Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino & Simon Stewart (May, 2026)

Mike and Simon unpack the first DH and XC World Cup of the season, and there’s a whole lot to talk about, including course drama, fast Frenchies, DH hardtails, belt drives, tons of flats, just as many crashes, and Vali Holl and Asa Vermette's insane winning runs, not to mention the XC race mudfest the day after. Plus, we sprinkle in a bit of industry news, and Mike lays out his plan to make poison oak pepper spray.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 GuideGet Our Free Newsletter & Gear GiveawaysBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredMike’s The Grimy Handshake SubstackTOPICS & TIMES:Air Travel & Spirit Airlines (2:36)Mike’s Poison Oak Spray (13:20)The 1st World Cup DH of the Season (17:00)Course Drama (30:56)Asa Veremette has Arrived (31:37)Women’s Elite (34:52)Vali Holl’s Run (39:18)The XC Race Mudder (43:18)Mike’s Sea Otter Recap (50:21)The Evolving eMTB Landscape (57:44)Another Surron Parent Charged (1:08:15)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.