North American DH racers are collectively having their best season in a long time, and Anna Newkirk is a big part of that success, notching her first career win — the first by an American woman in 23 years — and currently sitting fourth in the overall standings.


So we brought Anna back on the show to talk about her phenomenal weekend at Lenderheide, where she qualified first and repeated the result in finals; her injury-interrupted 2025 season and returning to form; managing the pressure of racing, and how to ride at the limit; and a whole lot more.

Note: We Want to Hear From You!

Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

Get Our Free Newsletter & Gear Giveaways

Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+

TOPICS & TIMES:

First career win at Lenzerheide

Qualifying first & the resulting pressure

Knowing when to push vs. aiming for smooth and safe

Qualifying format & changes to World Cup DH

Upcoming Juniors & growing North American momentum

USA Cycling & developing DH racers

Joining Frameworks & the benefits of a factory team

Goals for the rest of 2026

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

The Blister Vault

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

GEAR:30

Blister Podcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör BLISTER. Innehållet i podden är skapat av BLISTER och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.