This week I’m joined by the current UK national champion, KJ Sharp. Last time we talked to KJ on the podcast, she’d well and truly chucked herself into the deep end at the Enduro World Series. Since then, KJ has shifted focus to downhill racing. We chat about her approach to getting up to speed on a DH bike. Find out how KJ changed her training and put together a package to get out there on the DH race scene. We also touch on her challenges with the mental side of the sport. As always, KJ hasn’t messed about and has gone pretty much straight to racing World Cups, taken the UK national title and is selected for this weekend’s world champs in Val di Sole. All in, it’s a pretty inspiring story. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with KJ Sharp.

You can follow KJ on Instagram @kj.sharp.

If you're a female athlete who's interested in getting involved in Robyn's study of the impact of the menstrual cycle on training, then you can drop her an email to robyn.aitkenhead@napier.ac.uk.

Supporting Partners

We Are One Composites

This episode is supported by We Are One Composites. We Are One have been big supporters of what I’m doing from the start, and for that I’m really grateful. They also make amazing carbon fibre wheels which are hand made in Canada. I’m running their Faction 29er rims on my bike, and they look and feel amazing. They’ve managed to find the sweet spot between stiffness and compliance, making a wheel that tracks, but doesn’t feel harsh to ride.

They’ve got a whole line up of products, so there is always something to suit your needs. Head to weareonecomposites.com and check out what they have to offer. If you’re tempted, then as a Downtime listener, they are offering you 15% off rim-only products during August. All you need to do is enter the code ‘wesupply2021‘ at the checkout.

Downtime EP

Downtime EP is nearly here. If, like me, you love the details and can’t get enough of this awesome sport, then Downtime EP is for you. Over the last few months, I’ve been working with the amazing team at Misspent Summers on this exciting new project and we’d love you to be part of it. If you want the chance to get your hands on a very limited edition copy of EP1 at special early bird pricing, then head over to downtimepodcast.com/ep and leave your name and email address. We’ll be in touch really soon to tell you more.

Podcast Stuff

My 2021 Spring/Summer merch is here, including our first ever recycled t-shirts. If you want to support the podcast, and represent, then my webstore is the place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that's using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop.

Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments.

For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast.

Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to subscribe. It’s free and means you’ll get every episode delivered to your device as soon as it’s available. You'll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe. You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. While you're there, why not join our newsletter, to get our Weekend Warm-Up email every Friday, full of interesting bike-related stuff, competitions, product recommendations and more.

Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes