Alan Milway on adidas Tech, World Cup Politics & the Secret to Going Faster

Alan Milway joins Davi and Olly for an inside look at the Norco x adidas Race Division and the realities of coaching riders at the sharp end of the UCI Downhill World Cup. Alan explains why what feels fast on a downhill bike isn't always fast, how he uses split-screen analysis and trackside timing to improve line choice, and why some elite riders need to slow down to actually go faster. There's also discussion around the tiny margins deciding World Cup qualification, the psychology of missing finals and why more practice could potentially make downhill racing more dangerous. This episode also covers athlete and product development with adidas, F1 inspired technology, changing race lines, mental fatigue, caffeine, junior women being prevented from hitting features, protected riders, privateers and whether World Cup downhill is doing enough to create genuine sporting heroes. Alan also shares the full story of suffering a perforated bowel, undergoing emergency surgery and experiencing some terrifying hallucinations during his recovery. We hope you enjoy this episode! - Don't forget to book your ticket to TRC Live on 31st of July, details here: https://www.haslemerehall.co.uk/sales/genres/events/the-ride-companion---bike-nigh - Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion Episode Sponsors:- - LAKA Insurance: Don't risk it, head to https://laka.co/trc to learn more and get 30 days FREE cover on us! - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ - Feedback Sports: https://feedbacksports.com You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 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