On this episode of The Ride Companion Tom Isted talks about his journey from gymnastics to BMX park through to MTB slopestyle and big air. Tom breaks down what it takes to make the podium at a Crankworx event, what the judges really look for and why Emil Johansson is so hard to compete against. Tom also opens up about the 'best year of his life' in 2023, record breaking 120ft backflips, DarkFest 2024 insights and highlights plus loads more... Watch this episode on YouTube Follow @tom_isted This episode's sponsors & News - Companionship, Crankworx Rotorua returns March 16th to the 24th, celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua! Catch all the action live on Red Bull TV, or follow @Crankworx on Instagram for course previews, daily highlights, and photo recaps of all the best action daily from Crankworx Rotorua. If you're looking to get amongst the action, festival passes are still available for purchase at crankworx.com/rotorua/ Don't forget if you want to take your fandom to the next level and have some horses in the events, You can also head over to theracecompanion.com and play our fantasy downhill and slopestyle games where you could be in with the chance of winning EPIC prizes! - FOCUS Spring Deals are NOW LIVE! What would you do with up to 400€? Pasta? New kit? New helmet? Tyre supply for 2024? The focus spring deals are on and you can grab up to 400€ when buying a new bike! check out the terms, conditions and all the details in the link below ride.focus.bikes/springdealstrc - Every mountain biker needs a WORX Hydroshot, especially this time of year. Get 15% off all WORX tools at uk.worx.com when you use code THERIDECOMPANION Support our long term partners - Sign up to and follow The Race Companion: https://www.theracecompanion.com https://www.instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr - Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION - Compex: Get 20% off with code 'THERIDECOMPANION' at compex.com/uk/ - Peak Supps: Get 10% off the TRC bundle and everything on site with code 'theridecompanion' at peaksupps.co.uk - Worx: Get 15% off with code 'THERIDECOMPANION' at worx.com - LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code 'RIDECOMPANION30' at laka.co - HKT Products: Use code 'PODCAST' for 10% off the entire site. Follow & Engage Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House #TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast