On today's episode of The VeloNews Podcast we analyze Primož Roglič's zany attack on stage 10 of the Vuelta a España, and Ineos Grenadiers' continued setbacks at the Vuelta a España. Then, Andrew Hood explains how the winds, soaring temperatures, and surging pace is making this Vuelta the hardest grand tour of the year. Then, we hear from Ian Boswell, who has reinvented himself as the top male gravel racer in the USA. Big wins at BWR and Unbound Gravel have opened doors for Boswell to step back ...
Aug 25, 2021•47 min•Ep. 272
The Vuelta a España has kicked off, and on today's podcast we dive into the race's opening stages. The GC picture is already taking shape with the summit finish to Picón Blanco, and Ineos Grenadiers vs. Jumbo-Visma is again the battle of the race. Movistar has three riders in the top-10, and we cannot wait to see how the Spanish squad finds a way to grab defeat from the clutches of potential victory. Then, how many riders are vaccinated for COVID-19? Andrew Hood discusses his reporting around th...
Aug 19, 2021•44 min•Ep. 271
The Vuelta a España kicks off this weekend, and on today's episode of The VeloNews Podcast, we preview the race, and discuss its hulking new climb, the Altu del Gamoniteiro. Organizers are comparing the new climb to the famed Alto de l'Angliru climb, which has become the most feared ascent in Spain. What goes into discovering a new climb? We analyze the process that race organizers go through in identifying new climbs like the Gamoniteiro and then slotting them into the race. Who are the favorit...
Aug 11, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 270
The topic of athlete mental health has become the biggest talking point of these Olympics. How do top athletes manage the pressures on them to perform, and do fans and media put too much weight on wins and losses? On today's podcast we examine this conversation. We also break down the U.S. women's Team Pursuit, which rode to the bronze medal this week. It's just the second medal for Team USA at these Olympics, and far fewer than the seven medals that USA Cycling said it was targeting this year. ...
Aug 04, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 269
The Olympics have started, and we've been glued to our televisions and computer screens following along with the action. On today's episode of The VeloNews Podcast we break down all of the action from the men's and women's road races, as well as the men's and women's cross-country MTB races. We break down the biggest storylines from the events, including the thrilling and bizarre final of the women's road race, which saw Anna Kiesenhofer of Austria win, and Annemiek van Vleuten and the Dutch wom...
Jul 28, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 268
It's a joint episode between The VeloNews Podcast and The Adventure Stache podcast, with Fred Dreier of VeloNews and Payson McElveen co-hosing this conversation. This week we discuss the state of U.S. professional cycling, and explore why an American professional cyclist in 2021 looks and acts very differently than an American pro cyclist from previous generations. Today, pro racers get to create media, race multiple disciplines, and act more like a marketing professional than just a pro athlete...
Jul 21, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 267
Our cup overflows with Tour de France stories to discuss today, and on this episode of The VeloNews Podcast we hit as many as we can. First up is the French police raid on the Bahrain-Victorious team hotel, and why this raid in Pau has a special tie to cycling history. Then, we break down all the action from the summit finish on stage 18, which saw Tadej Pogačar bang the nail into the coffin of his rivals. Plus, Ineos Grenadiers appears to be in a free fall during this disastrous tour. Finally, ...
Jul 16, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 266
The Tour de France just had its major Pyrenean battle on the Col du Portet, and on today's episode of The VeloNews Podcast we analyze the big fight between Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Richard Carapaz. After several days of letting the Tour de France peloton attack freely, UAE-Team Emirates rode a controlling race on stage 17. Why did the squad decide to limit the attacks, and how did this tactic server Pogačar? Plus, was there anything that Vingegaard or Carapaz could have done differen...
Jul 14, 2021•30 min•Ep. 265
The Tour de France is headed for a Pyrenean showdown, and on today's episode of The VeloNews Podcast, we dig into the biggest storylines for week three. Can anyone knock Mark Cavendish out of the green jersey? As it turns out, Michael Matthews and Sonny Colbrelli are nipping at Cavendish's heels, even if neither man has won a stage yet. But does either one have a realistic shot at earning green? We break it down. Then, should Tadej Pogačar release his power data from the 2021 Tour de France? Som...
Jul 14, 2021•49 min•Ep. 263
Sepp Kuss became the latest American to win a stage of the Tour de France on Sunday, and on today's podcast we explore how the victory impacted people in Kuss' cycling-mad hometown of Durango, Colorado. John Livingston covered Sepp Kuss for the Durango Herald for the last five years, and on Sunday, Livingston wrote his final story for the newspaper — a feature story on Kuss's big win. Livingston explains why Kuss is such an important figure in Durango, and why the small town continues to produce...
Jul 13, 2021•43 min•Ep. 262
The 2021 Tour de France has ended for Peter Sagan, and it was kind of a bummer for the Slovakian champ. On today's podcast we discuss Peter Sagan's 2021 Tour, and discuss what it means in the larger context of his late-stage career. Plus, there are reports linking Sagan to French team TotalEnergies, and we discuss what a move would mean for Sagan at this point in his career. Then, we delve into some of the GC stories to come out of stage 11 to Mont Ventoux, including the rise of Jonas Vingegaard...
Jul 09, 2021•41 min•Ep. 261
The Tour de France headed back to Mont Ventoux on Wednesday, and today our podcast comes to you from the base of the famed mountain. What storylines emerged from the stage, and what do we make of Tadej Pogačar's first sign of weakness near the summit of the mountain? We get into the action. Then, retired great Bernhard Eisel joins the podcast to discuss the career of Mark Cavendish. Eisel was formerly a leadout rider for Cavendish, and he believes the British rider has a chance to make history a...
Jul 07, 2021•28 min•Ep. 260
Mark Cavendish's chase of Eddy Merckx's all-time stage win record at the Tour de France has breathed new life and energy into the race. On today's podcast we analyze Cavendish's victories, and assess his place in British cycling. Cavendish's career trajectory has happened in the shadow cast by Team Sky, Bradley Wiggins, and Chris Froome, and we assess what impact that's had on his overall status in global cycling. Then, we hear from American rider Neilson Powless, as well as longtime DS Rolf Ald...
Jul 07, 2021•37 min•Ep. 259
Tadej Pogačar continues his dominance of the 2021 Tour de France. After Pogačar's latest show of force in the Alps, some fans are wondering whether his performances are believable. On today's episode we examine Pogačar's results and his trajectory in the sport to form an opinion on the topic. Plus, Andrew Hood and James Startt chime in from France to give us an insider's view of the rules governing media at the Tour de France. How are those stories you read getting reported? How are those photos...
Jul 06, 2021•53 min•Ep. 258
On today's episode of The VeloNews Podcast we examine Tour de France tech, and the biggest stories involving bikes, components, tires, and other gear. Mark Cavendish is running a unique sprint shifter setup on his Specialized Tarmac, and Ben Delaney discusses the innovative setup, and how it helps Cavendish shift in sprints. Then, Ben discusses the challenge that some bike sponsors face in getting Tour de France riders to use the newest and most high-tech gear. Then, Andrew Hood and James Startt...
Jul 02, 2021•36 min•Ep. 257
Tadej Pogačar stormed to his first Tour de France stage win of 2021 on Wednesday, and on today's episode of The VeloNews Podcast we examine how Pogačar's wild ride reshaped the races' GC picture. Which GC teams are already out of contention, and what must Ineos Grenadiers and Jumbo-Visma do to get back into the picture? We explore the race's big GC shakeup. Then, how long will Mathieu van der Poel stay in yellow, and is he pushing himself too hard with the Olympics around the corner? Finally, we...
Jun 30, 2021•49 min•Ep. 256
The Tour de France continues, and on Tuesday the peloton saw a joyous moment as Mark Cavendish took his first stage victory since 2016. Cavendish wasn't even supposed to attend the 2021 Tour de France, and he repaid his Deceuninck-Quick-Step management by winning his 31st career Tour stage. On today's podcast James Startt and Andrew Hood discuss Cavendish's big win, and shed light on how the victory impacted people on the ground at the Tour de France. Then, this year marks the 10-year anniversar...
Jun 30, 2021•48 min•Ep. 255
The Tour de France has started, and this year the race has opened with a bang — literally. After just three stages the peloton is licking its wounds after multiple costly crashes that have sent more than a few pre-race favorites to the tarmac. On this first of 12 Tour de Franc podcast episodes, we examine the impact of those crashes on every element of the race, from the GC battle, to the stage winners. Why are riders crashing this year? What impact did the major pileup on stage 1 have on the ra...
Jun 28, 2021•35 min
Our annual pre-Tour de France podcast is back, and rejoining the show is Jason Gay of The Wall Street Journal to help discuss some of the biggest storylines in the cycling world. Jason offers his insight into Mark Cavendish's comeback, the Tour de France's smaller stories, and Chris Froome's comeback. Then, Jason takes us inside his recent profile of Justin Williams and the L39ion of Los Angeles team, and discusses why Williams and L39ion are executing such a daring and impressive feat in 2021 b...
Jun 23, 2021•52 min•Ep. 253
VeloNews Senior Editor Betsy Welch joins the podcast this week to discuss the U.S. Olympic team selection, and whether the USA Cycling selection committee made any snubs or flubs in its choices. Then, Betsy discusses the upcoming Migration Gravel Race in Kenya, which she is attending to both ride and cover for VeloNews. This week's episode is brought to you by FloBikes, which is your home for the live Tour de France broadcast in Canada, and daily Tour de France updates and content in the United ...
Jun 17, 2021•30 min•Ep. 252
Gravel cycling's biggest day occurred this past weekend, and we were on the ground in Emporia to document the race. On today's podcast we take a deep dive into Unbound Gravel, with analysis of the men's and women's race; thoughts on the race's decision to include both genders into one race; and how the wind and heat shaped the day. Then, Ben Delaney takes us inside his effort at the race, and what he saw from inside the group. Finally, we hear from multiple riders at the finish line of Unbound G...
Jun 11, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Gravel cycling's Super Bowl is this coming weekend, and on this week's episode we take a deep dive into Unbound Gravel. We preview the race and discuss the stacked fields for the men's and women's events. Plus, we examine gravel cycling's wait-or-race debate, which is whether or not elite riders should stop at feed zones or proceed ahead. There are plenty of storylines to discuss about Unbound Gravel, from the race's COVID-19 safety protocols, to the event's name change, to the tech and gear use...
Jun 02, 2021•56 min
The GC picture at the 2021 Giro d'Italia has come into view, with Egan Bernal proving himself to be the strongest rider in the race. On this week's podcast we examine Bernal's dominance, and discuss what it means for the wider dynamics within the sport. Does Bernal have what it takes to challenge Tadej Pogacar at the Tour de France in the future? While the maglia rosa is firmly on Bernal's back, the fight for the two spots on the podium is hardly decided, with five riders sitting within two or s...
May 26, 2021•48 min
We're recording a day later than normal this week so that we can discuss the Giro d'Italia's awesome stage 11 — the one held on those gravel strade bianche roads! Ineos Grenadiers took control of the race, Egan Bernal was a huge star, and Remco Evenepoel lost steam. On today's podcast we break down all of the storylines and takes from the thrilling with Andrew Hood and VeloNews Podcast newcomer Sadhbh O'Shea! Then, Larry Warbasse is back on the podcast to answer your questions. Larry is racing h...
May 20, 2021•44 min
The 2021 Giro d'Italia has begun, and we already have plenty of storylines to discuss. James Startt gives us a taste of what it's like to attend this year's race, from the security measures and the mood of the riders, to the size of crowds along the road. American Joe Dombrowski became just the 10th American to win a stage of the Giro on Tuesday, and we break down his historic victory, and analyze the significance of the win for Dombrowski's career. The GC picture is beginning to take shape afte...
May 12, 2021•40 min
It's time for the Giro d'Italia, and we have your complete audio guide for following the 2021 race. On this week's podcast we present our top-15 storylines to follow during the 2021 Giro, from Remco Evenepoel's comeback, to Peter Sagan's sprinting legs, to the likelihood of bad weather, shortened stages, or even a rider protest. Fred Dreier, Jim Cotton, and Andrew Hood each come into this week's podcast with their top-5 storylines to follow, and they hash out each story on today's pod. You can f...
May 05, 2021•40 min
We have a packed episode of The VeloNews Podcast this week, featuring interviews with Mike Woods and Annemiek van Vleuten, plus our analysis of Liège-Bastogne-Liège and our final takes on the 2021 classics season. Who won the Spring classics? It's the question of the week now that Liège-Bastogne-Liège has concluded. Wout van Aert, Marianne Vos, Annemiek van Vleuten, and the entire Deceuninck-Quick-Step squads can all claim victory this year. In truth, no one team or rider dominated classics seas...
Apr 28, 2021•51 min
The spring classics are speeding toward their conclusion, and on this week's episode of The VeloNews Podcast we take a deep dive into the action and dynamics shaping the big one-day races. First up, we break down Amstel Gold Race, and the two thrilling finales we saw this past weekend. Wout van Aert and Marianne Vos brought Jumbo-Visma two big wins, and both wins came by the thinnest of margins. Did Ineos-Grenadiers play its cards wrong in the men's race, and what do we make of the cat-and-mouse...
Apr 21, 2021•42 min
Primož Roglič scored a masterful victory at Spain's Itzulia Basque Country race this past week, taking the overall win on the final stage after embarking on a daylong breakaway. On this episode of The VeloNews Podcast we analyze Roglič's impressive win at a WorldTour race that is often overshadowed by the cobbled classics. Jumbo-Visma often win by seizing an early lead and then snuffing the life out of its rivals. But last week the Dutch team ceded the lead to Brandon McNulty of UAE-Team Emirate...
Apr 14, 2021•52 min
On this week's episode of The VeloNews Podcast we analyze every inch of Sunday's Tour of Flanders. Plus, American rider Leah Thomas of Team Movistar takes us inside Annemiek van Vleuten's thrilling victory in the women's race. Contributor James Startt was at the Tour of Flanders this year, and Startt gives us a detailed report on what the race was like without fans. Plus, Startt got a first-hand view of Mathieu van der Poel battling Kasper Asgreen and Wout van Aert. All that and more on this wee...
Apr 07, 2021•58 min
