free trail fam welcome back to the podcast of course i'm dylan bowman and this week we are joined by

tom evans the great british trail andan Returns for what I think is his third or fourth appearance on the show. I can't remember at this point, but doesn't matter. Always love talking to Tom. There are a few people with such a differentiated background, such a unique set of skills, and as a result, with such a unique

perspective on the sport and his place within it. And this conversation is a bit of all of that.

Of course, Tom is one of the most decorated athletes in the modern era, incredibly consistent

high performer who's won some of the biggest races in the world like western

states and ccc in this year tom is heading back to chamonie for the full loop at utmb the major goal

of his season and tom has started a season with two very solid second place finishes at transvaecania

and lavaredo and now he's hunkered down

in the French Alps, putting the finishing touches on his training, a perfect time to catch up

with this great champion. Some topics we discuss Tom's coaching relationship with Ingfield

Casperson and Tony McCann. We talk about his thoughts on Western States,

both his decision not to return and the drama that unfolded this year.

We talk about racing cross-country world champs and the benefits translating to his trail season

and the fun metaphor that he uses with ski mountaineering. We talk about Tom's race at

Transvaucania and his battle with Jonathan Albin and Dmitri Michev. We talk about adjusting his

racing calendar mid-year and rolling with the punches. We talk about Tom's race at Lavarado and his

very tight battle with Hannes Nomburger. We talk about the final training and preparation

for UTMB. And then we end by talking about Tom's brand new podcast, the ultrasound podcast,

which I've been listening to and that I've linked in the show notes and that I'd encourage

you all to go search out and subscribe to. Big thanks to Tom for coming on the show. Of course,

the podcast is only made possible with the support of great partners. Our title sponsor,

The Feed, and our supporting partner, Speedland, Osprey, gnarly nutrition, and ketone IQ.

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