The NSMB Podcast

Pete, Mike and A.J. dig into the 2027 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup schedule, including its growing European focus, Whistler’s return and the absence of Mont-Sainte-Anne and Fort William. From there, we get into the formats, technology and business decisions shaping the future of mountain biking.
We debate how Hard MTB can translate its multi-discipline racing format to a wider audience, what it would take for 32-inch wheels to catch on, and whether the hype around Avinox motors matches what riders can actually buy. We also discuss the new downhill bikes from Devinci and Norco, the latest Adidas Five Ten shoe redesigns, and what the recent moves at Cannondale and Juliana tell us about the state of the industry.
The 2027 UCI MTB World Cup schedule, its European focus and what that means for global appeal. Whistler’s return, and the absence of Mont-Sainte-Anne and Fort William
Hard MTB: multi-discipline racing, rider versatility and the challenge of reaching a wide audience
32-inch wheels: adoption, packaging, weight and terrain considerations
Canyon’s Spectral:On with the Avinox M2S motor, and why availability matters as much as specifications
Devinci’s new DH bike and announcement of another announcement
Norco’s new DH bike, adjustability and the move toward premium pricing
Adidas Five Ten shoe redesigns, branding reactions and the risks of long product-development cycles
Cannondale’s North American office closure, layoffs and the brand’s future
Santa Cruz bringing Juliana under its own brand, and what representation on equal terms means
Dropbear’s press-fit pins, MSC Moto’s damped stem, a visit to the ER, and trading vehicles

Jordi Cortes is Fox Factory’s Global Race Department Manager, but his path into World Cup downhill wasn’t a straight line. From riding BMX and racing motorcycles to working with metal and solving problems hands-on, Jordi has built a career around understanding how things work and making them better.
I sat down with Jordi to talk about the experiences that led him to work with professional mountain bike athletes, how his varied background has shaped his approach, and what he’s learned along the way.
We also discuss the realities of World Cup racing, including team logistics, split venues, track changes, and the pressure to give a rider every advantage.
Away from racing, we explore how e-bikes, trail access, and changing riding habits are shaping mountain bike culture, drawing on our experiences in places like Squamish and Santa Cruz.

The inaugural Red Bull Hardline B.C. brought some of the world’s best downhill riders to Cypress Mountain for a race that left little room for error. From changing North Shore conditions and brutally technical sections to flats that cost riders their runs, the track kept fighting back. We sit down immediately after finals to break down the racing, Asa Vermette’s winning run, and the moments that shaped the day.
Beyond the results, we get into what it’s like to see this track up close, how the trail crew kept it running, and the challenges of putting on a race of this scale. We also look at the spectator experience and what could make the event even better next time.
The women’s riding was another standout, with Gracey Hemstreet, Lina Frener, and Tayte Proulx-Royds pushing their limits and working through the course’s biggest features. It’s a glimpse of where things are heading, and a reminder that progression doesn’t happen in isolation.
Our immediate reactions and insights from the first Red Bull Hardline B.C., straight from Cypress Mountain.

With the 2026 World Cup downhill season wrapped up, A.J., Mike Ferrentino, and Pete look back on the final two rounds in Whistler and Lake Placid, sharing their experiences and discussing some of the stories that stood out.
We get into how the racing has changed with limited practice and the end of protected-rider status, and what that means for riders trying to find their pace under pressure. A.J. shares his perspective from behind the camera at both events, from the spectator atmosphere in Whistler to the more spread-out viewing at Lake Placid, along with the realities of shooting a World Cup as a photographer.
Mike also talks about getting inside Canyon Factory Racing at Whistler, including the team’s preparation, mechanics, wheel and tire choices, and the logistics that go into getting a World Cup team to the start line. We finish by looking ahead to Hardline and reflecting on where these late-season events fit into the wider racing calendar.
It’s a look back at the final two World Cups from the perspective of those on the ground working behind the scenes.

Whistler just hosted its first-ever UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, and a few hours after the final runs, Pete Roggeman, Mike Ferrentino, Uncle Dave, and Deniz Merdano sat down to unpack the weekend.
We talk about how the new track actually rode, the roots and line choices that punished small mistakes, the huge gaps in the results, and the pressure of racing a World Cup on home soil. We also get into Asa Vermette’s win, Vali Holl’s continued run of form, some spectacular crashes, the junior racing, and the people and machinery behind a modern World Cup team.
Recorded immediately after finals, this is the NSMB crew’s first take on Whistler’s first World Cup downhill.