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
May 26, 2025 • 2min
Dame Kelly Holmes - Everything She Couldn't Say Then
Links to podcast - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7BjfwSowLD08jpGcWDDOK7APPLE - https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/dame-kelly-holmes-everything-she-couldnt-say-then/id1750982117?i=1000709610942AVAILABLE 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 in the military, and the relentless setbacks she overcame on the road to Olympic glory in Athens.But this episode goes deeper than performance. Kelly opens up about the private battles she fought in silence — the mental health struggles, the fear of being outed, and the toll of living a hidden life in the public eye.We talk about the moment she knew she couldn’t live in secrecy anymore, the relief of coming out in 2022, and what life feels like now that she’s free to be herself. This is about courage, resilience, and finally saying everything she couldn’t say then.To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/ROUVYROUVY 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 Roadman1m4iiii PowermeterThe 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.comTo calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioning
May 23, 2025 • 36min
How Much Zone Two Should I Do? - Rider support
Delve into the great training debate as experts discuss the all-important balance of slow rides versus speed work. Discover the science behind the 80-20 rule for endurance training and learn how to master cycling intensity through zone one and zone two training. Gain insights into the importance of periodization and individualized workout plans to enhance performance without burnout. Plus, unlock the secrets to enjoying your rides while still building speed with a flexible approach to training. It’s a game changer for cyclists!
May 21, 2025 • 34min
The Dark Secret Behind Hidden Motors in Cycling
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 tech, this is cycling’s most bizarre and high-tech scandal.To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/4iiii PowermeterThe 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.comTo calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioning
May 19, 2025 • 10min
Cycling and AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Way We Ride, Train, and Race
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 potential. As AI becomes more accessible, the real challenge isn’t technical—it’s personal. How do we use it to sharpen, not dull, the human edge of our sport?To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/ROUVYROUVY 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 Roadman1m4iiii PowermeterThe 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.comTo calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioning
May 17, 2025 • 29min
Testosterone's Common Use In Masters Racing - Rider Support
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 sides weighing in, including medical perspective and rider experience, this is a conversation about health, performance, and where we draw the line in sport.To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/ROUVYROUVY 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 Roadman1m4iiii PowermeterThe 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.comTo calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioning
May 14, 2025 • 1h 23min
Inside Eddie Dunbar's Two Vuelta Stage Wins — With VEKTA Founder Paul-Antoine Girard
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 methods. If you’re serious about performance—or just want to train smarter—this conversation is essential listening. The future of training isn’t coming. It’s already here.To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/ROUVYROUVY 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 Roadman1m4iiii PowermeterThe 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.comTo calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioning
May 12, 2025 • 30min
Why More Riding Isn’t Making You Faster - Rider Support
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 know about hookless rims and tyre safety.To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/ROUVYROUVY 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 Roadman1m4iiii PowermeterThe 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.comTo calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioning
May 10, 2025 • 29min
Spent $15k on a Bike… Still Getting Dropped
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 torching your legs, the real risks of hookless rims, and why surging out of corners might be ruining your ride.To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/ROUVYROUVY 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 Roadman1m4iiii PowermeterThe 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
May 10, 2025 • 45min
Sports Doping Encouraged! - Aron D’Souza From The Enhanced Games
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 the Enhanced Games means for cycling, the ethics of performance at any cost, and whether sport can survive when the rulebook gets ripped up.To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here https://www.roadmancycling.com/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/ROUVYROUVY 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 Roadman1m4iiii PowermeterThe 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
May 6, 2025 • 20min
The Dark Secret Behind Masters Doping
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/membersOur S&C Plan - https://www.roadmancycling.com/strengthandconditioningThe podcast wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors:If you would like to join Anthony & Sarah and race the L'Etape by Tour de France event in Las Vegas go tohttps://lasvegas.letapebytourdefrance.com/ and use the following code to get a 20% discount at checkout! - Roadman20REAPCustom Carbon Composition Bikes made in the UK. REAP's gravel bike is set to redefine gravel riding with 50mm+ tyre clearance https://reapbikes.com/ROUVYROUVY 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 Roadman1m4iiii PowermeterThe 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
