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
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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/
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/
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 2nd round in Loudenvielle
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 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 first round in Poland.
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 Downhill World Cup season is ON! Join legendary photographer Sven Martin and renowned coach Alan Milway as they dive deep into the upcoming year of thrilling races on this episode of Bench Racing. Get the inside line on the riders to watch in 2025, crucial rule and venue changes you need to know, and some juicy behind-the-scenes info and gossip!
We'll be your go-to source for Downhill World Cup action all season long, bringing you review episodes after every race.
CRANKBROTHERS
Crankbrothers is our oldest supporter of the Podcast. Crankbrothers is synonymous with the MTB and DH racing circuit, and last year celebrated 13 years in a row of Elite World Champs wins with the Mallet DH pedal.Be sure to check out all the latest pedals and gear HERE
Episode Sponsor:
AG1
AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle
In this raw and revealing conversation, Aaron Gwin opens up like never before — sharing the true cost of chasing greatness in downhill racing. From battling injuries and navigating brutal comebacks to handling the intense pressure of dominating a sport, Gwin reflects on the highs, the lows, and what keeps him pushing forward. Whether you're a fan, rider, or just love a good comeback story, this one hits deep.
Episode Sponsor:
AG1
AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle
ODI:
Drawing on over 40 years of experience of producing performance-driven grips and feedback from their extensive network of top riders across the globe, ODI and the Reflex grips have been engineered to reduce impacts and vibration being passed on to the riders’ hands to allow you to ride more with less pain and fatigue.
Learn more at:
http://www.odigrips.com/
In this raw and revealing conversation, Aaron Gwin opens up like never before — sharing the true cost of chasing greatness in downhill racing. From battling injuries and navigating brutal comebacks to handling the intense pressure of dominating a sport, Gwin reflects on the highs, the lows, and what keeps him pushing forward. Whether you're a fan, rider, or just love a good comeback story, this one hits deep.
Episode Sponsor:
AG1
AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle
ODI:
Drawing on over 40 years of experience of producing performance-driven grips and feedback from their extensive network of top riders across the globe, ODI and the Reflex grips have been engineered to reduce impacts and vibration being passed on to the riders’ hands to allow you to ride more with less pain and fatigue.
Learn more at:
http://www.odigrips.com/
In this episode of Moving the Needle, we sit down with one of the most naturally gifted and enduring riders in downhill mountain biking—Sam Blenkinsop. From his humble beginnings carving ruts on the way to school in New Zealand to winning a World Cup and racing at the top level for two decades, Sam shares his incredible journey.
We dive into his early days as a fearless junior, his transition to factory teams, and the game-changing moment that led him to World Cup glory. Sam opens up about the challenges of balancing family life with racing, his unique approach to training, and why he still has the hunger to compete. He also reflects on the evolution of the sport, rivalries, and the raw passion that has kept him going when others have burned out.
This is a must-listen for MTB fans, aspiring racers, and anyone who loves a good underdog story. Tune in and get inspired by one of the sport’s most authentic and exciting riders!
Episode Sponsor:
AG1
AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle
Three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel dives deep into the mindset, preparation, and mental strategies that shaped his legendary career. From his relentless pursuit of performance to his innovative approach to race-day tactics, Fabien shares untold stories about pushing the limits—both physically and mentally.
We talk about his early years growing up on the same street as Nicolas Vouilloz, the evolution of his mental preparation, and how visualization gave him an edge when it was still considered unconventional. He breaks down legendary race moments, including his calculated strategy at Les Gets 2004 and his razor-thin World Championship battle in Canberra. Plus, Fabien opens up about the role of ego in high-performance sports, how belief shapes results, and why he treats every morning as a chance to define who he wants to be.
This episode is packed with wisdom, behind-the-scenes racing insight, and game-changing takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their performance—on or off the bike.
Episode Sponsor:
AG1
AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle
Jonny from Fit4Racing has worked with some of the world’s fastest mountain bikers, helping them push the limits of strength, endurance, and resilience. But what makes top riders truly excel? And can those same principles apply to everyday athletes?
In this episode, we break down the key factors behind elite performance—both physical and mental. From strength training and conditioning to mindset, focus, and mental toughness, Jonny shares how top riders train and why their approach can benefit anyone, whether you're a serious racer, weekend warrior, or just looking to improve your fitness.
We also discuss common training mistakes, injury prevention, and how to develop the mental edge that separates the best from the rest.
Episode Sponsor:
AG1
AG1 is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit drinkAG1.com/movingtheneedle
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 RED BULL HARDLINE held in Tasmania
This podcast series is brought to you by Crankbrothers.
Crankbrothers is synonymous with the DH racing circuit, and last year celebrated 13 years in a row of Elite World Champs wins with the Mallet DH pedal! And it’s not just pedals; Crankbrothers has been adding to their product offering over the last few years and now has a whole host of podium contenders in their shoes, riders like Benoit Coulanges, Bernard Kerr, Luca Shaw, Troy Brosnan, Camille Balanche, and many more
Episode Sponsors:
AG1
Athletic Greens are going to give you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit 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 👌