Deep dive into hot takes, interviews, and inside info on the mountain bike industry.
Keegan Swenson & Tobin Ortenblad – EP10
In this conversation, Austin White and Spencer Rathkamp discuss various topics including their recent experiences, upcoming races, and the state of the mountain bike industry. They also talk about the Red Bull Hardline event and the dangerous jump that was eventually removed. Tobin Ortenblad joins the conversation and shares his experience as a world champion in single-speed cyclocross. They also touch on the rules and regulations of UCI races and Tobin’s transition to gravel racing. The conversation covers the differences between racing cross and gravel, the training schedules for each discipline, and the excitement and challenges of cyclocross racing. The guests discuss the physical demands of cross racing, the explosiveness and speed required, and the importance of volume and cumulative training. They also touch on the changing landscape of professional racing, with younger riders becoming more competitive and the shift towards gravel racing. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the Crusher and the Tusher race and the possibility of Keegan racing cyclocross in the future. The conversation in this part focuses on the dynamics of gravel racing, particularly the challenges faced in races like Unbound. The lack of teamwork and the reluctance to chase breakaways are highlighted as factors that make it difficult to control the race. The importance of conditions, such as mud and technical sections, in breaking up the field is also discussed. The conversation touches on the need for more teammates and the tactics used to try and make breaks stick. The different rulebooks for each race are mentioned, highlighting the unique nature of each event. Keegan and Tobin discuss their dynamic as teammates and how it has evolved over the years. They talk about their experiences racing together, including the Leadville race where they worked together to help Keegan set a record. They also discuss the team dynamics and support they receive from Santa Cruz. Keegan talks about his transition from XC racing to gravel racing and how it has been a new challenge for him. They also mention their involvement in other disciplines like Enduro and Cyclocross. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss upcoming races and their experiences in gravel racing. They mention the Grand Prix, Gravel Nationals, and Gravel Worlds in Belgium. They joke about taking the McTubbin bike to Belgium and breaking up the team. They also talk about their experiences in gravel racing, including tire choices and the intensity of the racing. They discuss the popularity of gravel racing in Europe and the differences between road racing and gravel racing. They also mention their experiences in the USA National Gravel Championships and the challenges they faced during the race. The conversation ends with a discussion about their training and preparation for races. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss Keegan Swenson’s success in cyclocross and his tattoos. They also touch on the sustainability of gravel racing and its appeal to different types of riders. The hosts express their own preferences for mountain biking and discuss the potential challenges and future of the gravel industry. They wrap up the episode with plans for future guests and encourage listeners to follow them on social media.
