In this episode, we sit down with cycling icon John Tomac to explore the evolution of mountain biking through the lens of one of its most influential pioneers.

Tomac reflects on his early days in BMX racing and his transition into the emerging world of mountain biking in the 1980s. He shares what it was like competing in the sport’s formative years — when organized racing was just taking shape — and how innovation, experimentation, and raw competitive drive defined the era. From running drop bars on mountain bikes to pushing technical boundaries, Tomac carved out a unique path that helped shape the sport’s identity.

The conversation dives into the development of gravel bikes before they were even called “gravel,” the creation of the Tomac signature bike, and his time racing with powerhouse teams like Yeti Cycles and Giant. He discusses cultural contrasts between American and European road racing, the challenges of doping in the professional peloton, and how financial incentives influenced racing dynamics throughout the 90s.