Welcome to The A Line Podcast, the ultimate XC mountain biking podcast for racers, coaches, and fans. Covering Short Track, Olympic, and Marathon disciplines, we dive deep into the riders and races, offering educational and entertaining insights into the world of cross-country mountain biking. Tune in for everything XC MTB!In this episode, I chat with the legend that is Steve James, we had so much to chat about we split the episode into two parts. Starting off discussing his time rising up through the ranks of XCO, to racing World Cups and how his goals and focus have changed.LinksSteve JamesHope TechnologyThe A Line PodcastAlterra PerformanceAshley de LotzCherry CampersXCOMTB.com
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46:17
Leogang Post Race Show
Join us as we break down all the action from the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Leogang, covering both the XCC and XCO races. We’ll dive into key moments, course previews, hot takes and news. Hosted by our trackside correspondent Joe Curran and studio host Ashley de Lotz, giving you the A Line on everything that happened.We cover everything - from bike set up, race winning moves, tactics, strategic DNF's and more. Expect course insights, bold opinions and all the key moments that shaped the weekend.Whether you watched the racing or missed it entirely, this one gives you the full picture - direct from trackside to your ears.The A Line Podcast is the premier cross country mountain biking podcast, bringing you the best information and insights from the world of XC racing to help you improve your mountain biking performance and enjoyment.
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42:15
Sponsorships and Setbacks with Lewis Martin
We welcome back to the show Lewis Martin, unfortunately he’s a bit of a tough year dealing with some setbacks, but also some positives of a new team and new bike. Making this a great episode for anyone who loves riding and racing as we dive into his self coached approach, how he has been successful in getting support from sponsors and how he has been dealing with some injuries. There are sure to be some useful tips and advice to help you get more from your training and racing whatever your level.Unfortunately since recording Lewis is still not back in the game so we are all wishing him some healing vibes and looking forward to seeing him back racing soon.Links;Lewis MartinScott SportsVittoriaStudio VeloTORQWahooThe A Line PodcastBuy Me A CoffeeAlterra PerformanceAshley de Lotz
Please welcome to the show Will Gell, it is great to have Will on as not only is he a strong XC MTB racer but he is also works as a mechanic at BRINK on races bikes from recreational to those competing at the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series . Making him the perfect person to talk to about race bikes, giving insight to the technical side of mountain biking but in simple and practical terms that listeners can use to optimise their MTB bike set up.We discuss hot topics such what is a good weight for an XC MTB? Are hardtail MTB dead? Is Flight Attendant worth the money and much more. Making this a brilliant episode for racers of all levels to get the most from their bike.You can follow Will and his supporters, BRINK, Maxxis and Plush in these links.As race season is well and truly here so head over to XCO-MTB.com to stay up to date with all the latest race news. Tickets for the June Alterra Performance XC MTB Academy session go live on the 26th May, so be sure to sign up fast. Be sure to follow The A Line Podcast and Ashley de Lotz on Instagram to stay in touch and chat. Finally if the show has bought you some value and you would like to support it, please Buy Me A Coffee.
The dedicated Cross Country mountain bike podcast. Chatting to the big names in XC MTB to give behind-the-scenes insight, from Elite racers to mechanics, coaches and more. All with the goal of helping you to get faster and have more fun whilst mountain biking!
South Africa