In The Know: Catching Up with Elliot Jamieson

Aidan: So, first off, congrats on an incredible 2025 season. Obviously, your first World Cup podium and Canadian Enduro Championship after breaking your hip at the beginning of the season, that must be one you’re not going to forget anytime soon?

Elliot: It feels like that happened a long time ago now, even in the season. I think I honestly forgot about that, you know, at the end of the season, that was even in the same year.

I think to dive into that a little bit, I would say that I honestly approached it with the mindset of my initial reaction was that I was missing the first couple World Cups because I was supposed to fly out a week later when I broke it. So, that reality set in quickly and I basically I really didn't take any time off. I just jumped back into training in the gym as soon as I could, you know, two days later and did everything I could to get back. flew to Europe at five weeks post break, raced at six, and then I think as the season went on, it really took time for me to build that confidence back up because I felt like I came into the season with the confidence and the speed that I think I ended the season off with, but I wasn't really able to showcase that early on. But as the season unfolded, I felt like a lot of my competitors started getting burnt out and pretty fatigued as the season went on. And I think that was really where my hunger and having that like early season forced break helped me and I came in like fired up to worlds internationals and to crank works even you know later in the year. So I guess it was a bit of a blessing in disguise.

Aidan: That’s savage. In the gym two days later.

Elliot: Yeah, totally. I talked to my coach Joel right away, and I was just super keen to do everything I could to get back. We approached the injury like training—figuring out every way to work around it. I was hobbling around the rec center on crutches, doing upper body stuff, sitting on the ground with battle ropes, doing anything to keep my heart rate up. I couldn’t spin a bike, row, or run, so I just tried to keep the blood flowing and stay positive.

Aidan: Unreal.

So big changes this year as you move into a new race program with Specialized. What’s the off-season been looking like so far? I assume you've got some good surfing in too?.

Elliot: Yeah the previous offseason I went into it injured. I broke my wrist and finger at the last race of the year. That kept me off the mountain bike through most of fall into the new year.

But again, that was a blessing in disguise. This past offseason I spent a ton of time deliberately on my gravel bike exploring around Vancouver. Riding gravel routes, mountains, and a lot of road too. That helped build the base volume I knew I’d need this year.

Things came together a bit later than expected, especially with the Specialized opportunity. I didn’t see that coming in the way it did. I was just piecing together what 2026 might look like.

Once I connected with the team at Specialized, it was clear we were aligned. On race goals, media, and getting more people stoked on bikes. They were looking to grow their presence in Canada, and I could be part of that.

Aidan: That's awesome. And your new program isn’t just about results right? Can you talk about the structure and media side?

Elliot: Yeah, totally. I think in the past I've been surrounded by amazing team cultures and amazing people and I've learned so much from these teams but I also really craved having that autonomy and that like control and um I guess responsibility to put together the entire package of you know delivering race results and trying to compete to achieve my goals in the in at the races and in the race scene. But then also, I think as I like got into mountain biking so much through the media side of things, and I've idolized so many different riders over the years, I felt like I really wanted to showcase the people that have helped get me to where I'm at now and are still supporting me a lot, as well as different riding communities.

And you know, also I think just simply having media of riders like myself ripping on trail bikes and kind of showcasing that enduro isn't, you know, just this sport that goes on in Europe that I think a lot of people have kind of seen it transition towards the last couple years. You know, that enduro is, you know, some of the best mountain bike riders on the planet, all around riders, different from downhill, but all around mountain bikers and that we can, you know, we can rip trail bikes and ride super well and fast on them. So with media, it's this balance of like, you know, doing something a little bit different in the space of Enduro that I feel like has lacked and also an opportunity with Specialized where I can, you know, really help communicate the people behind my program and everyone that's supporting me and connect everything together

Aidan: Oh, cool. Is that where the inspiration came from, wanting to approach the content side? Do you feel like there's something missing in the current mountain bike media at the

Elliot: I feel like in the past, especially with the direction that social media has gone, I think we all are aware of social media and how much it is tailored to suck us into I like use the term with my buddies like brain rotting where you just endlessly scroll and it's not like you're not absorbing content from like your buddies as much anymore. It's just like an algorithm feeding you things to like get your attention and you know it's it's accurate but it's not always quality or actually authentic or like a human building human connection with people. I think in the past, you know, I obviously was young when this was part of the mountain bike kind of culture and scene, but like people would all get together and there was so much excitement around watching a new film or or watching a new segment of a movie or just, you know, getting people together in person to actually connect and get stoked about riding bikes.

And I think that's been missing the last little while. And it's starting to build more in different scenes. Like I think a huge inspiration for our first media trip this year was like ride or dies roadkills where like just a group of buddies got in their trucks went and ripped sick bike parks and just camped and hung out and just that's like to me I connect so much with that side of mountain biking as well as racing. And I think as for myself it's like how can I share and showcase that balance and allow those things to coexist and be part of my journey of also trying to achieve my race goals. So I would say that's something that I felt like was lacking especially in the high performance kind of race scene of obviously you know there's interesting things that we do in terms of training and preparation and bike setup and that aspect but there's also a lot of things we do on the day-to-day and a lot of people that support us and yeah so there's yeah lots going on but I felt really inspired to try to step a little bit more into that role of doing things kind of what you know myself and the kind of crew I have around me felt would be fun and engaging and a bit different.

Aidan: That's awesome, couldn't agree more.

And now it's your third year on the Enduro World Cup circuit. What are you most excited for this season? Be it venues or trips or whatever?

Elliot: Yeah, I think that’s a great question. I’m really excited, first off, to be racing on a new bike. There’s just a natural excitement that comes with that. I’m working with a lot of the same partners, which has made the switch to a new frame feel really comfortable and easy so far. I jumped on it and felt great; many of the components and setup are similar to what I’m used to, which is nice.

I’m also excited to be heading back to Europe for races. It’s always fun to see where you’re at as a racer, figure out what you need to work on, and recognize where you’re excelling.

Another thing I’m really looking forward to and have already enjoyed this year is doing more off-bike adventures. Our first film trip of the year in California was an amazing opportunity. We loaded up the minivan with my brother and a couple of friends, went top to bottom through California, and connected with so many people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Riding with a group like the Cruise from Specialized and meeting others who share that same love of bikes was such a cool experience. I’m excited to continue that this year and bridge it back into the race community, both in BC, Canada, and Europe. There are so many rad people and stories I want to connect with and share.

Ultimately, I’m just excited to let the season unfold and see what happens. That’s the beauty of racing—you never know what’s coming at each race, and I love that uncertainty so much.

Aidan: And race goals for the season? What do you have in mind?

Elliot: I think this past season was one where I was able to take so many things I’d learned in previous years and actually apply them, and it started translating into results. My biggest goals now are obviously to win a World Cup and a World Championship—two massive milestones I’m striving for in my career. I feel like the pieces are coming together more and more each year, and I can now go into every race genuinely believing in myself and my ability to achieve those goals.

That’s something I didn’t have in the past: going into a race with full confidence that I can battle for the win at any event I enter. It’s taken years to build that, and this past year I proved to myself that belief is grounded—it’s not just a delusional racer’s confidence. I know I can compete at the highest level, and I want to continue with that positive, confident, and optimistic mindset.

Aidan: So cool. And obviously, previously in your life, you were racing downhill on a World Cup factory team. Do you feel like you've found your home with enduro now, or is it just a chapter you’re in?

Elliot:That’s a great question. Honestly, my entire bike riding journey has been about exploring different bikes and disciplines. I wouldn’t pigeonhole myself as “at that point I was a downhill racer” or “now I’m an enduro racer.” One of the beauties of riding is enjoying all of it, and that’s something I want to carry into my training, racing, and career in general. I never rule out competing in any discipline.

For me, I’ve always tried to make the most of the opportunities presented to me. I had amazing experiences in downhill and really tried to capitalize on those, and enduro has allowed me to blend the lessons and speed I developed in downhill with the fitness and endurance I loved growing up racing cross-country.

So, I wouldn’t call myself just an enduro rider, but enduro has become a discipline where I can showcase my skills and strengths to their fullest potential.

Aidan: Nice. Now what do you what do you think is the hardest thing about enduro racing having come from cross country, downhill, and now enduro?

Elliot: The hardest part for me in enduro racing has been the mental side—developing the self-belief to feel like I have the opportunity to battle for wins. That’s something I’ve worked on for years and continue to focus on every day. The mental game has definitely been a big challenge.

On a more practical level, keeping my bike maintained has also been tough. Over the last few years racing enduro, especially with Commencal, it’s been largely self-supported. It’s usually just me, Andrea, and a small team, traveling to Europe, keeping our bikes in order, and making sure everything runs smoothly. We get support from partners like Fox and Shimano at races, but we’re the ones keeping the bikes rolling. That’s been a challenge, but also a huge learning opportunity that I fully embrace.

I grew up as the kind of rider who didn’t check tire pressure or suspension—I just rode and put the bike back in the shed. Enduro has taught me how important it is to prioritize maintenance, to understand my bike, and to keep it performing at its best. There’s always more to learn about bikes, and that process has become a core part of racing for me.

I actually love that enduro pushes riders to develop a wide range of skills. Unlike downhill or cross-country, where factory support teams handle logistics and maintenance, most enduro racers now are managing their own bikes, food, travel, and accommodations. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s exciting and rewarding to learn all of it and be fully equipped to handle the season.

Aidan: You’ve been known to approach things differently than a lot of mountain bike athletes—cold dips, diet, breathwork. How did you find yourself on this path, and how do you think it helps you both as a mountain biker and as a person?

Elliot: Yeah, that’s a cool question. A lot of the things I’ve learned through improving at mountain biking have become habits and techniques I feel I can use for the rest of my life—managing stress, staying as healthy as I can, and just being a happy, grounded person.

My first inspiration was definitely my parents, especially my mom. She did all of her yoga certifications and introduced yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork to me and my siblings when we were young. I really connected with the ideas of being mindful, meditating, and even cold plunging—things that might seem a bit fringe or trendy—but I’ve found they make a huge difference in my mindset and approach to life.

I’m a very intentional and thoughtful person, and I feel like if I didn’t dedicate time to being mindful, I wouldn’t be able to show up at the start line as the best version of myself. Without it, I’d have too much internal dialogue going on that wouldn’t be addressed.

These unique practices give me a bit of a competitive advantage, but more importantly, they’re just who I am. Fully committing to them helps me cultivate gratitude, presence, and enjoyment—not just in racing, but in life.

Aidan: So would you would it be fair to say these are things that you have incorporated into your life and you can apply them to mountain biking rather than you've incorporated them for mountain biking in training.

Elliot: 100%. I don’t see any separation between Elliot the person and Elliot the mountain biker. Especially at today’s level of competition, it’s all connected. If I can align the sport and activities I love with who I am authentically, I can bridge the two and maximize the best of both. That’s where I feel I can tap into my highest level of performance. I don’t separate myself into “mountain biker” versus “person.” Who I am as a person—the way I grow, learn, and approach life—feeds directly into how I ride, and vice versa.

I find a lot of fulfillment in that beyond just winning races. Of course, results are highlights and amazing memories, but the bigger part is enjoying the journey every day. That doesn’t mean I love every training session, but my overall intention comes from a place of enjoyment and love for the sport.

Aidan: Yeah, that's awesome. Cool. Now down to the important stuff. We want to know some of your hot takes.

Elliot: Love it. 

Aidan: So first question, tofu versus tempeh? 

Elliot: Tofu staple classic.

Aidan: Nice. Surf versus skate? 

Elliot: Surf. Surf. Yeah.

Aidan: Tech versus jumps.

Elliot: Jumps.

Aidan: Good answer. Bucket list spot for a mountain bike trip anywhere in the world that you haven’t been to?

Elliot: Um, that's a great question. Honestly, I want to say somewhere in Asia, like Japan honestly would be so sick. I feel like it's growing, like the sport's growing over there with the race in South Korea. And feel like going to Japan and mountain biking would be so sick. Or maybe Iceland, for bikepacking, that would be so cool.

Aidan: I totally agree Iceland should be on everyone's bucket list. Those are two great ones though. And if you were to go to Japan on this mountain bike trip, what three friends would you bring with you?

Elliot: I would bring my little brother, Nash. I would bring my buddy Wayen. And I would probably bring, oh, that's tough. I have so many so many boys that would be so stoked on that. You know what? My buddy Aiden Skinner has been to Japan already, so he could probably tour guide us around. So, I'd say Aiden. He's dialed in with that kind of stuff too. So, I'd say him.

Aidan: If you're going on a solo mountain bike lap to clear your head, what would be your favourite place to go?

Elliot: I spend a lot of time training by myself on Seymour, so that’s definitely my go-to spot—whether I’m on my mountain bike, road bike, or e-bike. It’s a place where I can just pedal, relax, and be fully in the moment, no matter what’s on my mind. I’ve always loved climbing Seymour and riding any of the tracks there, so I think that's my pick.

Aidan: Awesome that’s sweet. Well that just about wraps things up for questions. Thanks again for your time and looking forward to seeing how the season goes for you man!

Elliot: Thanks man, great to catch up!