Claim OwnershipMOVING THE NEEDLE : The Andrew Neethling Podcast
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Description
In this show, Andrew sets out to pick apart the minds and strategies that Top Athletes and Industry leaders use to reach the pinnacle of their Sport. Including their early beginnings, bouncing back from adversity, and candid untold stories from life on the road. As a professional international mountain biker, and now commentator, Andrew “ Needles “ Neethling brings 18 years of experience in all aspects of the Cycling and Mountain Bike Industry.Very MTB related
176 Episodes
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Dakotah Norton opens up about a career-threatening hip injury, the tough recovery no one saw, and how he found his way back to form during the 2025 season.
He also breaks down his 2026 team move, what changed behind the scenes, and why this next chapter feels different — not just on the bike, but mentally and professionally.
An honest conversation about setbacks, resilience, and choosing the right environment to perform at your best.
Dakotah Norton opens up about his major 2026 team move, what led to the decision, and why this next chapter feels different.
In this short clip, Dak talks mindset, long-term goals, and how timing, support, and direction played a huge role after stepping away from his previous setup.
We also touch on what he’s looking for heading into 2026 — on and off the bike — and why this move feels like the right reset at the right moment.
🎧 Full episode out Jan 13th!! Check back then.
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/
Milway Performance Products - equipment designed and built using Alan’s 20years of coaching experience. Precision engineered products for stability, durability and performance. The weights bench is built to last and made in the UK http://www.milwayperformance.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/
1The 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/
Milway Performance Products - equipment designed and built using Alan’s 20years of coaching experience. Precision engineered products for stability, durability and performance. The weights bench is built to last and made in the UK http://www.milwayperformance.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
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excellent, was a big fan of your racing back then Matti, and Needles! Glad to hear your healed up and in a better place. keep up the great guests and content Andrew!
I love this podcast. This is probably my favorite episode to date. Cedric is a riot. He is funny as hell but very down to earth and authentic. Keep up the good work Andrew. Your show is very entertaining and insightful. You are doing an awesome job.
Was it not me that dropped you on that first ride in Helderberg after lockdown 😜😂
Great guests, great questions. Insights and perspective across the spectrum of mountain biking. So many podcasts are geared toward road cycling. Always looking forward to the next episode. Keep up the good work man
Loveing this podcast needles keep it up 👌