It sounds counter intuitive, especially in a world where we are obsessed with speed and suffering the idea that your coffee shop spin could be making you a better rider sounds crazy. But in this episode Anthony is going to break down why going slow to go fast is not just a catch phrase, it's backed by science and is trusted by the worlds top coaches. Surfshark - Online security starts with a VPN and I trust Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/roadman and use code...
Jul 23, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1173
In this episode Anthony talks about the ways in which newbie cyclists (& more experienced riders) fail to improve and what you can do about it. Surfshark - Online security starts with a VPN and I trust Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/roadman and use code roadman at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN. NOMIO is clinically proven to: Lower lactate levels, Reduce oxidative stress, Improve training adaptations And deliver a noticeable boost from the...
Jul 21, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1172
Why do cyclists shave their legs? For decades, we’ve been told it’s for speed — Specialized even claimed it saves 79 seconds over 40km. But what if that science is flawed? In this video, we dig into the real reasons behind cycling’s most iconic (and weirdest) ritual — from old-school tradition to group ride psychology. With insights from wind tunnel studies, Olympic bike designers, and pro riders like Alex Howes and Primož Roglič, we uncover why smooth legs became the ultimate badge of belonging...
Jul 18, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1171
What does it take to drop world-class riders like Van der Poel, Simmons, and Yates on a Tour de France mountain stage? For Ben Healy, it wasn’t just power or tactics — it was fueling. Healy consumed nearly 140g of carbohydrates per hour on his way to a dominant solo win on Stage 6, and today we’re breaking down exactly how he did it. With insights from WorldTour nutritionist Dr. Sam Impey, this video explores why fueling has become the new performance frontier — and what amateur cyclists can lea...
Jul 16, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1170
Cycling used to be about skill — race craft, resilience, knowing when to attack. Now? It's about looking good. Style has overtaken substance, and nowhere is that clearer than with Pas Normal Studios. In this episode, we dive into how the Copenhagen-based brand transformed high-end kit into a status symbol. It’s not just clothing — it’s a cultural signal. €300 bibs, curated café stops, matching socks and frame paint… Pas Normal didn’t just sell apparel, they redefined what it means to “look like ...
Jul 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1169
What happens when a lifelong Cat 1 racer cuts training volume in half? For 12 years, I trained 12–15 hours weekly. Then life changed — and I dropped to 6. This episode breaks down exactly what happened: the watts lost, the kilos gained, and the reality behind the numbers. Using 3 years of TrainingPeaks data, I compare my fitness at both ends — and reflect on the science (Seiler, Rønnestad, Mujika) that predicted it all. This isn't about shortcuts. It's about understanding the trade-offs: perform...
Jul 04, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1168
Netflix spent €8 million to bring cycling to a global audience — and got it completely wrong. In this episode, we unpack how Unchained misrepresented the Tour de France, damaged trust with riders, and failed to grasp the sport’s unique culture of silence, strategy, and sacrifice. From Wout van Aert’s “disturbing” portrayal to key moments cut from the final edit, we explore what happens when Hollywood storytelling clashes with cycling’s unwritten code. Only 8 of 22 teams agreed to return for Seas...
Jul 02, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1164
What if everything you know about fuelling is slowing you down? In this episode, world tour nutritionist Dr. Sam Impey joins us to dismantle outdated advice—and reveal how elite cyclists are now pushing up to 120g of carbs per hour without crashing or bloating. From the science of gut training to the myths around weight loss, recovery drinks, and carb loading, Sam explains why more carbs + smarter timing = less burnout and better performance. We cover what most amateurs get wrong, how to fuel fo...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 1166
Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar swears by it—and in this episode, we break down why you should too. Learn how pre-ride activation and post-ride stretching can unlock more power, prevent injury, and keep you riding strong well into your 40s and beyond. Anthony and Sarah dive into pro tips, simple routines, and the science behind why glute bridges, band walks, and deep lunges actually work. Whether you’re battling tight hips, back pain, or just want to feel fresher on the bike, this episode gi...
Jun 27, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1165
Anthony is joined today by Dirk Friel. Dirk is the co-founder of Training Peaks & pioneer of the digital coaching world. This is a deep dive into the future of training metrics and athlete performance. Dirk pulls back the curtain on how different types of athletes engage with Training Peaks and explains how an amateur rider uses the platform in comparison with the high performance athletes. Dirk gives us insights as to what we can learn from the pros. They also chat about the new buzzword me...
Jun 25, 2025•53 min•Ep. 1164
Think you’re slowing down with age? Think again. In this episode, we dive into the latest science behind getting faster after 40 — and why your best cycling years might still be ahead. With insights from legendary coaches like Joe Friel and Dr. Stephen Seiler, you’ll learn how to reverse fitness decline through smart, polarized training, strength work, and proper recovery. Whether you're 40, 50, or 60+, this masterclass covers everything from VO₂ max secrets to the role of Zone 1 rides and muscl...
Jun 23, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1163
Most cyclists are making at least one of these mistakes — and fixing it could unlock big performance gains. In this episode, Anthony and Sarah break down the five most common cycling errors they see, from poor fueling and gear misuse to bad pacing and neglected recovery. Whether you’re new to the sport or have thousands of miles in your legs, these are the small habits that separate frustration from progress. We also dive into strength training — why it's not just for gym rats, and how it can ac...
Jun 20, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1162
What happens when chasing performance drains the joy that once drove it? In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Malseed — former pro cyclist turned mindset advocate — for a powerful reflection on the hidden cost of high achievement. Shannon shares her journey from elite sport to inner rediscovery, challenging the idea that success must mean sacrifice. We explore the athlete mentality, burnout, subconscious patterns, and the endless pursuit of external validation. This conversation is about red...
Jun 18, 2025•42 min•Ep. 1161
Every amateur cyclist falls into the same trap: chasing intensity instead of consistency. In this episode, I sit down with Christian Schrot, performance coach at Team Jayco AlUla, to explore one of endurance sport’s most surprising truths — riding easy is what actually makes you faster. We unpack the science behind the 80/20 polarized training model, why zone discipline matters, and how even elite pros struggle with holding back. From common misconceptions to the training habits that really work...
Jun 16, 2025•44 min•Ep. 1160
In 2017, Rapha was the gold standard of cycling cool — premium kit, boutique clubhouses, and a cult-like following. Today? Stores are closing, prices are slashed, and the brand is losing millions. In this episode, we break down the meteoric rise and stunning fall of Rapha, from its poetic beginnings to its sale to the Walmart heirs. What went wrong? Was it discount culture, over-expansion, or simply forgetting what made the brand special in the first place? This is more than a story about cyclin...
Jun 13, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1159
Alex Wild is back, the elite gravel racer is fresh off the biggest gravel race in the world, the 2025 Unbound 200 . This is one of the craziest races on the planet. We get into it: the strategy, the chaos, the power numbers. Stick around till the end where Alex’s gives us his thoughts on who the real losers were in this 2nd round of the life time GP. This is a rare opportunity to peek inside the race. Alex breaks down how the race actually unfolded and gives us insight that we couldn’t see from ...
Jun 11, 2025•47 min•Ep. 1158
What happens when one of the most aero-conscious cyclists in the world heads into a wind tunnel? Dylan Johnson teamed up with performance experts at Rule 28 to test his gear, position, and aero gains — and the results were surprising. In this episode, Anthony sits down with Sam from Rule 28 to unpack what really happened in the tunnel, what changes they made to Dylan’s setup, and what everyday riders can learn from it. From skinsuits and sock height to helmet shapes and position tweaks, this is ...
Jun 09, 2025•40 min
After 10+ years in the saddle, Anthony finally tried creatine—and the results weren’t what he expected. In this episode, he breaks down the full story: the gains, the weight, the sprint numbers, and the myths that got shattered along the way. Does creatine actually help cyclists? What happens to your weight, power, and recovery? And is it worth the hype for endurance riders—or just sprinters? Alongside Sarah, Anthony dives into the science, the data, and the real-world impact of 30 days on creat...
Jun 06, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1156
We got weight loss wrong - In this episode, we speak with the performance nutritionist behind top WorldTour teams like INEOS Grenadiers, EF Education, and Uno-X. He reveals why the traditional “lighter is faster” mindset is holding cyclists back. If you’ve been dieting for cycling performance, you might be sacrificing power, endurance, and recovery. This expert coach explains how fuelling correctly—not restricting—is the real key to riding stronger and faster. Whether you're racing, training, or...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 1155
Alex Wild returns to the podcast to reveal his setup for Unbound 200 — one of the toughest gravel races on the calendar. This isn’t just a gear list; it’s a detailed look at the decisions that help riders go fast — not just finish — over 200 miles of rugged Kansas terrain. And this year Alex is breaking gravel rules. From tyre pressure and drivetrain choice to fuelling, hydration, and kit, Alex explains the reasoning behind every part of his build. We also dig into debates like 1x vs 2x, aero vs...
May 28, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1154
Links to podcast - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7BjfwSowLD08jpGcWDDOK7 APPLE - https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/dame-kelly-holmes-everything-she-couldnt-say-then/id1750982117?i=1000709610942 AVAILABLE ON AL OTHER PODCAST PLATFORMS Dame Kelly Holmes is an Olympic legend — but behind the double gold medals was a story she couldn’t tell until years later. In this raw and revealing conversation, Kelly shares the dream that lit her fire at 14, the discipline forged during her time ...
May 26, 2025•2 min•Ep. 1150
Zone 2: everyone’s talking about it, but how much do you really need? In this episode of Rider Support , we dive into the great training debate — slow rides vs. speed work — and unpack what the science says about intensity balance, performance gains, and long-term fitness. With insights from Stephen Seiler’s 80/20 model and real-world advice from pro coaches, we explore how to train smarter whether you’ve got 6 or 16 hours a week. Is it better to grind intervals or build a diesel engine with eas...
May 23, 2025•36 min•Ep. 1152
Are cyclists cheating with hidden motors? In this episode, we expose the shocking truth behind mechanical doping — the use of secret engines in elite and amateur racing. From thermal cameras catching glowing seat tubes to riders fleeing races in getaway vans, motor doping is real… and more common than you think. We break down how these stealth motors work, who’s using them, and why even Tour de France winners are under suspicion. With expert analysis, real case studies, and never-before-seen tec...
May 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 1151
AI is quietly reshaping cycling—not through bikes or gear, but through data. In this episode, we dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we train, recover, and race. From adaptive workouts that respond to your sleep and stress, to predictive tactics that could change race-day strategy forever, we explore where AI is already making an impact—and where it's headed next. But this isn’t about replacing coaches or instincts. It’s about using smarter tools to unlock deeper potent...
May 19, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1150
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has become one of the most divisive topics in Masters cycling. Is it a legitimate medical need—or a performance enhancer in disguise? In this episode, we break down what TRT is, when it’s medically justified, and why it’s rarely granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). We also explore the ethical grey areas of TRT in amateur racing, whether age should excuse its use, and how it fits (or doesn’t) within the spirit of fair competition. With voices on both s...
May 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1149
What if your training plan could adapt in real time—based on how you actually feel and perform each day? In this episode, Anthony sits down with the creator of a groundbreaking AI platform that’s quietly being adopted by WorldTour teams - VEKTA. Riders like Eddie Dunbar are calling it a “game changer,” helping eliminate guesswork and dial in race-ready form with precision. We break down how this tech works, what it means for everyday cyclists, and whether AI really can out-coach traditional meth...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 1148
You doubled your training hours… but somehow got slower? This week, we unpack why more volume doesn’t always mean better performance — and how intensity control, fatigue, and poor structure can quietly derail your fitness. We also dig into whether the aero obsession is doing more harm than good for amateur riders, if shorter crank arms actually help endurance cyclists, and how to manage team dynamics during multi-day races. Plus: breaking the “bad luck” cycle after crashes, and what you need to ...
May 12, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1147
You dropped $15,000 on your dream bike—so why are you still getting dropped on the group ride? In this week’s Rider Support, we unpack why fitness always beats gear, how to build your engine, and how to turn frustration into progress. Plus: should we trust dominant performances like Pogačar’s? Anthony gets honest about anti-doping and fan skepticism. We also dive into off-the-bike warmups—do they really help? What gearing Sarah’s running for Badlands, how to survive chaotic group rides without t...
May 10, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1144
Is cycling heading back into dangerous territory? In this episode, we sit down with Aron D’Souza, the man behind the controversial Enhanced Games — an unregulated sporting event with no drug testing and no limits. D’Souza wants to scrap anti-doping rules entirely, arguing that the future of sport lies in full-blown enhancement. For cyclists who lived through the sport’s darkest chapters, this hits a nerve. Is this brutal honesty... or the beginning of another downward spiral? We dive into what t...
May 10, 2025•45 min•Ep. 1146
Anthony dives into the controversial world of performance-enhancing drugs among amateur and age-group racers. With increased competition, access to powerful substances, and the pressure to perform, some masters athletes are crossing lines once reserved for the pros. To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/members Our S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioning Th...
May 06, 2025•20 min
