Zoe Cuthbert is back, joined by Piper and Jasper Albrecht for a full debrief of the 2025 World Cup season. Together, they break down the biggest winners, unexpected breakthroughs, and the moments that defined the year.

The conversation then turns forward to 2026, unpacking new rule changes, evolving team structures, and the riders poised to make waves. To close it out, the crew digs into the upcoming race calendar, blending fresh venues with some of the sport’s most iconic stops.

Reflective, opinionated, and forward-looking; this is your bridge from 2025 into what’s coming next.

In this episode of Dirt Dispatch, host Jacob Willems sits down with Sam Gaze — fresh off a season balancing World Cup mountain biking and the road calendar with Alpecin–Deceuninck.

They dive into the realities of new fatherhood, how golf keeps him grounded, and what it’s like managing the intensity of two disciplines at the highest level. From team dynamics to recovery routines and the shift in mindset that comes with becoming a parent, Sam opens up in a way fans rarely get to hear.

Bjorn Riley joins Piper Albrecht to break down the thrilling finale of the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Series at Mont-Sainte-Anne. From Jenny Rissveds’ dominant win to Samara Maxwell clinching the overall women’s title, they unpack the strategies, surprises, and defining moments that closed out the season. On the men’s side, Christopher Blevins had already wrapped up the overall, but the race still delivered fireworks, highlighted by Charlie Aldridge’s first World Cup victory. They also dive into the short track results, where Evie Richards sealed the overall XCC crown, and reflect on standout rides in the U23 ranks. Whether you're into elite cross-country battles or underdog stories, this recap captures the intensity, grit, and emotion of mountain biking’s season finale.