

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

Nov 9, 2024 • 21min
Lactate Threshold Explained: A Cyclist’s Guide to Smarter Training
In this episode, we dive deep into lactate threshold (LT) and why it’s a powerful tool for cyclists aiming to maximize endurance and performance. We break down what lactate and LT actually are, debunking common myths and explaining how LT differs from other metrics like VO2 max and FTP. You’ll learn how to determine your LT with simple field tests or precise lab testing and discover why LT training can help you build endurance, improve pacing, and avoid burnout. We cover common mistakes—like overtraining the threshold and neglecting aerobic base work—and discuss why the average road cyclist doesn’t need to fall too far into the LT rabbit hole. Whether you’re racing or just looking to ride stronger, this episode offers insights to take your training to the next level!
ROULEUR
To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to www.rouleur.cc/live and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off!
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1

Nov 8, 2024 • 36min
The Zone 2 and Intensity Formula Secret - Rider Support
Today we dive into the essentials of structuring your training week for peak performance. With a focus on balancing Zone 2 endurance rides and intensity, we discuss how to optimize limited training hours and avoid burnout—perfect for cyclists juggling busy schedules. We also tackle essential topics like fueling strategies with “train low, race high,” effective recovery, and knowing when to adjust your training for better long-term gains.
Later, we chat about fine-tuning equipment, from the benefits of deep-section carbon wheels to the surprising impact of small tire pressure adjustments. We round off with a fun discussion on cycling etiquette and whether it’s ever okay to offer style advice to newcomers. Tune in for practical tips on maximizing performance, keeping training sustainable, and enhancing every ride with the right setup and attitude.
ROULEUR
To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to www.rouleur.cc/live and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off!
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1

5 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 52min
How To Cycle Fast At A Lower Heart Rate With Dr Stephen Seiler
Dr. Stephen Seiler is a pioneering exercise physiologist known for his groundbreaking research in endurance sports and the polarized training model. He discusses the 80/20 training model, emphasizing low-intensity training for endurance enhancement and lactate reduction. The conversation dives into the physiological mechanisms that allow athletes to cycle faster at lower heart rates, introducing concepts like Zone 2 training and 'green zone' training for optimal recovery. Dr. Seiler also explores the significance of ventilation measurements over traditional lactate testing for better training metrics.

Nov 2, 2024 • 15min
How the 2025 Tour de France Will Test Riders Like Never Before
The 2025 Tour de France route has finally been revealed, and there’s plenty to talk about. From a classic first week setup to some surprising twists later in the race, this edition promises to be unforgettable. We’re diving into what makes this route unique, the potential game-changing moments, and who might benefit the most.
Sarah will also cover some fascinating behind-the-scenes elements that could impact the race, including a logistical challenge that might just push riders to their limits before they even hit the mountains. And, of course, Sarah couldn’t resist revisiting one of the most dramatic moments in modern Tour history to see how it might play out differently next year.
ROULEUR
To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to www.rouleur.cc/live and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off!
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1

Nov 1, 2024 • 29min
Half-Wheeling and Other Group Ride Disasters to Avoid - Rider Support
This week’s Rider Support dives into some of the biggest group ride mistakes you’re probably making—like half-wheeling your mates or bonking from bad fueling strategies. We kick things off with a question about whether group rides are becoming obsolete and discuss the top ways to bring that camaraderie and etiquette back to your local club scene. From there, we explore whether Rouleur Live is a must-see event for both new and seasoned cyclists, plus training advice for riders who feel stuck at their current endurance level. We also tackle how often to retest your FTP, the ins and outs of crank length changes, and a listener’s struggle with burnout from their intense training plan. Finally, we dig into “train low, race high” nutrition strategies and demystify periodization phases for self-coached cyclists. It’s a packed episode full of laughs, insights, and practical tips!
ROULEUR
To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to www.rouleur.cc/live and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off!
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1

Oct 31, 2024 • 14min
The Art of the Group Ride: Building Trust and Technique
In this episode of The Roadman Cycling Podcast, we’re exploring the art and etiquette of the group ride—an experience that’s as much about camaraderie as it is about fitness. Group rides hold a special place in cycling culture, with each rider moving in sync, sharing the road, and learning from one another. But for these rides to work well, there’s an unspoken set of rules to follow, and it's not always clear what they are.
Today, I’m breaking down these unwritten rules to help everyone enjoy the ride. We’ll cover essential skills, from steady pacing and clear communication to keeping a tight formation and the fundamentals of pace-lining. I’ll talk about how group rides used to feel like an apprenticeship, where experienced riders mentored newcomers, passing down the “non-verbal language” of cycling.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting, this episode will help you make the most of your group rides, making them safe, enjoyable, and rewarding.
ROULEUR
To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to www.rouleur.cc/live and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off!
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc
Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1

Oct 29, 2024 • 18min
Training on Autopilot: Easy Habits for Consistent Cycling Success
In today’s episode of The Roadman Cycling Podcast, Anthony shares practical hacks that make daily training easier, especially for those getting back into a training routine. He explains how he has been fine-tuning habits that remove friction and make training almost effortless.
Breaking down simple actions that make training more automatic and enjoyable, from building accountability with friends or coaches to setting process goals that keep you engaged.
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc
Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1

Oct 28, 2024 • 48min
From Tour de France to Tour Divide: Laurens ten Dam’s Epic Journey
In this episode of The Roadman Podcast, we welcome former pro road cyclist Laurens ten Dam to dive into his incredible journey riding the Tour Divide, a 2,745-mile self-supported mountain bike race from Canada to the Mexican border.
We explore his training adaptations, equipment setup, and strategic approach to navigating, pacing, and managing rest over the brutal terrain. Laurens discusses memorable highs and unexpected lows from the race, including facing mechanical issues, remote trails, and extreme weather. He offers insights on handling isolation and staying motivated for days on end, plus how his road racing background prepared him—and at times surprised him—on this incredible adventure. Tune in to hear Laurens’ reflections on resilience, risk, and the powerful growth of ultra-endurance cycling.
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc
Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1

Oct 25, 2024 • 32min
Training Zones Decoded, Ride Smarter, Not Harder - Rider Support
On this week’s Rider Support we kick things off with a rider who’s been winging it on his bike but is ready to get serious with training zones—how can he master the numbers without losing the joy of riding? We also dive into group ride disasters, with one listener recounting a near peloton wipeout and asking how to keep things drama-free on the road. Plus, we tackle weight loss for endurance cyclists, late-night snack attacks...will a personal trainer might help solve these struggles. On the lighter side, a Sober October success story leaves Anthony reflecting on life without the jar, while another rider questions if her saddle sores can be fixed with a simple mid-ride saddle adjustment.
The podcast Sarah mentioned - Demystifying Training Zones https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/roadman-cycling-podcast/episodes/Demystifying-Cycling-Training-Zones-e2a8pcf
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc
Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1

Oct 21, 2024 • 42min
Training, Pacing, and Aero: John Archibald's Formula for TT Domination
On this episode of The Roadman Podcast, we sit down with British time trial specialist John Archibald to dive deep into the world of time trialing. John takes us through his meticulously structured training week when prepping for a big event, balancing the right mix of volume and intensity. He shares his go-to interval sessions, highlights the critical role of recovery, and discusses how he divides his training between indoor turbo sessions and outdoor road rides. We explore his strength training routine and get insights into his pacing strategies, power targets, and course recon techniques. John also reveals how he optimizes his bike setup and aero position for marginal gains and offers practical tips on race-day nutrition, fueling, and mental preparation. Whether you’re an amateur looking to improve your TT performance or a seasoned racer, this episode is packed with expert advice to take your time trialing to the next level.
WHOOP
Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring. Go to join.whoop.com/Roadman to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!
ROUVY
ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ROUVY.com to start your adventure today! And to get one month FREE use code Roadman1m
4iiii Powermeter
The PRECISION 3+ Powermeter from 4iiii is a compact yet powerful unit & is packed with features that set it apart, including integration with Apple’s Find My network PLUS It's got up to 800 hours of battery life.Learn more by visiting 4iiii.com
HUEL
You can order Huel Ready To Drink directly to your home, go to huel.com/roadman
LeCol
For amazing cycling kit go check out LeCol at www.lecol.cc
Use code roadman20 to get 20% off your LeCol order
The heart beat of our community & best place to reach me is Twitter
Want to watch full interviews on video? Check out our new Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/roadmancycling?sub_confirmation=1