In this episode of Peak Pursuits, the crew kicks off 2026 with a deep dive into Aussie trail runner Billy Curtis’ European winter campaign, fresh off a win at the Trail del Bora ultra in northern Italy. Billy breaks down his move to longer racing, grey-zone training, and why Montenegro and the Balkans are underrated training hubs for trail runners. The team also looks ahead to the World Trail Majors, including Trans Gran Canaria, Madeira, and Transvulcania, and what they mean for Australian athletes on the global stage. Plus, a detailed preview of the stacked Tarawera Ultra-Trail 100km field and Golden Ticket implications for Western States. Essential listening for anyone following elite trail running in Australia and beyond.

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners! And to enter our end of year giveaway make sure you follow us and Bix Australia on insta then tag your friend in a comment on this episodes post!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Vlad: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/?hl=en] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281?oq=vlad]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Follow Billy: Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/65282012]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

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Euro Life, 2026 Race Choices, and Golden Opportunities with Billy Curtis | Episode 91

Episode 90 of Peak Pursuits delivers the second half of a comprehensive wrap of a massive 2025 for Australian trail running, as James, Vlad, Brodie, and Sim hand out their end-of-year performance awards.

In Part 2, the team debates the standout seasons of the year and the best race battles that 2025 delivered!

The team then end with some quickfire discussions on global runner of the year, favourite gear in 2025 and more.

What do you think? Were we close or did we miss something? Let us know!

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Vlad: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/?hl=en] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281?oq=vlad]

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

2025 Wrapped Part 2: Season Of The Year & Race Of The Year | Episode 90

Trail running is growing fast, but with that growth comes big questions about governance, identity, and where the sport is heading next.

In this episode, James sits down with Mike Duggan, Australian representative on the ITRA Steering Committee, to unpack the global push to bring trail running into the Olympic Games. They explore why the Olympics are even on the table, what problem that pathway is trying to solve, and what still needs fixing in trail running regardless of whether 2032 happens.

The conversation dives into how ITRA and World Athletics work together, what this means for national bodies like AUTRA, athlete selection and funding, race formats, sponsorship influence, and the growing pressure around anti-doping and professionalism.

Whether you’re excited, sceptical, or sitting on the fence, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of trail running — and what it might gain, or risk losing, along the way.

https://trailrunning.org.au/

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au] for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod [https://www.instagram.com/peakpursuits.pod/] to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Trail Running and the Olympics with Mike Duggan

Episode 89 (and 90 coming next week) of Peak Pursuits delivers a comprehensive wrap of a massive 2025 for Australian trail running, as James, Vlad, Brodie, and Sim hand out their end-of-year performance awards.

In Part 1, the team debates the standout performances of the season and the surprise breakout performances, eventually coming to a decision where it feels like there is no right or wrong because how good was 2025!!

Throughout, the team unpack deep fields at global races, compare domestic versus international results, and explore how indexing, course difficulty, and competitive depth shape performance context. With sharp analysis, athlete recognition, and honest debate, this episode is essential listening for anyone tracking Australian trail running results, elite progression, and the stories that defined 2025.

What do you think? Were we close or did we miss something? Let us know!

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners! And to enter our end of year giveaway make sure you follow us and Bix Australia on insta then tag your friend in a comment on this episodes post!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Vlad: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/?hl=en] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281?oq=vlad]

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

2025 Wrapped Part 1: Performance Of The Year & Breakout Of The Year | Episode 89

Endurance at the extreme isn’t built in a single race. It’s shaped over years of uncertainty, hard choices, and an ability to keep going when there’s no clear finish line.

In this episode, James sits down with Piotr Babis — two-time King of the Hill winner, Arc’teryx athlete, and one of Australia’s most quietly accomplished ultra runners — to explore the long path behind his 90-hour performance.

They dive into Piotr’s unconventional entry into running, his seven-year fight to stay in Australia, the mental and physical demands of backyard ultras, and why sleep deprivation — not pain — is often the true breaking point. The conversation also unpacks FKTs, self-directed projects, crew dynamics, and what it really means to test your limits without losing yourself in the process.

Whether you’re curious about ultra endurance, drawn to long-term challenges, or navigating your own uncertain path in the sport, this episode offers a rare, honest look at what sustains performance over time.

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au] for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod [https://www.instagram.com/peakpursuits.pod/] to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Piotr Babis: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iron_explorer/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/20600468]

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Piotr Babis: What Becoming King of The Hill Reveals About Endurance

In Episode 88 of Peak Pursuits, James and Vlad are joined by Demi Caldwell to unpack a huge stretch of racing across Australia and the international trail scene. Demi reflects on her breakthrough third-place finish at the fiercely competitive Kosci 50, breaking down race strategy, course execution, and a season that’s steadily built momentum at the pointy end of Australian women’s trail running.

Vlad recaps his international podium at the Oman ultra, diving into the brutally technical course, racing at altitude, mandatory gear controversy, and why the event is shaping into a future UTMB destination race. The episode also covers key domestic results, athlete trends, gear insights, coaching discussion, and what the current calendar says about where Australian trail running is heading. A must-listen for runners tracking podium performances, race analysis, and the sport’s next phase.

Results:

 * ATR Summer Series 2: Bridgewater (SA) [https://www.webscorer.com/racealldetails?raceid=416113&topn=3]
 * Peaks & Passages (ACT) [https://my.raceresult.com/370232/]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Demi: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/caldwell_d/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@caldwell_d]

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Vlad: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/?hl=en] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281?oq=vlad]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Kosci 50, Oman Ultra, Shoe Chat, and Finding a Coach feat. Demi Caldwell | Episode 88

In this episode of Peak Pursuits, James and Sim catch up with uphill specialist Iain Best, fresh off a dominant five-week streak of wins across Four Peaks, GSER, and the Buller Skyrun. Iain breaks down his European VK block, the brutal Fully course, racing tactics, and how back-to-back domestic races became a “victory tour” of fitness.


The team also dives into major national news: automatic selection for Australia’s Asia-Pacific Trail Running Championships, plus the return of the Golden Trail National Series with a single-race championship at Donna Double. Sim gives a raw and insightful update on her recovery from POTS, navigating a strict return-to-run protocol and sprint-based rehab.


Packed with race results, athlete updates, and big-picture implications for Australian trail running, this is a must-listen for anyone tracking the sport’s fastest movers heading into 2026.

Results:

Afterglow Twilight Half Marathon [https://tomatotiming.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=29956]

Duval Dam Buster Trail Run [https://my.raceresult.com/373224/results#0_4D6867]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Simone: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Triple Wins, VK Lessons & Aussie Team Selection News Feat. Iain Best | Episode 87

Fresh off a stacked Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko 50km, newly minted Aussie citizen Juliette Sewell joins Jess and Brodie for a deep dive into one of the most competitive women’s fields of the Australian trail-running season. Juliette breaks down her fifth-place finish, navigating a brutal descent, shin-scare drama, dialled-in fuelling, and race-day winds that literally knocked her off her feet. We unpack tactics, training tweaks, heat adaptation, uphill treadmill work and her big 2025 target: chasing a Golden Ticket at Tarawera.

 Brodie then recaps his gritty run at Great Southern Endurance Run, while Jess reflects on a tough but powerful Kosci finish before diving into results. 

A packed, honest, news-driven episode for anyone following Australia’s summer trail racing pulse.

Results:

 * Ultra Trail Kosciuszko  [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/ultra-trail-kosciuszko-2025]
 * The Heroes & Villains Trail Run  [https://trailsplus.com.au/HV2025/]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Follow Jess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jessjason/] | Strava   [https://www.strava.com/athletes/54364834]

Follow Juliette: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliettesoule/?hl=en] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/pros/47332652]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

UTK Recaps, Race Insights, and Fuelling Wins feat Juliette Soule | Episode 86

In this episode of Peak Pursuits, James and Vlad sit down with Adidas Terrex athlete Charlie Hamilton, fresh off his third-place podium at Ultra-Trail Cape Town 55km. Charlie breaks down the brutal technical course, the stacked international field, and how three weeks on the Cape Town trails transformed his race day confidence.


The trio dive into elite training insights, including Charlie’s shift to physiologically-driven coaching, technical downhill development, and how he’s preparing for Tarawera 100km. They also explore the evolution of Adidas’ Agravic Speed Ultra 2, World Trail Majors significance, and what this result means for the future of Australian trail running.
A must-listen for athletes following UTCT, gear updates, and the rise of Aussie talent on the global stage.

Results:

 * UTCT 100km and 55km World Trail Majors [https://www.irunfar.com/this-week-in-running-november-24-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com]
 * GSER (VIC) [https://my.raceresult.com/367236/]
 * ATR (Adelaide Trail Runners) Summer Series 1: Black Hill (SA) [https://www.webscorer.com/racealldetails?raceid=414370&topn=3]
 * SEQ Trail Series Round 4: Bayview (QLD) [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20148&RId=134&EId=1]
 * Sydney Trail Spring Series Race 3: St Ives (NSW) [https://www.sydneytrailseries.com.au/results]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Vlad: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281]

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Charlie: Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/cowboyhamilton/?hl=en]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

UTCT Podium, Terrex Insights, and Charlie’s Breakthrough | Episode 85

In this event preview James and Brodie are joined by Kellie Angel to talk all things UTK as we prepare for the showdowns happening this week!

Hear detailed breakdowns of the course and fields, including our predictions on who will come out on top.

Looking forward to what will no doubt be some great battles to close out the 2025 season!

Thanks for joining us on Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod and share your thoughts, questions, or your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

James: @coachjamessieber
Brodie: @brodie_nank
Kellie: @kelemmo

UTK: @ultratrailkosciuszko

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: MFJHTO0ZMVHA84WI

Ultra Trail Kosciuszko 2025 Preview

Welcome to Peak Pursuits, where we chase dirt-packed trails, soaring ridgelines and the thrill of a finish line like no other. Hosted by trail obsessives and elite runners Simone Brick, Brodie Nankervis, Vlad Ixel and Jess Jason — plus deep-dives with James Sieber — we bring you candid chats with Australia’s top trail runners.

Expect behind-the-scenes stories, honest conversations about training, injuries, mindset and balancing life off-trail; plus the latest on Aussie races, events and endurance culture. Whether you’re lacing up your first pair of trail shoes or chasing a 100 km and beyond, we’ve got something for you.

Tune in to discover unfiltered tales, practical training tips and the kind of inspiration that only comes from pushing your limits. Subscribe now — and bring your trail shoes.

Peak Pursuits

Peak Pursuits's Show

Introducing the Peak Pursuits Podcast—your ultimate companion for trail running stories, insights, and inspiration across Australia!

Peak Pursuits

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