MOVING THE NEEDLE : The Andrew Neethling Podcast

Tom Isted has become one of the most exciting names in freeride mountain biking — from throwing down a 120ft backflip at Darkfest to taking on the biggest lines at Red Bull Rampage.

But his latest Rampage experience didn't exactly go to plan...

In this episode, we catch up with Tom to talk about the huge backflip that put him on the map, the mindset behind pushing the limits, and the freak accident that left him with three broken bones in his thumb before he even got to ride Rampage.

A proper catch-up with Tom, with plenty of insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the world of freeride.

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Episode Presented by Kenda Tires

Sam Hodgson joins Andrew Neethling at Darkfest for a proper look behind the massive jumps and the life he's built around freeriding.

From growing up on a farm on the Isle of Wight and teaching himself tricks on a huge mulch jump, to winning King of Darkfest, building his own freeride setup in Wales and creating Backyard Battle with Vero, Sam has taken a very different path through the sport.

We also get into the challenges of building jumps in the UK, the planning-permission battle threatening their project, and why Sam has never been driven by being the best — but by building something that helps others progress.

Episode Presented by Monster Energy

🎙️ Moving The Needle Podcast with Andrew Neethling

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

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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.

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