing the limits of mountain biking. #CamZink #Rampage #MTB #MovingTheNeedle

Whistler delivered one of the wildest World Cups of the season. Asa Vermette took his 2nd Elite World Cup win, while home favourites Finn Iles and Jackson Goldstone somehow missed the final. Lachlan Stevens-McNab was flying before a tiny mistake took him out of the results, and 30,000+ fans turned the new Whistler track into an absolute madhouse. Andrew Neethling and Sven Martin break down the racing, the brutal conditions, the youngsters taking over, the massive crowds, the biggest crashes and everything else that made Whistler so special.

Kilian Bron has built a life around turning dreams into reality — from racing and winning the Mountain of Hell four times to riding some of the world's most incredible and dangerous mountains. Andrew Neethling gets inside Kilian's mindset, discussing his latest film Mirage, riding at over 6,000 metres, the years of planning behind these expeditions, fear, risk, freedom and the moments when things have gone seriously wrong. An honest conversation about adventure, pushing your limits and knowing where the line is. See his latest Film: MIRAGE