Mountain biker on a steep trail in the Dolomites, showcasing thrilling downhill action, possibly related to Kilian Bron's adventures. Mountain Bike United.

DOLOMITES | A Film by Kilian Bron

Alexi Hall

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Kilian Bron|6 February 2025

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In “DOLOMITES,” Kilian Bron opens a new chapter, sharing his unique vision of mountain biking. More than just capturing stunning landscapes, the film offers a deep exploration of the Dolomites through the eyes of Kilian, his team, and the locals they encounter. It’s a human and athletic adventure where Kilian pushes his limits, navigating a terrain that demands precision and leaves no room for error.

“DOLOMITES” invites viewers to experience the raw beauty of this remarkable region. More than a documentary, it’s a reflective journey into time, history, and nature, guided by Kilian and his crew.

Cyclist wearing helmet and jersey labeled
Kilian Bron conversing with a local in the Dolomites, surrounded by mountainous landscape, emphasizing adventure and nature exploration. Mountain Bike United.

Featured rider

Kilian Bron

Kilian Bron is a professional enduro/freeride mountain biker for the Intense Mavic Collective and acts as media manager for his own team and some partners. Bron spends his seasons focusing on media projects and enduro-downhill races.


Mountain biking at sunset on a rugged Scottish hillside, featured in Scotty's Scotland Showcase Season 2. Scenic adventure landscape. Mountain Bike United.

Scotty's Scotland Showcase Season 2

Alexi Hall

Scotty Laughland|29 January 2025

Discover all episodes below

The first-ever short-film series is titled ‘Scotty’s Scotland Showcase.’ Scotty Laughland, who lives in Scotland and rides a Scott, presents this showcase.

Scotty’s Scotland Showcase Season 2 follows the initial season, which showcased favorite trails and riding locations. This time, things are done a little differently, bringing viewers along on a journey of discovery.

In this season, there are highs and lows, with rideable and less rideable sections of trail, along with struggles, drama, and challenges related to timing, unpredictable weather, and energy levels. Crashes add to the unprecedented challenge of documenting and exploring the untamed beast that is singletrack.

Episode 1: The Best Local Lap – The Home Trail MTB Tour

A journey of discovery begins at home, showcasing where Scotty Laughland’s MTB story started by highlighting his home trails. The daily track is a 10km loop featuring a little bit of everything: technical climbing, fast descents, root chutes, jumps, berms, and natural sections of trail. This mini MTB paradise includes Dumyat, a central-Scotland staple known for its volcanic rock features and views across Scotland and onto the Highland fault line.

Episode 2: Scotland’s Best Kept MTB Singletrack? The Trossachs

Just around the corner from home lies Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, boasting over 1,800 square kilometres of lakes and mountainous forests featuring some of the most rugged terrain in Scotland. The adventure starts with a summit of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro. From start to finish, there are incredible 360-degree views. The descent is rough and ‘chonky’ but becomes fun once the flow is found.

In Scotland, there are two distinct types of mountains: Munros and Corbetts. A Munro is a Scottish mountain with an elevation of more than 3,000 feet (914 meters), while a Corbett is a Scottish mountain with an elevation of between 2,500 and 3,000 feet (762 and 914 meters). Some of these mountains provide amazing descents, while others do not.

Next on the list is a Corbett called the Cobbler, characterized by its jagged peak and enormous straight rocky spine, making it a peculiar-looking mountain—not one that would typically be considered for biking. The path to the summit is so tough that the bike has to be used as an anchor to pull up. Dropping in proves technical and difficult, resembling a long trial section. One line is ridden, and the most incredible rock slab is spotted, turning into a true highlight.

Further exploration of the National Park includes riding Stùc a’ Chròin, Ben More, Ben Ghlas, Ben Lawers, and discovering the up-and-coming riding spot of Balquidder. The full episode will reveal which trails worked and which did not.

Episode 3: Taking a Train to the Trails and Sleeping in the Mountains

How does one define epic? For this journey, it is a two-day route covering 100km of singletrack with over 2,000 meters of ascent and descent.

Starting at Bridge of Orchy, the team boards a train for a 40-minute ride to Corrour Railway Station, the highest and most remote railway station in the United Kingdom.

The path to Leum Ulliem, a Corbett, begins clearly but soon becomes tricky, requiring some bog bashing. Eventually, the summit is reached, offering the most incredible views across Glencoe, the Mamores, and the Cairngorms.

That night, sleeping in the mountains brings some unexpected challenges. Having somewhat underestimated the route for Day 1, the team arrives at the campsite soaked and in the dark of midnight.

After 5.5 hours of rest, they wake before sunrise to head up to the summit of Binnein Mòr. Riding the ridgeline provides epic shots beneath the wispy clouds. The real challenge begins with technical hike-a-bikes across loose terrain and high-consequence exposure, followed by long, challenging descents. Upon reaching the valley floor, exhaustion sets in, leaving just enough energy to ride back to Fort William.

Episode 4: The Most Incredible and Beautiful Mountain Bike Ride in Scotland

It’s amazing what can be accomplished in a day—the places that can be reached, the corners that can be explored. This mission involves 45km with more than 1,000 meters of climbing and descending through some of the most deserted and wild sections of Scotland.

The first highlight of the route is Shenavall Bothy, a mountainside refuge providing shelter from both weather and midges. For those unfamiliar, midges are small insects native to Scotland, known for their relentless bites.

Upon reaching the highest point, the view down the valley reveals endless layers of mountain summits with a ribbon of singletrack weaving through. The descent is undeniably incredible and continues to improve, being fun, flowy, and fast all the way down to the infamous Causeway. This one-day epic is one of those rides that should be on any MTB rider’s bucket list—something truly special.

Episode 5: Discovering Scotland’s Last Great Wilderness by Bike and Boat

Wilderness is where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

Starting in the coastal village of Mallaig, the journey to Shiel Bridge spans more than three days of bike packing. Day 1 involves accessing the eastern peninsula of Loch Nevis, where a boat shuttles the team to the far end of the Loch. From there, a short ride leads to the first night’s stopover in Sourlies Bothy.

Waking up on Day 2 includes an up-and-over mission to the most remote pub in the UK, accessible only by boat or, in this case, a 3-hour trek through the mountains. Arriving in Inverie, there’s a small cafe, a shop for necessary provisions, and the pub: The Old Forge.

The final day promises to be a big one—an estimated nine hours in the saddle covering 50km and 1,500 meters of climbing and descending. The day starts well, with good headway made through tough terrain, including a fun first descent along the edge of Loch Hourn. The last portion of this route involves traveling through incredible landscapes before returning to ‘civilization.’ This had been a true off-the-grid adventure from start to finish!

Episode 6: The Road Trip, Skye, Raasay, and Harris

The Western Isles of Scotland are relatively unknown for mountain biking. While there are no established mountain bike trails, a network of mountain paths connects villages and abandoned settlements, creating opportunities for incredible raw mountain bike riding.

The Isle of Skye serves as the base for this trip, with Portree providing all the necessary amenities. Its central location allows for easy exploration of the island. The team rides the Sligachan Path and the Old Man of Storr.

Raasay, a small island off Skye’s northwestern coast, presents a brilliant micro-adventure for a day trip. After boarding the first ferry and landing, they stop off at the distillery to sample some Scotch before pedaling up the tarmac road to the path leading up Dùn Caan, the highest mountain of the island.

The ascent is relatively easy, and upon reaching the summit, breathtaking views of the mainland and surrounding islands are rewarded. The descent features a mix of technical riding and fast, flowy sections, allowing the team to make it down just in time to catch the last boat back as the sun sets beyond Skye.

The final island to explore is the Isle of Harris, reached by a stunning two-hour journey from Skye. After docking in Tarbert, the adventure continues along the Postman’s Path, a route once trodden by the villagers of Rhenigidale, now seeing less traffic since the construction of the tarmac road in 1990. The views are jaw-dropping, with a trail that matches the scenery. Tight, technical, and steep switchbacks lead down to a beach. The ride to the village passes through abandoned settlements and along the coastline. Once in Rhenigidale, there’s just one thing left: the return ride, replicating the journey made by the Postie.

Routes like these require experience, preparation, and planning. It is essential to always carry the necessary equipment and to respect the places where riding occurs.

Featured rider

Scotty Laughland

Scotty Laughland is a professional mountain biker, content creator, adventurer and one of the most rounded mountain bike riders in the industry.


Mountain biker navigating trail, showcasing Finn Iles Swapping Lines technique, surrounded by forest terrain. Mountain Bike United.

Riding with Finn Iles in Swapping Lines Episode 3

Alexi Hall

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Stefan Garlicki|26 January 2025

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In Episode 3 of Swapping Lines, Stefan Garlicki heads to the legendary Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Canada to ride with one of mountain biking’s most stylish and daring athletes, Finn Iles. Known for his bold moves and smooth technique, Finn brings an electric energy to this episode as the duo takes on the park’s world-renowned trails.

Whistler’s epic terrain sets the stage for some incredible riding. From fast, flowy runs to technical sections packed with roots and drops, every trail pushes both riders to their limits. The park’s stunning alpine backdrop only adds to the thrill, making every turn and jump even more spectacular.

This episode isn’t just about the action on the trails. Stefan and Finn share candid moments, swapping stories about racing, training, and what keeps them passionate about the sport. Their shared camaraderie and love for riding shine through, giving viewers a closer look at the personalities behind the bikes.

Featured rider

Stefan Garlicki

Stefan Garlicki is a three-time South African national downhill champion with a racing career that spans motocross, 4X, BMX, and downhill biking.


Kilian Bron cycling near Fuego volcano eruption, showcasing adventure sports and extreme biking against a fiery backdrop. Mountain Bike United.

FUEGO | An Adventure Film by Kilian Bron

Alexi Hall

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Kilian Bron|22 January 2025

Words and images below

“Kilian Bron and his team are back with a new visual spectacle! From Guatemala to Peru via Bolivia, for two months the dream team scoured the most beautiful spots to make amazing memories and bring back breathtaking images.

From their arrival at the foot of the FUEGO volcano the day before its historic eruption, to the colourful facades of Barrio Chualluma in La Paz, through the geological formations of the Valle de las Animas and the contrasts of the Auzangate, without forgetting meeting with the Cholitas Escaladoras women from the Aymaras indigenous community who climb and conquer summits! Kilian has been meeting these people and experiencing the craziest spots on his COMMENCAL META SX.

An ode to escape and adventure travel, FUEGO is a new masterpiece, and Kilian and his team hold the secret…”

Mountain biking action on rugged terrain with rider in turquoise gear. FUEGO Kilian Bron extreme sports. Dust clouds trailing bike tires. Mountain Bike United.
Mountain biker at volcano edge, wearing helmet and glasses. Adventure sport. Riding in challenging terrain. FUEGO Kilian Bron experience. Mountain Bike United.

Credits

Rider: Kilian Bron
Directed by: Kilian Bron & Pierre Henni
Film: Pierre Henni & Mathieu Ruffray
Edit: Pierre Henni
Music: Léo Lunel
Photography: JB Liautard
Drone FPV: Pierre Dupont – Cinematic Flow
Skier: Victor Broquedis

Featured rider

Kilian Bron

Kilian Bron is a professional enduro/freeride mountain biker for the Intense Mavic Collective and acts as media manager for his own team and some partners. Bron spends his seasons focusing on media projects and enduro-downhill races.


Mountain biker in helmet riding through a forest, showcasing skills in Greg Minnaar Swapping Lines technique. Mountain Bike United.

Greg Minnaar in Swapping Lines Episode 2

Alexi Hall

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Stefan Garlicki|19 January 2025

Words and exclusive Greg Minnaar interview below

Swapping Lines Episode 2 takes us to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where Stefan Garlicki teams up with one of mountain biking’s all-time greats: Greg Minnaar. Known as the “GOAT” of downhill biking, Greg brings his legendary skills and hometown knowledge to this action-packed episode.

The duo tackles the iconic Pietermaritzburg course, a track that’s seen countless historic races. With its mix of flowing sections, technical drops, and fast-paced descents, it’s the perfect backdrop for these two South African riders to show off their unique styles.

What makes this episode stand out isn’t just the riding—it’s the connection between Stefan and Greg. Sharing stories from their racing careers and discussing the evolution of the sport, they offer a personal look at what it means to ride at the highest level. In an exclusive interview, Greg opens up about his new team, his plans for the future, and the challenges of staying at the top of his game after decades in the sport.

Featured rider

Stefan Garlicki

Stefan Garlicki is a three-time South African national downhill champion with a racing career that spans motocross, 4X, BMX, and downhill biking.


Mountain biker on forest trail, showcasing The Next Frontier of adventure sports. Featuring scenic background, relevant to Hans Rey's themes. Mountain Bike United.

The Next Frontier | Hans Rey

Alexi Hall

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Hans Rey|15 January 2025

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What would you say are the greatest innovations in Mountain-biking?

Most would agree the invention of full suspension, then there is the dropper seat post; in more recent times we have purpose-built trails and bike parks and of course; e-bikes.

Hans Rey has been a huge advocate for both purpose-built trails and e-bikes, to him this is the next level of fun with boundless possibilities, and he feels strongly that developments have opened up the sport to far more people than ever before, of all ages and demographics. They have made mountain biking inclusive to families, the young, the old, people with physical challenges as well as those that already love the sport.

Mountain biker traversing rocky terrain with a scenic backdrop, highlighting
Mountain biker on forest trail, showcasing The Next Frontier of adventure sports. Featuring scenic background, relevant to Hans Rey's themes. Mountain Bike United.

Before purpose-built trails, people were grateful for a hiking trail or fire road where they were tolerated, but sharing trails has its limits. Now there are trails for all level of riders, entry level to allow novices to find their feet and learn basic skill sets, then more technical trails for those that want to shred. But they must be built properly, sustainably so they don’t erode with use and abuse, safe and predictable, so there are be no nasty surprises. Riders can relax and emerge into the flow and have fun.

World Trail lead by Glen Jacobs has built some of the best trail networks in the world. An old friend of Hans, Glen invited him to get a taste of his latest European venture creating a cycling Utopia at Hogevarde, Norway.

Norway is a land of lakes, fjords and mountains, houses with roofs that look like wildflower meadows….and  Vikings. To the north is the arctic circle and closer to the south of the country is Fjell Park trail centre at Hogevarde in the Hallingdale valley. It is here with its expanding trail network, and for now, lacking an uplift that Hans found the e-bike perfect for climbing the mountain without any pain, to then be able to enjoy a huge network of trails. Berms, rollers and flow carved through the natural landscape of pine trees, stream crossings and huge granite boulders that become part of the experience. Whatever the World Trail crew build is both eye candy and ride candy.

Hogevarde itself is an example of a relatively new concept in mountain biking, it is a community that is very much geared towards bikers needs and desires. Not just to visit, but a community where people want to live and work. Although a ski resort, they put summer first, this means mountain bikes first.

We have seen examples like this with Blue Derby in Tasmania and Oztrails in Bentonville, Arkansas. This town is being developed in an environmentally sympathetic way to become a community for like-minded people who just love to ride.

Pedalling up the mountain in “trail mode” Hans was also putting his new GT e-Force with Shimano EP801 drive unit through its paces, this system has more power and torque, it is smoother and lighter than before. What he is really excited about is putting the Free Shift and Auto Shift to the test.

Free Shift technology enables you to change gear multiple times without pedalling; and Auto Shift intuitively knows when a gear change is necessary by tracking the cadence and torque.” Hans explained. To demonstrate Hans rides uphill no handed, you can hear the gears switching, but he isn’t doing a thing with his hands. “It’s like an automatic car.” He says. There is a lot of adjustability with the E-Tube App to customise the system to a rider’s style and needs.

Once at the top Hans notices a giant rock and since he loves to “play” on his e-bike, pushing his skills, he had to climb and then roll it.

“I really am impressed with the Linkglide drivetrain”, said Hans. “It is strong and robust, it enables me to change gears smoothly even under high torque, which for my kind of riding is invaluable.”

We drop and roll down the flowy trails, the scenery is exquisite, the dirt is smooth, the A and B lines offer options for every level of rider…you want to wall ride the rock face? Sure, go ahead. You want to ride along the top and gently roll down, you can do that too, or hit a jump to the side.

The following day Glen Jacobs joined us and invited us to meet the trail building crew and test the next super trail, still under construction called Blueberry Jam, a 16Km trail that starts at the resort and ends in the valley below.

Named after the wild berries that grow prolifically here, the flow is endless, except when it’s not because of the tumble of boulders beside the water fall that Glen promises will be a “blue trail” when finished. Right now, we struggle to clamber over these massive rocks at the construction site, struggling with our bikes and what Glen describes seems unimaginable. But having said that, we have seen what they achieved at other places, so we don’t doubt him.

To be honest, it was hard work making our way down kilometres of work in progress, the recent rain meant lots of mud and bugs, it was squelchy under foot and sections were unrideable…. Unless you are Hans. But then out of the blue a mirage appeared. The most perfect, beautiful berms like a serpent sprawled on the landscape. Golden, groomed and smooth, with rollers between and endless flow. This was a giant pump track that only nature could provide, with the skilled help of the builders. Riding this already finished section was worth the bug bites.

The next day meant time for the big adventure, a backcountry tour from Hogevarde village up to the summit of Hogevarde mountain (1,459m), From the top we are afforded a vista that displays just how beautiful Norway is, they say on a clear day you can see 15% of the country from here. We rode along the rocky ridge, hung with the reindeer, had lunch in a hut, dodged a storm, did the big descent and took a ride home in a boat along the fjord. Actually, not really a fjord, but it looks like one and the locals affectionately call it that. It was an epic ride, an amazing day and having e-bikes made it more viable.

There is already a trail network in the region, Hallingdale Rides consisting of 6 bike resorts scattered along a long valley. Nesbyen is one of them, a short drive from Hogevarde, the small town has infrastructure firmly established for bikers, bicycle friendly breweries, bike shops and rentals, coffee shops, bike wash, shuttles and of course plenty of trails. This centre for biking compliments Hogevarde adding variety and miles more opportunity to shred and it was a perfect destination to conclude our Norwegian adventure. Skoll!

Featured rider

Hans Rey

Hans Rey’s legendary trials career has spanned two decades, taking him all over the globe on his adventures. He has documented these travels over the years with his wife/photographer Carmen.


Cyclist in Canyon CLLCTV gear from Factory XC Team with bold Canyon branding in the background, representing Jenny Rissveds. Mountain Bike United.

Jenny Rissveds Canyon CLLCTV Factory XC Team

Alexi Hall

Canyon|8 January 2025|3 Minutes
Cyclist in Canyon CLLCTV gear from Factory XC Team with bold Canyon branding in the background, representing Jenny Rissveds. Mountain Bike United.

At Mountain Bike United, we celebrate the stories that inspire us to ride. That’s why we’re excited to share the news of Jenny Rissveds joining the Canyon CLLCTV Factory XC Team for the 2025 season.

Jenny’s journey is nothing short of legendary. From winning gold at the Rio Olympics to her many World Cup victories, she has defined what it means to be a champion. But it’s her passion for riding and determination to race on her own terms that make her story so inspiring.

“Joining the Canyon CLLCTV is a huge opportunity for me,” says Jenny. “I’ve been riding bikes for so long now, but I still feel like there is so much for me to learn and so many ways to improve. I’m really happy about this new chapter of my career.”

Jenny joins a team that blends experience with fresh talent. Alongside seasoned riders like Luca Schwarzbauer and Thomas Griot, rising stars Valentina Corvi and Noa Filippi bring exciting energy to the roster. With this mix of leadership and potential, the Canyon CLLCTV Factory XC Team is ready for an unforgettable season.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome Jenny to the Canyon family,” says Team Manager Sébastien Francois. “Her incredible career and fearless approach to racing align perfectly with our mission to support riders at the very top of the sport.”

At Mountain Bike United, stories like Jenny’s reflect what makes mountain biking special: the joy of riding, the spirit of community, and the drive to explore new possibilities. Whether you’re chasing podiums or riding just for fun, every journey matters.

Here’s to Jenny and her new adventure with Canyon. Let her story inspire your next ride!

Catch Jenny and the Canyon CLLCTV Factory XC Team on Instagram at @cllctv_mtb as they take on the 2025 season.

And don’t forget, Mountain Bike United is here to connect you with everything MTB. Find trails, join events, and celebrate the love of riding. Download the Mountain Bike United app today!

Cyclist with Canyon bike, wearing Canyon CLLCTV Factory XC Team jersey, possibly representing Jenny Rissveds. Mountain Bike United.

Mountain biker navigates steep terrain near a lake, showcasing cross country adventure and skill. Explore outdoor thrills with Kilian Bron. Mountain Bike United.

Cross Countries | A Film by Kilian Bron

Alexi Hall

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Kilian Bron|2 January 2025

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Kilian Bron has always dreamed of getting lost in the great outdoors, both in the mountains and in desert landscapes. On paper, the continent of North America is the ideal place.

All the areas Kilian has been able to develop on so far have been a digest of what he discovered in the United States and Canada. To introduce them, he finds it interesting to compare them with his other adventures. The dense forests of British Columbia are an evolution of his riding spots at home. In a completely different style, the slabs of this same region remind him of other granite lines in the Namibian desert. The buildings as far as the eye can see in the heart of Manhattan are a new experience, but the encounters made on the spot with the ‘Bikelife’ crew are the purpose and main objective that fuel Kilian’s passion for bikes.

Night camping with a bike under a starry sky, featuring tents near a large tree. Ideal for cross countries adventure with Kilian Bron. Mountain Bike United.

The goal is always to share Kilian’s sometimes quirky vision of cycling in unusual environments that he tries to sublimate as he evolves there. It is a real artistic approach, adapting to what’s there and adding his means of expression, which is most often on the bike.

For years now, Kilian has based his vision of mountain biking around unusual and visually impressive places, mainly far from bike parks and trail centres. All these places fascinate him, as do the encounters along the way, without forgetting the production work that runs alongside a film like this. Let’s be realistic; it’s essential to play on all these points to offer content that stands out while adapting to the constraints of each shoot.

In Europe, there is an incredible chance to express oneself and practice the sport almost everywhere. One can still ride off the beaten track, pretty much without any constraints. In Kilian’s opinion, this freedom of movement and this vision of the sport that has driven him from the start is different on the American continent. This state of mind extends to Kilian’s very view of adventure and expedition, which cannot happen if he stays within too much of a framework or a space defined in advance. From his passion for cycling to the discovery of new places, Kilian’s message is also to defend this concept through these words or the artistic approach outlined above. He expresses himself by proposing this, sometimes breaking the rules and playing on his ideas, as long as they make sense.

Today, Kilian is starting to fight to preserve this freedom in the heart of the mountains. An approach that sometimes becomes political but that requires a lot of dialogue so that the next generation can take advantage of this freedom and express themselves in turn as Kilian was able to do.

In Canada and the United States, Kilian found the right balance to creatively express himself on these unusual spots. He put more emphasis on the other areas of creativity, such as the sequence of various spots in radically different settings or a bit of scripting of a few American clichés, obviously to be taken in jest.

Kilian particularly appreciated the organisation of communities and associations, which are much more developed than in France, for example. He is generalising, but it’s still a reality in a large part of the country. He didn’t say anything new here, but it is certainly a great example to follow. THANKS!

Kilian also ramped up his riding again, which differs from his average daily life where he rarely exceeds 10 km/h on most of the alpine paths he rides. On the other hand, he absolutely wanted to use the most versatile mountain bike possible. A COMMENCAL T.E.M.P.O. (140/125mm) is effective both when pedalling and when descending. This is the simple definition of Kilian’s mountain biking, where a single bike allows him to express himself in every way. He can try flipping a freeride line and then pedal back up each zone, or nearly!
Kilian doesn’t define himself as an endurist, nor as a downhiller or a freerider. He is just a mountain biker who gets creative with his favourite bike. The one with which he can venture into all areas and places unknown. In this case, crossing the USA and part of Canada with his very personal vision of trail riding turned into “Cross Countries” as the title!

This video also marks the end of an era. It was one that involved restricting himself to producing these “signature” 3 to 6-minute edits. Lately, Kilian has also offered books, podcasts, and interviews, in addition to classic edits for social networks.

Many thanks to COMMENCAL USA and COMMENCAL Canada, who thoroughly played the game to help Kilian and make this project a reality.

Since “FUEGO,” Kilian and his team have also focused their efforts on a documentary complementary to the main edit, which will be available soon. The logical continuation consists simply of associating this documentary part with the short format in the same video. As with each project, Kilian addresses different societal or environmental topics. Wherever possible with this documentary format, he wants to encourage the audience to become aware of these issues so that the action sequences on the bike become real rewards.

Cyclist performs a wheelie in an urban group ride, highlighting cross countries biking excitement inspired by Kilian Bron's adventures. Mountain Bike United.

Bikelife

“The Bikelife movement has always impressed Kilian! He had been following Jae Milez (@jaemilez ) for quite a while on Instagram, and that’s how they ended up connecting. Jae’s thing is to ride without a front wheel! He animates the local community and organises a lot of events in NYC. He comes from the Bronx, where Bikelife is a means of expression. The community welcomed Kilian and his crew so well. They followed them through different boroughs of New York until they ended up at a rasso with 400 very hot riders—it’s a great memory.”

Grand Junction

Kilian discovered Grand Junction a few years ago after coming for Interbike. The slab he rides where J.B. is disguised as a speed officer is part of the local trail network. It’s 100% natural, and Kilian loves it. It’s a meeting of the human shape and the terrain at the service of mountain biking.

Mountain biker performing a jump in stunning landscape, showcasing Cross Countries skills. Kilian Bron style, extreme mountain biking action. Mountain Bike United.

Squamish

Squamish was crazy! Kilian connected with Matt Bolton (@matt_boltz ), a local pro rider and shaper. He welcomed Kilian and offered him the opportunity to ride the trail he made with his friends: Jurassic Five. They also rode on the alpine trails of the region. There is monstrous potential in terms of natural trails. Kilian particularly appreciated the emulation of the local community. They stick together and constantly push the sport forward.

Kilian Bron performs a mountain bike stunt in rocky terrain, showcasing extreme cross-country cycling skills. Mountain Bike United.

Sedona

Kilian landed in Sedona thanks to Alex Petitdemange, aka The Red Mountain Goat, a Frenchy who has been living in Sedona for a while and with whom Kilian talked a lot. They rode with Alex’s friend Lars Romig (@mountainmongo ). They opened an incredible number of challenging lines in Sedona. Here again, the terrain naturally lends itself to mountain biking.

Pemberton

Kilian went at the same time as Caleb Holonko and Daniel Shaw… They had just raised the kick of the train gap by a meter and a half so that it could go into a flip. For Kilian, they represent the new generation of freeride.

Hawaii

Honolulu was to mark the end of filming with a week’s vacation afterward. Unfortunately, Kilian’s photographer J.B. pulverised his heel after a bad fall during location scouting. They turned their plans upside down to ensure that he was taken care of and repatriated in the best way.

Featured rider

Kilian Bron

Kilian Bron is a professional enduro/freeride mountain biker for the Intense Mavic Collective and acts as media manager for his own team and some partners. Bron spends his seasons focusing on media projects and enduro-downhill races.


Taste of Colombia | Scotty Laughland

Alexi Hall

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Scotty Laughland|26 December 2024

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Sipping on his morning coffee one morning, Scotty thought, “How does this coffee get to my cup?”

Adventure is different for everyone. For Scotty Laughland, it’s about new experiences and discovering different cultures. Colombia had always been a place of interest, and one morning, while pulling a shot of espresso, he became curious about where the very coffee he was about to drink came from, the process of creating it, and the mountain bike scene there.

Scotty and his group flew into Bogotá and spent the next seven hours crossing the country to their starting point in Armenia. He was instantly amazed by the size of the mountains and the diversity of the landscape—passing through deserts, thick forests of pine, and vibrant green vegetation with towering ferns. Upon arrival, it was straight to building the bikes; the excitement to ride was palpable. While there was still some uncertainty about what the trails would be like, their team of local riders assured them they wouldn’t be disappointed.

Man enjoying scenic Colombian landscape from a colorful balcony, highlighting the Taste of Colombia with Scotty Laughland experience. Mountain Bike United.
Sunset over Bogotá skyline, capturing the essence of Taste of Colombia. Scenic view perfect for Scotty Laughland's adventure backdrop. Mountain Bike United.

Their tires touched down at an altitude of 3,200 meters and they finished at 1,500 meters on the valley floor in Calarcá. The terrain exceeded expectations, starting in the open, descending along ridge-lines, and dropping into gullies of pine needles that provided incredible grip, making it feel as though they were floating. They dove into deep jungle-like vegetation, encountering muddy dirt and flowing trails. Suddenly, the pace would change as the ground became wet and slippery, making it almost impossible to brake for turns while sliding and hoping to find traction to navigate the corners.

It wasn’t long before they visited their first coffee farm, located midway down a trail. This small holding was run by a husband and wife who picked and processed everything themselves, living for and from coffee. They even dried the beans on the roof of their house. Life here was different; the nearest water well was 500 meters away, and they lived 200 meters below the nearest road. They learned that Bernado used to ride his bike down to his farm but now hitchhiked and walked. It was clear the impact this lifestyle had on him; it was challenging, physically demanding, and not particularly rewarding. Despite the hardships, they were welcomed warmly, offered homemade lemonade and freshly brewed coffee from their own beans.

Street art in Colombia showcasing vibrant graffiti with a person walking by. Keywords: Taste of Colombia, Scotty Laughland, colorful murals. Mountain Bike United.
Mountain biker riding a trail overlooking a Colombian cityscape, highlighting the

Salento was the next stop, a colourful, vibrant, and welcoming town. The group shuttled to a high point of 3,600 meters off-road, where the trails were well-built and shaped with jumps, drops, and berms interspersed with flowing singletrack. They rode through farmyards and deep canyons, eventually returning to their starting point. They also had the opportunity to explore the town, and playing Tejo at a local bar was a highlight. This traditional Colombian throwing game involved hitting a target with a 1.1 kg lump of steel, resulting in an explosive bang that echoed through the bar.

The next coffee farm was different. Although it was the end of the season, they went out to find the pickers on the hill. Situated at around 1,400 meters, the humidity was a surprising first impression. The plants were tightly packed, and Scotty could feel the sweat dripping off him. They learned about the careful attention and love that goes into picking each piece of fruit, which is just one part of the process—each fruit must be peeled, separated, and dried before being sold and shipped worldwide. The farmers worked hard, starting at 6 a.m. and spending the day in the plantations. The challenging terrain was steep and slippery, with relentless mosquitoes; every time they picked a berry, they seemed to awaken more. Under the hot sun, Scotty picked around 1 to 1.5 kilograms of berries in thirty minutes. Pickers were paid by weight rather than by the hour, and this haul wouldn’t even have brought home a dollar. He finished his short shift with a newfound appreciation, albeit covered in mosquito bites and sporting a swollen red face.

Scotty Laughland explores a Colombian workshop, highlighting mechanical expertise and the cultural Taste of Colombia experience. Mountain Bike United.
Cyclist performs a wheelie in a vibrant Colombian street, showcasing local culture. Taste of Colombia, Scotty Laughland ambiance. Mountain Bike United.

Manizales was dubbed the bike capital of Colombia, and it was easy to see why. Streets lined with bike shops and happy commuters created a vibrant atmosphere, and in the main central park, an array of bike trails featured jumps, berms, and natural features used in the 2018 EWS. They dropped into the forest, tackling big compressions, flowing around well-built berms, and hitting tabletops, which made for a fun, easily lapable trail that kept them wanting more runs. They then moved to a mountain overlooking the city, where the trails offered three purpose-built enduro/downhill runs with sizeable features that flowed exceptionally well.

Colombians drink coffee differently. Most high-quality beans are exported, leaving them with what are classified as “poorer” beans. To make it drinkable, they often add sugarcane, which grows abundantly in the wet and humid Colombian climate. Mules are used to transport the sugarcane, and their trampled tracks through steep hills create perfect winding ribbons of singletrack. Water erosion had washed away the top clay layer, leaving soft, sandy, and perfect dirt that whipped up as riders hit each turn.

Cyclist navigating a muddy trail in Colombia's lush landscape, showcasing an adventurous Taste of Colombia experience. Mountain Bike United.
Scotty Laughland explores a rural area in Colombia by mountain bike, engaging with a local. Discover the authentic taste of Colombia adventure. Mountain Bike United.

Santa Bárbara was the penultimate stop of the trip, nestled in the Antioquia region of Colombia, known for producing some of the finest coffee beans in the world. The bike trails were equally impressive, featuring long stretches with a perfect mix of technical and flowing terrain winding through the jungle. They passed mango trees, where farmers were hand-picking fruit during harvest season—a sight Scotty had never seen before. The meticulous work that went into collecting each mango was impressive; all were gently placed into baskets for transportation by mules. The mountainside briefly opened up, and they rode one of the best series of natural switchbacks Scotty had ever encountered. The banked corners were perfectly spaced, offering just the right amount of grip to lean into, and the views showcased coffee plantations, dense jungle, and spine-like ridge-lines. They descended into the forest, arriving at the valley floor over an hour later.

The trip concluded in Medellín, where they experienced the cultural transformation of Comuna 13. The bright, vibrant colours mirrored the kindness and welcoming spirit of the Colombians they had met throughout their journey. The trails at this last stop were consistent with the rest of the trip, situated above the city and offering expansive views of Medellín. The ground was hard-baked, making for fast trails where riders could push their limits. One particular section was described as MTB perfection—riders could drop into a gully and bounce from turn to turn, flowing and building momentum. Scotty and his companions realised that they had only scratched the surface of Colombian mountain biking, leaving them eager for more adventures in this incredible country.

Featured rider

Scotty Laughland

Scotty Laughland is a professional mountain biker, content creator, adventurer and one of the most rounded mountain bike riders in the industry.


Moving The Needle Podcast with Jamie Read discusses MTB fitness secrets. Two hosts with microphones appear on the cover image. Mountain Bike United.

Moving The Needle Podcast EP143 Jamie Read

Alexi Hall

Andrew Neethling|22 December 2024

Are you ready to take your riding game to the next level? In the latest Moving The Needle Podcast with Andrew Neethling, we sit down with Jamie Read from Athlete Optimisation—a high-performance MTB coach who’s worked with top-tier pros and passionate amateurs alike. With a background in the British Army, sports conditioning, and now studying for a Master’s in Sports and Performance Coaching, Jamie shares his expert insights to help riders unlock their potential both on and off the bike.

Here’s what you can expect from the episode

MTB Fitness Fundamentals: Why focusing on the basics is key to steady progress.

Mental Resilience: Learn how mental toughness can power you through the toughest trails.

Debunking Myths: Forget the fluff—Jamie breaks down what really works in MTB training.

Overcoming Setbacks: Practical advice for tackling injuries, plateaus, or burnout.

Consistency is Key: How to fit effective training into a busy schedule.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, Jamie’s advice is packed with actionable tips to elevate your performance and enjoyment on the trails.

Listen Now! Watch here or tune in via your favourite podcast platform

Featured rider

Andrew Neethling

Andrew Neethling is a renowned professional mountain biker from South Africa. Since retiring from full-time competition, Neethling has remained deeply involved in mountain biking, using his expertise to inspire and educate the next generation of riders.


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