The Roadman Cycling Podcast

What really raises VO₂ max: four-by-fours, four-by-eights, and 30/15s go head-to-head with all-out sprints. Explore why pacing can make or break an interval session, how concentrated hard weeks compare with evenly spread training, and an unusual four-week VO₂ max block that delivered striking results. Plus, find out who should approach block periodization with caution.

Dr John Bartlett is a sports scientist who has worked with British Cycling, the NBA and elite teams worldwide. He explores how carbohydrate availability acts as a training signal, why sleep loss can blunt adaptation, and when low-carb strategies make sense. They also tackle cramping, recovery, underfueling, athlete travel, and the habits that separate high performers.

Evan Lynch, a sports dietitian and AG1’s European nutrition lead, explores why looking fit does not always mean being healthy. They discuss under-fuelling, weak bones, blood markers, micronutrients, gut health, sleep, burnout, RED-S, libido, and creatine. A revealing look beyond watts, weight, and VO₂ max at the warning signs cyclists should not ignore.

Brandon McNulty delivers a stunning solo victory at the Montréal World Championships, becoming America’s first men’s road race champion since 1993. Explore the attacks, hesitation and tactical chaos that shaped the race, from Van der Poel and Evenepoel’s struggles to the American team’s relentless disruption. Plus, a look at Michael Matthews’ runner-up finish and McNulty’s journey to the rainbow jersey.

Alberto Contador’s 2010 Tour de France victory vanished after a clenbuterol positive, sparking one of cycling’s most disputed doping cases. Explore the “contaminated steak” defense, the Spanish beef trail, strict liability, missing evidence, and why the tribunal favored supplement contamination without proving deliberate cheating. The verdict still leaves plenty to debate.

The women’s road race at the Montréal World Championships promises chaos on a brutal 180km course featuring eight Mount Royal laps, punishing climbs and an uphill finish. Demi Vollering, Lotte Kopecky, Marlen Reusser and defending champion Magdeleine Vallières headline a stacked field, while aggressive outsiders could launch surprise attacks. The key question: climbers or sprinters will seize the rainbow jersey?

The men’s World Championship road race is wide open without Tadej Pogačar. Explore Montréal’s punishing climbs, technical laps and uphill finish, plus the contenders shaping the battle: Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel, Isaac Del Toro and Tom Pidcock. Strong national teams, radio-free tactics and the prestige of the rainbow jersey add even more intrigue.

Which cycling workouts truly deliver speed, and which merely burn time? This ranking dives into group rides, sweet spot, sprints, VO2 max intervals, fasted endurance, low-cadence torque work, and Zone 2. Expect surprising verdicts on training efficiency, the dangers of the middle ground, and how to structure a more effective week.

Tadej Pogačar’s Alpe d’Huez ascent surpassed Marco Pantani’s famous mark, reigniting questions about modern cycling and doping. The discussion unpacks why historical climbing comparisons are tricky, examining equipment, fuelling, training, wind, tactics, fatigue and rider durability. It also explores the limits of estimated power and why a faster time alone cannot settle the debate.

Eddie Dunbar’s Vuelta stage win was forged through crashes, broken bones, missed Grand Tours and relentless rebuilding. We explore his perfectly timed attack, the emotional story behind the celebration, the sacrifices made by riders and families, and the cruel twist that followed just 24 hours later. A powerful look at resilience, timing and refusing to let setbacks define a career.