After being left without a pro-team ride for 2021, Katy Winton went all in on creating her own programme. We sat down to find out how that panned out over the 2021 season. As we’ve come to expect from Katy, this is an open and honest conversation about the ups and downs of the experience she’s had. We chat about the psychological element of the huge changes that Katy experienced and how she has dealt with it. Hear about the reality of the workload involved in managing a team, training and racing at a high level on the world stage and the impact that had on Katy’s physical and mental health.

This story has a happy ending, with Katy picking up a ride with GT Factory Racing for 2022, and we talk about how that came together and Katy’s thoughts on that programme and what 2022 has to offer. I personally find the grit and determination involved here, as well as the thought, the processes and the support that have made it possible, pretty amazing and I hope you do too, so sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Katy Winton.

You can follow Katy on Instagram @misswinton.

Supporting Partners

Cotic

I've been riding and loving Cotic for a long time, but they aren't just great bikes, they are a great company too. Cotic really are focussed on doing what they can for our sport and our planet. They have made me feel like part of the family and they take that same approach with all their customers.

That customer focus has been really clear during the pandemic. With parts in short supply, Cotic will do everything they can to help you. They offer rolling chassis builds so you can swap over good parts that you have on your current bike. You can even send them parts you’ve sourced and they will build them onto your new bike for you. It really is your bike, built for you. Give them a call and you’ll get to speak to an actual human who will help you through the process of getting your dream build ready to go. The UK manufacturing of their suspension bikes also means that they often have stock when others don’t.

You can check out all that they have to offer by heading over to cotic.co.uk 

Strength Factory

January is a month where tonnes of people are thinking about being fitter, getting leaner, and getting quicker on their bike as a result. Unfortunately, most people bite off more than they can chew and don’t stick with it. But with the Strength Factory’s Over 40s MTB programme it’s not some crazy plan that promises abs in two weeks, this is an achievable 20-week plan for everyone. Designed to fit around the ups and downs that life throws at us, so that you can stick at it, be consistent and see and feel yourself improve.

The programme is written so that you can do it in a gym, but you can also do it at home with just a few resistance bands, so whatever life or covid gives us in 2022, you can keep going and be in the best possible condition when the dry trails return.

So if you want to be better this year, then head over to thestrengthfactory.uk now and check it out

Podcast Stuff

Downtime EP

Downtime EP issue 1 is now available at downtimepodcast.com/ep. EP takes inspiration from the guests and topics of the podcast, expands on them, and takes them into a stunning print-only format. EP is the perfect companion for some quiet time away from the distractions of modern life. Beautiful to have and hold, and a timeless piece of mountain bike history.

Just head over to downtimepodcast.com/ep and you’ll be able to save yourself £5 off of the cover price with an annual subscription for just £20 plus postage.

Merch

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.

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