

The Roadman Cycling Podcast
Anthony Walsh
We share tips, strategies & insights on how you can use cycling as a tool for health, for happiness & longevity. World Tour riders, authors & academics - every weekday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 22min
How Riding Slow Makes You Faster (The Science)
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 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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.

Jul 21, 2025 • 22min
How To Make Cycling Suck Less (& It's Not What You Think)
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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/

Jul 18, 2025 • 14min
Cycling’s Weird Obsession with Shaved Legs Explained
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 in the peloton. It’s about more than watts — it’s about identity, trust, and culture. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should shave, this is the deep dive you didn’t know you needed.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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/

Jul 16, 2025 • 16min
Ben Healy’s INSANE Fuelling Strategy Explained
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 learn from it. We cover gut training, carb strategies, and why most cyclists are under-fueled, not under-trained. 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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/

Jul 7, 2025 • 29min
Cycling’s Shift from Performance to Aesthetic (Thanks Pas Normal)
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 a cyclist.” But at what cost? We explore whether this shift elevated the sport — or hollowed it out. If you’ve ever felt underdressed at a group ride, this one’s going to hit home.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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/

Jul 4, 2025 • 15min
I Trained 6 vs 12 Hours a Week: What the Data Says
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: performance vs sustainability, volume vs life. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can get fast on 6 hours a week — this is the honest, data-backed answer. 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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/

Jul 2, 2025 • 21min
The €8 Million Netflix Disaster Cyclists Hated
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 Season 2 — a clear signal that something broke. This is more than a bad documentary. It’s a case study in how not to tell a story — and a reminder of what makes this sport sacred.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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 31min
World Tour Nutritionist Sam Impey: “You’re Fuelling All Wrong”
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 for different training loads, and how AI tech is helping riders like Tom Pidcock personalize nutrition in real time.We talk about Exoanalytics https://www.linkedin.com/company/exoanalyticsdata?trk=blended-typeaheadSurfshark - 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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/

Jun 27, 2025 • 27min
How Pogacar's Stretching Protocol Will Make You Faster
Discover how Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar swears by his dynamic stretching protocol to boost cycling performance. The discussion covers pre-ride activation secrets and post-ride recovery techniques that keep riders strong. Learn effective warm-up exercises like glute bridges and band walks to enhance power and prevent injuries. Unpack the misconceptions surrounding stretching and its importance in maintaining muscle health. Embrace simple routines to ride smarter and potentially mirror the success of pro cyclists!

Jun 25, 2025 • 53min
Dirk Friel - How The Pros Are Using Training Peaks
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 metric "Durability" and why it's important for every day cyclists. 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 very first dose. Go to www.drinknomio.com and check out this game changing supplement. 4iiiiReady to elevate your cycling game? Trust the 4iiii PRECISION 3+ Powermeter—precision, performance, and peace of mind, all in one.Learn more by visiting http://www.4iiii.comBIKMO Whether it’s theft, damage, crashes, racing or travel, Bikmo’s got your back. Their in-house claims team makes the process fast and painless, and here’s the kicker — with 50% off multi-bike cover, you can protect all your bikes, and even your family’s or mates’ bikes, under one simple policy.Make sure you’re covered - check the details in your policy docs. T&Cs apply.Head over to https://bikmo.com/uk/ and use the code ROADMAN to get covered & save money.REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/