The Cycling Podcast

With the first WorldTour race of the season, The Tour Down Under, already done and dusted, we review the action in Australia plus other early-season racing and talking points from the week in professional cycling. Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie are joined by Rob Hatch, who was on the ground to see Jay Vine take his second TDU overall victory. After his masterclass with Vine on the Corkscrew climb early in the week, Jhonatan Narváez’s crash threatened to derail UAE’s race. Happily for them, Vine couldn’t be shaken – not even by bushfires or a kangaroo running amok in the peloton. The other hot topic of the week was Jonas Vingegaard’s crash on a training ride near Málaga, amid suggestions that he was trying to shake off an amateur who wanted to tag along. We ask whether cycling fans have a “stalking” problem – or whether it’s the riders who need to change their attitude. EPISODE SPONSORSIndeedIf you are looking to hire someone for your company, maybe the best way isn’t to search for a candidate but to match with Indeed. Go to indeed.com/cycle now to get a £100 sponsored job credit and get matched with the perfect candidate fast.BikmoThis episode of The Cycling Podcast is brought to you by Bikmo cycle insurance – because let's face it, things happen. Whether it's a crash landing, the heartbreak of a stolen bike, or the ultimate facepalm moment of reversing over your prized aero wheel, Bikmo has you covered. Flexible policies that you can cancel anytime, 50% off extra bikes in your household, protection for your kit, race entries, and even damage while travelling to your next epic ride – they've thought of it all. Protect your ride before it's too late – head to Bikmo.com to get covered.NordVPNGet NordVPN two-year plan + four months extra ➼ https://nordvpn.com/tcp It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee.Follow us on social media:Twitter @cycling_podcastInstagram @thecyclingpodcastFriends of the PodcastSign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.The 11.01 CappuccinoOur regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).The Cannibal & BadgerFriends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our new virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.The Cycling Podcast is on StravaThe Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Larry Warbasse, American pro road cyclist for Tudor Pro Cycling, gives a quick mini-bio as a seasoned 14-year pro. He talks training experiments and a long search for the perfect preparation. He covers early-season race plans, hot conditions in Australia, peloton trends like tech, tracking and burnout, and rider transfers shaping the calendar.

Gather around The Cycling Podcast Féminin crystal ball and try (and mostly likely fail) to take a look into the future of the 2026 road season. Yes it is that time of the year when we bring out our ‘bold’ predictions for the racing ahead. This time the team are taking safety in numbers as Rose Manley is joined by a bumper number of co-hosts in Denny Gray, Rebecca Charlton and Jo Rowsell.Who will be tipped for success in the Classics? Which rider might be headed for a Giro-Tour double? Who is looking likely for a big bounceback? Before the team inevitably squabble over what is to come, they’ll first be taking a look at how they fared with their predictions last year. But enough conjecture, the team will also be taking a close look at the first Women’s World Tour race of the season, the Tour Down Under. There’s plenty to talk about after Team UAE-ADQ squandered a three-versus-one advantage over Noemi Ruegg to grant the Swiss rider her second consecutive title at the race. Plus we discuss the recently announced UK Grand Depart for the Tour de France Femmes in 2027.Also on the agenda: the correct pronunciation of ‘Leeds', giving birth before Gent-Wevelgem and a cheese knife that will turn your family against you.Follow us on social media:Twitter @cycling_podcastInstagram @thecyclingpodcastFriends of the PodcastSign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.The 11.01 CappuccinoOur regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).The Cannibal & BadgerFriends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our new virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.The Cycling Podcast is on StravaThe Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

As the cycling season heats up, speculation runs wild! Will Jonas Vingegaard tackle the Giro and potentially the Tour? Predictions fly about Primož Roglič's surprising winless year, while ambitious insights on Demi Vollering's Giro-Tour double emerge. Guests weigh in on standout talent Matthew Brennan and the shifting dynamics in team recruitment. Plus, intriguing nutrition trends like noni fruit could shake things up! Join the lively debate on who will rise and who might flop in the 2026 racing year.

This episode is KM0 is free for everyone to listen to thanks to the support and generosity of our Friends of the Podcast subscribers. You can get an annual subscription at thecyclingpodcast.com which will give you access to an archive of more than 330 special episodes released since 2015. The final stage of the 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain marked the end of an era for British cycling. It was the final road race of Geraint Thomas's long career, taking the Welshman on roads he has ridden since he discovered cycling as a child. The stage began at the velodrome in Newport that has been named after him and finished in his home city of Cardiff. On the run-in to the line, the peloton passed the outdoor velodrome at Maindy where Geraint's journey began. From riding laps of the track as a youngster he went on to win world and Olympic titles and the 2018 Tour de France. At the start of the year, Lionel Birnie took a trip to Cardiff to meet the people who founded and built the Maindy Flyers, a club created specifically for children and teenagers to learn how to ride and race. When the club was founded, 30 years ago, there were very few clubs in the UK that truly welcomed children. In a way, the Maindy Flyers ruffled feathers and showed what was possible if young talent was encouraged and nurtured.

This installment features Daniel Arribas, a Spanish cycling reporter, and Juan Ayuso, a rising star in professional cycling recently signed by Lidl-Trek, alongside Josu Larrazabal, Lidl-Trek’s Head of Performance. They delve into Ayuso’s transition from UAE Team Emirates, his ambitious plans for the 2026 Tour de France, and the team’s supportive culture. Ayuso highlights his chemistry with the new coaching staff, while Larrazabal discusses how Ayuso enhances the team's strategy and versatility. Expect insights into the evolving dynamics of Lidl-Trek!

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout… would all be worthy advice for our co-hosts on this episode of The Cycling Podcast Féminin. Yes, quizmaster Rose Manley, defending champion Rebecca Charlton and perennial quiz loser Denny Gray are back for another humdinger of a quiz. Join in as they take on such rounds as Blankety Bonk, the Sound Round and the now infamous Cryptic Criterium. No genuine cycling knowledge required but an enjoyment of puns is advisable. Before all the ugly competitiveness sets in, the team look back at some of their top racing moments of 2025. Tantalising rivalries, career-changing breakthroughs and some French flair all make the list. And we hear from a few familiar friends to find out their top picks from the season too. And of course no Christmas is complete without a little homespun festive music and some Cycling Podcast themed gifting. Keep listening right to the end for a very special exclusive treat from Paul Carella, the musician extraordinaire who also happens to be Rebecca Charlton’s partner. Also on the agenda, Greek rising star Flyinthesoupis, more allegations of quiz fixing and could that be the sound of Rebecca really enjoying Nienke Vinke’s white jersey win? Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast Friends of the Podcast Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes. The 11.01 Cappuccino Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am). The Cannibal & Badger Friends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our new virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in. The Cycling Podcast is on Strava The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

In this week’s episode of The Cycling Podcast, Daniel Friebe is joined by fellow journalist Dani Arribas for a special bulletin from UAE Team Emirates’ December training camp. Before hearing Tadej Pogačar reveal his 2026 race programme in Benidorm, we find out more about a revamped and renamed team born in Barcelona, NSN Cycling Team. Their manager, Kjell Callström answers Daniel’s questions about their controversial old owner, Sylvan Adams, and his successors.  Pogačar’s great unveiling told us that he will target Paris-Roubaix first and the Tour de France second, in that order of chronology and importance. We hear from the SlovAlien himself, his coaches and one team-mate, Florian Vermeersch, who opens up about the famous leader who fascinates him maybe as much as his superstar team-mate.  Artwork photo: ©️ Fizza/UAE Team Emirates-XRG  Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast Friends of the Podcast Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes. The 11.01 Cappuccino Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am). The Cannibal & Badger Friends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our new virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in. The Cycling Podcast is on Strava The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Daniel Benson, a cycling journalist and transfer specialist, shares insights from Spanish training camps. He discusses the major shift at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe with Remco Evenepoel's arrival, and the team's ambition to evolve into one of cycling's 'superteams.' Benson also delves into the latest transfer buzz surrounding Oscar Onley and Ineos, speculating on contract buyouts and team dynamics. With a focus on how teams are adapting their strategies, he highlights the impact of transitional periods within cycling's competitive landscape.

In this week’s episode of The Cycling Podcast, Daniel Friebe is joined by Brian Nygaard and Michele Pelacci as we run the rule over the men's 2026 Giro d’Italia just presented in Rome. The ‘Corsa Rosa’ will start from Eastern Europe for the second year in a row. After Albania this year, next May it’ll be Bulgaria’s turn to host Italy’s national tour - at a hefty price. In part three of the episode, we hear from Eurosport’s Bulgarian reporter Simeon Kichukov about what the Giro should expect from Bulgaria and his homeland from the race. We then ‘revisit’ Albania - checking in with their national coach, Mejdin Malhani - to find out what legacy, if any, the Giro has left there.  There’s also discussion about which GC contenders might actually be tempted to throw their hat into the ring. Should Jonas Vingegaard seize this chance to complete a Grand Slam of Grand Tours? One of our hosts this week certainly believes so…EPISODE SPONSORSNordVPNGet NordVPN two-year plan + four months extra ➼ https://nordvpn.com/tcp It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee.IndeedIf you are looking to hire someone for your company, maybe the best way isn’t to search for a candidate but to match with Indeed. Go to indeed.com/cycle now to get a £100 sponsored job credit and get matched with the perfect candidate fast.Follow us on social media:Twitter @cycling_podcastInstagram @thecyclingpodcastFriends of the PodcastSign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.The 11.01 CappuccinoOur regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).The Cannibal & BadgerFriends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our new virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.The Cycling Podcast is on StravaThe Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.