#151.Fabien Barel: The Champion’s Mindset, Racing Strategy, and the Science of Winning

Three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel dives deep into the mindset, preparation, and mental strategies that shaped his legendary career. From his relentless pursuit of performance to his innovative approach to race-day tactics, Fabien shares untold stories about pushing the limits—both physically and mentally.

We talk about his early years growing up on the same street as Nicolas Vouilloz, the evolution of his mental preparation, and how visualization gave him an edge when it was still considered unconventional. He breaks down legendary race moments, including his calculated strategy at Les Gets 2004 and his razor-thin World Championship battle in Canberra. Plus, Fabien opens up about the role of ego in high-performance sports, how belief shapes results, and why he treats every morning as a chance to define who he wants to be.

This episode is packed with wisdom, behind-the-scenes racing insight, and game-changing takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their performance—on or off the bike.

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