Roger Vieira is in studio to share his incredible story! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Roger joins us in the studio to talk about his journey from growing up in Brazil to chasing the World Cup Downhill dream as a full on privateer. He opens up about the financial realities of racing, why his first ever World Cup at Fort William lead him to take a year off, and whether it's even possible to compete as a privateer after the recent changes.

We also dive into Roger's new found success on the Red Bull Cerro Abajo circuit, what it takes to go fast on an urban race course, his bike setup secrets, what the future looks like for the wildest series in MTB, Red Bull Hardline and much more...

If you weren't a Roger Vieira fan before watching this podcast then we're sure you will be by the end!

Don't forget https://www.theracecompanion.com is now live! You can sign up and play for FREE to win epic prizes, create leagues with your mates and take your downhill fandom to the next level!

BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors:

- HipLok: Get 20% off the entire store with code RIDECOMPANION20 at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion (Offer excludes DX1000 D lock and AX1000, A1000 anchors)

- Everybody needs a WORX Hydroshot and some power tools, right? Get 15% off all WORX tools at uk.worx.com when you use code THERIDECOMPANION

- Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biking.

Support our long term partners:

- Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb

- Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com

- HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/

- Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html

- Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion:
theracecompanion.com
instagram.com/theracecompanion

- Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION

- Compex: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/

- Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com

- LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co

- HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

Follow

Olly Wilkins
Instagram @odub_23
YouTube @owilkins23

The Ride Companion
Instagram @theridecompanion
YouTube @TheRideCompanion

YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion
Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk

📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact
Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House

#TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast

Sam Reynolds is back in studio for a full DarkFest 2025 debrief! Sam shares behind the scenes stories about building the biggest freeride course on the planet, like the massive new Quarterpipe and the mind blowing progression of riders from this years event. We also talk about why DarkFest is the ultimate mountain bike safe space, how it stays true to the roots of freeride, what it’s like coming home after a week of madness, the future of the event, the Nutty P tradition, unique bike set-ups and Sam also teases out the giant lake jump planned for 2026.

BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors:

- Get 30 days of free cover on us when you sign-up to Laka with code RIDECOMPANION30 at laka.co/the-ride-companion. T&Cs Apply.

- Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at www.oneskin.co/

- Melon’s Kingpin, Alleycat and Alleycat S riding glasses are now available with Vantage photochromic lenses, featuring mirrored coatings and trail optimised tints. They automatically adjust to changing light, look insane, and mean you’ll never need to swap lenses again. Use code THERIDECOMPANION at melonoptics.com to get a FREE lens cleaning kit + a low light lens with your pre-order before May 1st 2025!

Support our long term partners:

- Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb

- Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com

- HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/

- Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html

- Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion:
theracecompanion.com
instagram.com/theracecompanion

- Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION

- Compex: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/

- Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com

- LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co

- HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

Follow

Olly Wilkins
Instagram @odub_23
YouTube @owilkins23

The Ride Companion
Instagram @theridecompanion
YouTube @TheRideCompanion

YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion
Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk

📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact
Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House

#TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast

On this episode of The Ride Companion, Davi talks about his recent Trans Pennine Trail adventure. He shares what it’s really like riding across the UK, the accidental insane setup, the kit he took, and advice for anyone wanting to attempt the ride. The lads also chat about Katy Perry going to space, being featured by Red Bull, Olly riding the new BikePark Wales trail with Rob Warner, Tai Woffinden’s crash, WrestleMania, 50 Shades of Clay, and loads more...


BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors:

- Hiplok Exclusive TRC Offer! Get a FREE Jaw+ compact bike rack & Z Lok security tie with any 1000 Series HipLok purchase (excl. BR1000 bracket). Simply use code THERIDECOMPANION at checkout at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at www.oneskin.co/

- Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biking.

Support our long term partners:

- Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb

- Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com

- HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/

- Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html

- Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion:
theracecompanion.com
instagram.com/theracecompanion

- Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION

- Compex: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/

- Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com

- LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co

- HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

Follow

Olly Wilkins
Instagram @odub_23
YouTube @owilkins23

The Ride Companion
Instagram @theridecompanion
YouTube @TheRideCompanion

YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion
Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk

📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact
Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House

#TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast

It's a full house in the new studio!
Jono Jones and Ben Deakin join Olly and Davi after a long day of filming the new Melon Optics photochromic lens launch video. During the episode the lads talk about the hilarious days filming at Rogate Bike Park, Jono talks about racing the Red Bull Cero Abajo in Mexico, his boxing career, quitting banking to help build the Mavrix video game with brother Matt Jones and Deaks shares his number one piece of advice after 460 races. There's also talk about Rob Warner’s secret hair transplant, Domini's pizza, sea level and loads more...

It's low energy episode due to the long day but we hope you enjoy the hang!


BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors:

- Hiplok Exclusive TRC Offer! Get a FREE Jaw+ compact bike rack & Z Lok security tie with any 1000 Series HipLok purchase (excl. BR1000 bracket). Simply use code THERIDECOMPANION at checkout at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- LIMITED COMPEX OFFER! Get 20% off the Compex Ayre Boots and Fixx Mini with code TRC20 at compex.com/uk/ – available from March 15th to April 30th 2025 only. Recover faster. Ride more...

- Melon’s Kingpin and Alleycat riding glasses are now available with photochromic lenses featuring the Revo coating. They automatically adjust to changing light, look insane, and mean you’ll never need to swap lenses again. Use code THERIDECOMPANION at melonoptics.com to get a FREE lens cleaning kit with your pre-order!

Support our long term partners:

- Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb

- Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com

- HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/

- Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html

- Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion:
theracecompanion.com
instagram.com/theracecompanion

- Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION

- Compex: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/

- Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com

- LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co

- HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

Follow

Olly Wilkins
Instagram @odub_23
YouTube @owilkins23

The Ride Companion
Instagram @theridecompanion
YouTube @TheRideCompanion

YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion
Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk

📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact
Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House

#TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast

We’re back...and in a brand new studio! (building site)

Olly and Davi sit down for a long overdue catch up. Olly shares stories from his Red Bull Cerro Abajo Guanajuato street race build trip, trail adventures in Madeira, and the shock of receiving a ridiculous water bill while he was away.

The lads also chat about the new studio space, ancient pyramids, the Telepathy Tapes, Davi’s holiday, saving old people – and loads more...

BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors:

- Want to take your productivity up a couple of notches!? Magic Mind have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code RIDE20 at checkout. You can claim it at magicmind.com/ride20

- Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biking.

- Hiplok Exclusive TRC Offer! Get a FREE Jaw+ compact bike rack & Z Lok security tie with any 1000 Series HipLok purchase (excl. BR1000 bracket). Simply use code THERIDECOMPANION at checkout at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at oneskin.co/

Support our long term partners:

- Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb

- Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com

- HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/

- Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html

- Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion:
theracecompanion.com
instagram.com/theracecompanion

- Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION

- Compex: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/

- Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com

- LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co

- HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

Follow

Olly Wilkins
Instagram @odub_23
YouTube @owilkins23

The Ride Companion
Instagram @theridecompanion
YouTube @TheRideCompanion

YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion
Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk

📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact
Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House

#TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast

Hang out with Davi live on YouTube to discuss downhill broadcast changes, AI, DarkFest and much more...

- Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at https://www.oneskin.co/

- Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biking.

Support our long term partners:

- Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb

- Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com

- HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/

- Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html

- Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion:
theracecompanion.com
instagram.com/theracecompanion

- Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION

- Compex: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/

- Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com

- LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co

- HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

Follow

Olly Wilkins
Instagram @odub_23
YouTube @owilkins23

The Ride Companion
Instagram @theridecompanion
YouTube @TheRideCompanion

YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion
Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk

📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact
Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House

#TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast

Tahnée Seagrave is on the podcast!
In this episode of The Ride Companion, Tahnée Seagrave reflects on the highs and lows of her career, from five years of injuries and nearly stepping away from racing to rediscovering her love for the sport. She opens up about the mental challenges of recovery, the impact of concussions and burnout, and how self-talk and mindset shifts helped her return to the top.

We also discuss some of the big talking points in downhill racing, including the Speedsuit that debuted in Fort William, the fairness of protected rider status, and whether the new UCI points system is helping women’s MTB. Tahnée also talks about FMD becoming a factory team, the state of women’s downhill, whether junior riders are getting enough time to develop and much more...

Follow Tahnée Seagrave on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tahneeseagrave/

BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors:

- Invisiframe are offering TRC listeners an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF their wide range of PPF kits, decals, bike wash and their new protective coating with code 'theridecompanion' over at invisiframe.co.uk

- Everybody needs a WORX Hydroshot and some power tools, right? Get 15% off all WORX tools at https://uk.worx.com when you use code THERIDECOMPANION

- Hiplok Exclusive TRC Offer! Get a FREE Jaw+ compact bike rack & Z Lok security tie with any 1000 Series HipLok purchase (excl. BR1000 bracket). Simply use code THERIDECOMPANION at checkout at https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

Support our long term partners:

- Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb

- Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com

- HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/

- Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion

- Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html

- Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion:
theracecompanion.com
instagram.com/theracecompanion

- Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION

- Compex: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/

- Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com

- LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co

- HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

Follow

Olly Wilkins
Instagram @odub_23
YouTube @owilkins23

The Ride Companion
Instagram @theridecompanion
YouTube @TheRideCompanion

YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion
Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk

📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact
Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House

#TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast