Sigma Sports Unplugged with Matt Stephens

Niels Vandeputte on winning the Belgian Gravel Champsionships and Chasing a Cross Jersey

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Belgian cyclocross star Niels Vandeputte joins Matt Stephens to unpack a huge season of 40 races, breakthrough podiums, and the challenge of going head-to-head with legends like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. The Alpecin-Premier Tech Development Team rider shares insights into the demands of elite cyclocross racing, how training camps and setbacks shaped his form, and why consistency might be his greatest strength. They also dive into his Belgian gravel championship win, ambitions on the road, and the long-term goal of earning another coveted championship jersey - this time in cyclocross!

www.sigmasports.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carlton Kirby on French Biscuit Factories and Emotional Crescendos

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Carlton Kirby chats to Matt Stephens about their first encounter in the Eurosport commentary booth together over 10 years ago. His love of cycling might have been born in a French biscuit factory, but it was in the years after that summer job that saw him DJ in Tuvalu, become a breakfast broadcaster, and have an unfortunate encounter with the world’s biggest dog. If you think Matt is tangential, just wait till you hear some of Carlton’s stories! Warm, funny, and full of behind-the-scenes detail, this episode offers a unique look at the voices behind the racing and the stories that keep fans coming back for more.

www.sigmasports.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anders Mielke on Breaking Into Cycling Media and Chasing Cobbles with Mads Pedersen

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Sports broadcaster and journalist Anders Mielke joins Matt Stephens to share his journey from junior cyclist in Denmark to one of the most exciting young voices in cycling media. Anders reflects on the moment he realised a pro career wasn’t for him, how he built a podcast from scratch, and the path that led him to the commentary booth. He also lifts the lid on creating Chasing Cobbles, his behind-the-scenes documentary with Mads Pedersen, offering a unique insight into trust, storytelling and life inside the pro peloton. And in the hometown quiz, we witness a standout performance with a uniquely Danish twist.

www.sigmasports.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Imogen Cotter on Resilience, Reinvention, and Life Beyond the Peloton

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Former Irish road race national champion Imogen Cotter joins Matt Stephens to discuss a cycling journey defined by grit, ambition and resilience. From funding her racing career while working as a postwoman in Belgium to winning the Irish National Championships in 2021 and signing her first professional contract, Cotter’s rise was hard-earned and rapid. But just weeks into life as a pro, a serious collision while training in Girona changed everything. In this episode, Imogen speaks candidly about recovery, early retirement, rediscovering her love for cycling, and pursuing a new path in sports journalism. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation released ahead of International Women’s Day.

Read the accompanying article on the Sigma Sports Hub:

https://www.sigmasports.com/hub/news/imogen-cotter-resilience-and-reinvention

www.sigmasports.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stefan Küng on Chasing Monuments, Precision, and a New Chapter at Tudor Pro Cycling

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Swiss powerhouse Stefan Küng joins Matt Stephens from Tudor Pro Cycling’s training camp in Spain to reflect on a career built on consistency, curiosity, and quiet ambition. Küng opens up about leaving Groupama-FDJ for a new challenge, the vision behind Tudor’s project, and why the Classics success still drive him. The conversation dives into racing with instinct in an era of marginal gains, evolving nutrition and technology, and the balance between innovation and safety in modern cycling. Stefan also shares formative stories from his youth, the people who shaped his self belief, and a memorable European Championship win before taking on a somewhat unfinished hometown quiz to round it all off.

www.sigmasports.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matthew Riccitello on Removing his Power Meter and Riding on Feel

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Matthew Riccitello is one of the most exciting young climbers in the WorldTour. Fresh from a breakthrough fifth place at the Vuelta a España, the 23-year-old American joins Matt Stephens from altitude camp in Sierra Nevada to reflect on his journey so far and his move to Decathlon CMA CGM Team. In this episode, Matthew discusses GC ambition, training philosophies, racing without a power meter, and why consistency and confidence are his greatest strengths. Matt learns about life in his hometown Tucson and his adoptive European home of Nice. Wise beyond his years, Riccitello explains how he feels the final week of a Grand Tour is the best stage on which to shine.

www.sigmasports.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alistair Brownlee on Life After Gold Medals, Gravel Racing, and his Yorkshire Roots

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Double Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee joins Matt Stephens from his home in Yorkshire for a wide-ranging conversation about life after elite triathlon. Brownlee reflects on retiring from professional sport, the pressure of delivering at a home Olympics, and why daily movement still matters as much as ever. The pair dive into Alistair’s growing love of gravel racing, sibling rivalry with brother Jonathan, and that unforgettable moment at the 2016 World Triathlon Series. There’s also time for business ventures, community impact, and a proper Yorkshire Bramhope quiz covering pubs, tunnels, chippies and baked goods.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Julian Alaphilippe on Racing with Instinct, Fatherhood, and Finding Balance at Tudor

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Former world champion Julian Alaphilippe joins Matt Stephens from Tudor Pro Cycling’s training camp near Calpe to reflect on a career defined by courage, instinct and unforgettable moments. Julian opens up about leading the Tour de France, the pressure of wearing the rainbow jersey, and why that period was both a peak and a personal challenge. He discusses becoming a father, finding balance beyond results, and why joining Tudor has reignited his motivation. The conversation also explores modern cycling’s obsession with numbers versus feel, the responsibility of leadership, and the emotions behind his standout victory in Québec… before a lively Saint-Amand-Montrond hometown quiz rounds things off.

www.sigmasports.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Strohmeyer on Chasing the European Cyclocross Dream

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

2025 Pan American Cyclocross Champion Andrew Strohmeyer joins Matt Stephens from his European base in the Netherlands to discuss racing World Cups, funding a full European season, and chasing a professional career. A multiple US national champion and Pan-American title holder, Andrew explains the “Mud Fund,” the impact of gravel’s boom in the US, and the technical skill gap between American and European racing. He breaks down his impressive 12th place at the Tábor World Cup, the demands of elite cyclocross training, and why the discipline keeps pushing him to improve - before contemplating the existence of exploding goats in the Mount Airy, Maryland hometown quiz.

www.sigmasports.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

João Almeida on Grand Tours, Team Dynamics & That Pidcock Moment

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Portugal’s finest export since the pastel de nata, João Almeida joins Matt Stephens for a brilliantly honest conversation that dives into the life and mindset of one of the most consistent GC riders in the modern peloton. Matt also digs into what it’s like sharing a team with superstars Tadej Pogačar, Juan Ayuso and rising talent Isaac del Toro. Does riding for UAE Team Emirates limit his personal ambitions, or unlock even more potential? What did he really say in that infamous Tom Pidcock moment? João answers all of this and more with refreshing honesty.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Hall on his stupid bike challenges for Movember

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to ultra-distance bike racer, content creator and charity fundraiser Chris Hall about his recent challenges for Movember. Despite atrocious weather conditions, Chris completed a lap of Britain unsupported during the summer of 2025, learning valuable lessons along the way. With a history of severe depression, Movember is a charity close to his heart and this monumental effort is documented superbly in Chris’ film “Bikepacking the Perimeter of Britain”. Cycling has played a huge part in Chris' recovery from depression and continues to help him maintain his mental health.

www.sigmasports.com

Support Chris’ Movember fundraising at his MoSpace: https://uk.movember.com/mospace/6408721

Chris Hall’s ‘Bikepacking The Perimeter of Britain’ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLGuamHY2pc

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emma Pooley on competitiveness, privilege and roast potatoes

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Emma Pooley about her incredibly varied career, which spans from professional cycling through long distance running and triathlon, to a victory on University Challenge and some Geotech Engineering thrown in for good measure. The very definition of a multi-disciplinary champion, Emma talks candidly about her struggle to retire from pro sports and how her love for the mountains is undying. The former UCI Individual Time Trial world champion and Olympic Silver medalist shares the origin story of her competitive nature, which to Matt’s surprise, involves roast potatoes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy Hudson on World Mental Health Day 2025

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Amy Hudson, known as amy.cycling.adventures on social media channels, about her struggles with mental health and the role cycling has had in her recovery. While working as a Mental Health Nurse for the NHS, Amy began suffering with anxiety and eating disorders, with thoughts of suicide. Her husband bought her a road bike, and it slowly changed her life. Now, with the goal of raising funds for mental health charities, she has completed the entire men’s Tour de France route as well as the transfers, and is setting her sights on a huge challenge in 2026.

⁠www.sigmasports.com⁠

Amy’s Fundraising page for Shout and The Mix Mental Health charities - https://www.justgiving.com/page/a-c-a

Read more about this episode on the Sigma Sports Blog:

https://www.sigmasports.com/hub/stories/world-mental-health-day-matt-stephens-in-conversation-with-amy-hudson
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Filippo Conca on how winning the Maglia Tricolore changed his life.

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Filippo Conca races in the Maglia Tricolore with UCI WorldTeam Jayco–AlUla - but just three months ago, that seemed like a distant dream. Out of contract at the end of 2024, he found salvation in SWATT club, an Italian amateur team known for offering cyclists a fresh start with a mix of road and gravel racing. In this podcast, Filippo explains how it feels to win an Italian national road race championship as what he calls ‘a normal rider’, how his engine was suited to gravel racing, what he has planned for the end of this season and his goals in 2026. His is a story of resilience, redemption, and victory - it’s a bit like a movie.

www.sigmasports.com

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vuelta a España Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 3 Vingegaard looks good in red (Stages 16 - 21)

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:43:00 -0000

With his unique mix of mayhem, tangents and honest analysis, Matt Stephens looks back on the final week of the 2025 Vuelta Ciclista a España drawing this season’s Rest Day Reflections mini series to a close. There was redemption for Egan Bernal, Pidcock on the Podium, a birthday Kuss, and of course the great Dane dominating the race with Vingegaard looking good in red on the top step. But this is a Matt Stephens podcast, so you can expect clips from inside a revolving door, an origin story about his fondness for waterfowl, and an honest admission from Adam Blythe on his struggles with resisting off-air Monster Munch.

www.sigmasports.com

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vuelta a España Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 2 Ayuso’s contract, Chennaoui’s theme song, Pedersen’s anatomy (Stages 10 - 15)

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:33:00 -0000

From Juan Ayuso’s contract to Mads Pedersen’s anatomy, Matt Stephens leaves no stone unturned in his analysis of stages 10 to 15 of the 2025 Vuelta Ciclista a España. With the race in the balance, this informal look back at the previous week of racing is the perfect rest day listening. Expect the usual from Matt however, as he gets distracted by Orla Chennaoui’s theme song, carp (again), and an eerily silent room!

www.sigmasports.com

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Make a donation & join Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de Four movement here➼ www.tourde4.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vuelta a España Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 1 Mini Giro, Máximo Vuelta! (Stages 1 - 9)

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:30:00 -0000

Fresh from the TV studio, Matt Stephens reflects on the first nine stages of the 2025 Vuelta Ciclista a España as they happened. Expect expert opinions on a jam-packed first week of racing that included everything from a mini Giro d’Italia to a sprint finish with a disqualification. And since this is Matt’s podcast, you can also expect him to provide updates on wooden foot bridges and for him to get distracted by carp.

www.sigmasports.com

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift Rest Day Reflections 2025 - Return of the GOAT, and a star is born

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:16:00 -0000

Reporting from the mix zone, the motor bike, and a McDonald’s, Matt Stephens brings us a unique look at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2025. After hot-footing it from stage 19 of the men’s race, Matt didn’t want to miss a beat of the women’s competition. And what a race it turned out to be. With so much French interest in their homegrown riders the fans at the roadside brought the atmosphere, and the peloton brought the theatre. With a final word from Pauline Ferrand-Prévot fresh from her victory this is a podcast not to be missed.

www.sigmasports.com/podcast⁠

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour de France Rest Day Reflections 2025 - Stages 16-21 Wrapping up a rollercoaster of a Grand Tour

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:38:00 -0000

Live from behind the scenes at the Tour de France, Matt Stephens shares his experience of the final week of racing at the men’s competition before jetting off to watch the Femmes. In this episode you can expect the usual shenanigans alongside some more detailed race analysis and a reflection on how the Tour de France unfolded. So if you like a cocktail of excitable European accents reviewing their fancy French dinners, and Adam Blythe mildly panicking about toilet access while on moto duties - then this is the Tour de France podcast for you.

www.sigmasports.com/podcast⁠

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour de France Rest Day Reflections 2025 - Stages 11-15 Has the race already been won?

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:22:00 -0000

He’s armed with a portable recorder and he’s still not afraid to use it! Matt Stephens is back at the Tour de France 2025 to bring us a series of vignettes from behind the scenes, as well as his thoughtful reflections on how the men’s race has been ridden over the course of stages 11-15. So if you like thoughtful reflections, panic in ski gondolas and plenty of references to classic pop music - then this is the Tour de France podcast for you.

www.sigmasports.com/podcast⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour de France Rest Day Reflections 2025 - Stages 1-10 A relentless and breathtaking first week of racing

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:08:00 -0000

From behind the scenes at the 2025 Tour de France, Matt Stephens has got his portable recorder at the ready to capture the atmosphere, and his own reactions to the biggest men’s bike race in the world. From the grand depart in Lille to the unpredictability of Bastille day, there are a whopping ten stages to get stuck into. So if you like tiny toilet reports, caravan float roulette, and time trial recces on Bromptons - then this is the Tour de France podcast series for you.

www.sigmasports.com/podcast⁠ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unplugged

Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 4 Plot Twists and Drama (Stages 16 - 21)

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:20:00 -0000

After what many are describing as the best Giro d’Italia of all time, Matt Stephens looks back at the final week of action from stages 16 - 21 2025. Stepping out of the TNT Eurosport Discovery TV studio to record his clips, Matt’s reactions are immediate, honest and fresh - with takeaways from each stage that retell the story of the grand tour in his unique way. You can also expect to hear about bees, swashbuckling, snakehips, low-budget Mission Impossible movies, and German Fathers’ day, - after all, this is Matt Stephens Unplugged.

www.sigmasports.com/podcast⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 3 Time Trials and Taxidermy (Stages 10 - 15)

Mon, 26 May 2025 14:00:00 -0000

Looking back at stages 10 - 15 of the Giro d’Italia 2025, this special episode of Sigma Sports Presents Matt Stephens Unplugged is another fantastic installment of his Rest Day Reflections mini series. After each stage of the Giro, Matt pops out of the TV studio to give us his raw reflections on how the race went that day. Expect wet and wild time trials, Lidl Trek dominance, the surprising demise of a race favourite, and (this being Matt Stephens); water polo cousins, goose attacks and a taxidermied fox to feature too!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 2 Pass the Pink Jersey (Stages 4 - 9)

Mon, 19 May 2025 12:28:00 -0000

Live from Stockley Park, Matt Stephens steps out of the TNT Eurosport Discovery TV studio and delivers his opinions on the Giro d’Italia as it happens. In this episode, Matt reacts to a thrilling week of racing when the Giro landed on Italian soil, as he focuses on stages 4 - 9. There was a little bit of everything to reflect on; flat stages with frantic finishes, impressive climbing from grand tour debutants, and the pink jersey changing hands four times in the past week. Not to mention a thrilling win for Wout van Aert in Siena, on a stage sharing the same gravel sectors and the same finish as Strade Bianche.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 1 Travel Days and Duvet Picnics

Mon, 12 May 2025 13:24:00 -0000

For the 2025 edition of the Giro d’Italia Matt Stephens has a live in-studio role providing commentary and analysis for TNT Eurosport Discovery. But he’s taken his pod-mic along and will give us his daily reactions to each stage, right after it happens. In this episode, Matt looks back at the first three stages in Albania, which saw some pretty hectic racing right from the very start of his favourite Grand Tour. Matt being Matt, this podcast features tips on how to eat well with only a hotel kettle to cook with, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Disclaimer: This episode contains mild swearing. Two "S-words" to be precise!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Double on his journey from almost quitting to his first World Tour stage wins

Fri, 02 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Paul Double about his journey from development rider at Zappi’s Racing Team to winning World Tour stages for Jayco AlUla. Unlike recent trends, Paul’s route to the top tier of pro cycling has been a steady development over many years of racing through the ranks, only signing his first World Tour contract at 28. He’s a gritty, determined climber with a decent sprint - so he’s certainly one to watch if he’s chosen for this season’s Giro d’Italia. Not only is he a fantastica bike racer, but he can sing and play guitar too! Paul treats us to a rendition of Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange” at the end of the podcast. Enjoy!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boru McCullagh on riding around the world for mental health

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Boru McCullagh about his incredible bikepacking trip around the globe. When he started out, Boru had a fixed route and planned to ride as quickly as possible, but he soon realised that was not the way he needed to do things. In this podcast he explains to Matt how his outlook on bike riding changed when he realised the bike was the means of experiencing the world, and not solely the experience itself. A fascinating chat with a unique young athlete that has some sage advice for all of us.

To donate to Boru’s fundraising page for MIND mental health charity, visit this link:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mindmapping

This podcast deals with themes of depression and suicide. If you are struggling with your own mental health, consider contacting your local health services or General Practitioner. Or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeroen Swart on his role as UAE Team Emirates XRG Head of Performance

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to UAE Team Emirates XRG’s Head of Performance Jeroen Swart about his role on the team, and how he helped transform them into one of the most successful sports teams in the world. With fascinating insights into the importance of applying scientific knowledge in a way that fosters team spirit and personalised approaches to coaching for each individual rider, it's clear to see what Jeroen is so highly regarded in academia and sports science. He discusses the impact of having a star like Tadej Pogacar on the team, the latest research into raceday fueling, and tells Matt how to win the Tour de France.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danni Shrosbree on gravel racing to the point of hallucination

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens talks gravel racing with former British Gravel Champion Danni Shrosbree. The accomplished former road racer turned to gravel during lockdown and never looked back. Within a couple of years she had become one of the best gravel racers in the world, winning Badlands in the pairs category with her partner Bradley Shenton, finishing 4th at Unbound and inspiring a generation of young riders with her YouTube and Social Media content. In this podcast she explains her plan to race The Life Time Grand Prix, and has some great advice for anyone wishing to try gravel cycling for the first time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lars van der Haar on control, Cyclocross, and cockerels

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats all-things cyclocross with Dutch superstar Lars van der Haar. The Baloise–Trek Lions rider is a former U23 World Champion, won the European Championships twice, and shared the elite podium with the likes of Pidcock, Van Aert and Van Der Poel. So there’s no better expert to comment on how the sport is changing in terms of both the riders and their bikes. In this fascinating chat, Lars and Matt have a deep dive on the continued evolution of ‘cross, surprising off-season training methods, and a local hero award he recently received that’s guaranteed to raise an eyebrow!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Toms Skujins on bike racing, ice hockey and potatoes

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Toms Skujiņš about his hugely impressive results in recent seasons, with the Lidl-Trek rider coming second at last year’s Strade Bianche, and finishing 4th in the road race at the UCI World Championships in Zurich. The former Latvian national champ is suited to long and hard days in the saddle, and has high hopes for the 2025 season where he’ll certainly be one to watch. Once the official potato ambassador of Latvia, there’s no wonder he takes every opportunity to extol the virtues of the humble spud.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Yee on his nail biting Olympic Gold and learning from failures

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Alex Yee about his illustrious triathlon career, where he became only the second man to win both Olympic gold and the World championship in the same year for the standard distance triathlon. Now his sights are set on running a marathon in 2025, Matt is keen to learn how training is going, and what time he’d be happy to finish with. For a man with a mural of his face in his hometown, you’d expect him to get full marks in the Lewisham quiz… right?

www.sigmasports.com

Read more about this episode on the Sigma Sports Blog:

https://www.sigmasports.com/hub/stories/a-conversation-with-olympic-champion-alex-yee

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Laura Kenny on absolutely loving life after bike racing

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 08:17:00 -0000

Matt Stephens welcomes the first Dame he's ever had on the podcast in a wonderfully uplifting conversation with Laura Kenny. As Britain's most decorated female Olympian, Laura needs no introduction. But how she has embraced life since hanging up her wheels is something we could all learn from. Enjoying the freedom to use her own voice and to truly be herself, Laura is grasping as many opportunities as possible to try something new… and even suggests taking Matt's job when he retires.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bas Tietema on targeting the Tour de France

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Bas Tietema about his incredible journey from promising young pro cyclist with a podium at Paris-Roubaix Espoirs, to falling out of love with racing, only to fall back in love with cycling as a fan. While following the tour de france from his tent at the roadside, Bas made some amazing YouTube content with friends and got the motivation to start racing again This inspired him to start his own racing team which became Unibet Tietema Rockets, racing at Pro Tour level. Bas’ story is unique and inspirational, and it feels like this young entrepreneur is just starting his journey. But can the Rockets make it all the way to the Tour de France?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robbie McEwen on his controversial rider safety opinion

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Robbie McEwen about his highlights of the 2024 season, and whether Tadej Pogacar can be beaten in 2025. The Australian fast man sprinted to his fair share of victories over his illustrious career; none more memorable than his first grand tour stage win in 1999, which came at the Champs Elysees - a story he retells with humorous detail. On the topic of rider safety raised by Christian Prudhomme recently, McEwen’s not shy of expressing his controversial opinions, and offers sage advice that some riders won’t want to hear.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oscar Onley on the importance of consistency at World Tour level

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to DSM-Firmenich PostNL rider Oscar Onley about his sharp rise to the top step of the World Tour podium. The young Scottish rider had a setback at the 2023 Vuelta Espana, but could focus solely on his recovery thanks to the faith his team showed in him by offering him a long contract. He has since gone on to race a fantastic season in 2024, including a stage win at the Tour Down Under, and helping teammate Roman Bardet to win stage one of the Tour de France. In the Kelso quiz, Matt awards a Rugby-related bonus point - but you’ll have to listen to find out why!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Blackmore on stepping up a level and never looking back

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens discusses a trailblazing first season at pro level for Joseph Blackmore, which saw him jump up a level from Conti Tour to Pro Tour for Israel Premier-Tech. He had a string of fantastic results along the way, including the general classification and points jersey at the tour de l’Avenir, he also won the tour of Rwanda, tour of Taiwan and the Circuit des Ardennes, and the U23 Liège–Bastogne–Liège! He really can do it all - so it’s no surprise that he smashed the hometown quiz!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Millar on second chances and the role of the bike in his recovery

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to David Millar about retirement, maturity and finding solace in the quiet life. The former British national champion won multiple stages and wore the leader's jersey of all three grand tours during his illustrious career. In a candid and honest conversation, David opens up about his recent alcohol problem, and how the bike played a big role in his rehabilitation. Now in a much better place thanks in no small part to the help of his sister Fran, he has fallen in love with the bike again by tackling challenges that scare him.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Victor Campenaerts on his switch to Visma Lease a Bike

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens discusses career highlights with Victor Campenaerts, including his UCI Hour Record and that amazing victory on stage 18 of the 2024 Tour de France, which he credits to the joyous psychological boost that came with the birth of his son. Recorded in the off-season, Victor is about to move from Lotto Dstny to Visma Lease a Bike, where he explains his goals for 2025 include helping Jonas Vingegaard beat Tadej Pogacar at the Tour. In the hometown quiz, the Belgian phones a friend in the Antwerp diamond trade and convinces him he’s actually on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - this one is not to be missed folks!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nathan Van Hooydonck on second chances and new beginnings

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Nathan Van Hooydonck about the heart attack that changed his life forever, prematurely ending his professional cycling career for Team Jumbo Visma. Having enjoyed a hugely successful career with highlights that include helping Jonas Vingegaard win the Tour de France in 2023, he is now embracing life as a business development manager for Team Visma Lease a Bike. Discussing the importance of treating team members as people, Nathan explains that their philosophy of ‘helping each other win’ extends beyond the peloton and into life itself.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tiffany Cromwell on the new challenge of gravel racing

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:58:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Tiffany Cromwell about her impressive road racing career and her switch to gravel racing in recent years. The Canyon//SRAM pro has some great advice for anyone getting into gravel, and lives by the rule of constantly challenging herself. Having set up events in her homeland of Australia and her partner Valtteri’s homeland of Finland, she’s helping grow the whole gravel scene, emphasising the importance of all the fun stuff around the racing too.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Femmes Unplugged 2024 - The narrowest of margins!

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:39:40 -0000

Back in France with his portable recorder, Matt Stephens brings us clips from behind the scenes at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2024. From the grand depart in the flatlands of Holland to the hilly Ardennes and onto the high mountain finale of Alpe D’Huez, the biggest grand tour on the women’s calendar was like a week-long ramp test. And while the racing was nothing short of breath-taking, Matt was busy finding his usual flavour of obscure and wonderful distractions to chat about; Dutch sweets named after pickpockets, frog’s legs in Belgium, and the closest GC winning margin in history - this is a podcast not to be missed.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 16 to 21 - The best Grand Tour ever?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:48:16 -0000

Matt Stephens is back behind the scenes at the Tour de France with his portable recorder, capturing the sights and sounds of the race and the caravan. While dodging chicken goujons and other projectiles, he catches up with Hannah Walker, Adam Blythe and Alberto Contador as they review the feast of racing we’ve been treated to over the past three weeks. Matt also reflects on Tadej Pogačar’s scintillating performance, considering him to be the strongest rider he’s ever seen. Roll on 2025.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 10 to 15 - Duelling GC maestros and moto madness!

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 13:42:15 -0000

From behind the scenes at le Tour de France, Matt Stephens has been having the time of his life reporting on the race from the back of a motorcycle for Eurosport WBD. As the Tour entered week two, Jonas Vingegaard completed his incredible comeback to put Tadej Pogacar under serious pressure for the GC. Meanwhile Matt has enjoyed an adrenaline fuelled reportage while sitting on the back of a motorcycle surging ahead of the peloton at breakneck speeds.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 1 to 9 - History made and records broken!

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens reports from behind the scenes of the 2024 Tour de France, where history has been made and records have been smashed. On a week when Biniam Girmay became the first ever black African to win a stage of the Tour de France, and Mark Cavendish extended his record to 35 wins to go clear of Eddy Merckx - there was a lot to talk about! So if you like hearing about Cav, Biniam, and Bardet with a side order of good parking, nugget temptation, and butt-cheek numbness avoidance advice, then this is the podcast for you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luke Rowe on success, retirement and zero regrets

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Luke Rowe about his decision to retire just months after signing a contract extension with team INEOS Grenadiers. Luke is candid and open, explaining how easy it was to make the decision following a chat with his neurologist. Ever the optimist, the Welshman has loved his career and knowing how hard successes are to come by, he offers some sage advice to enjoy every single thing you achieve. There’s a first in the Cardiff quiz when Luke phones a friend of his live on air - but will he know what Cardiff City football club were originally known as?!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Unplugged 2024 Stages 16 to 21 - Reflecting on Tadej Pogacar’s dominance in la Maglia Rosa

Tue, 28 May 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens is back behind the scenes at the Giro d’Italia 2024 to bring us clips from his experiences in the final week of his favourite grand tour on the calendar. In this episode he encounters a garden gnome from the lofty heights of a scary chairlift, gets stuck on a mountain, manages to create a race with some team buses after stage 19, and takes us into the commentary booth to call the race home in Rome.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Unplugged 2024 Stages 10 to 15 - Chainrings with 68 teeth and the Ambience Police

Mon, 20 May 2024 17:33:23 -0000

From behind the scenes of the second week of the Giro d’Italia, Matt Stephens brings us a mix of off-the-wall clips and considered race reviews. With his colleague and good friend Ned Boulting for company, the duo survive a night in a Snow White themed hotel, rescue Matteo Trentin, and as the fatigue sets in and food in the Italian mountains gets scarce, there’s a disturbing suggestion of cannibalism.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Unplugged 2024 Stages 1 to 9 - Wild predictions and tame reflections

Mon, 13 May 2024 07:51:30 -0000

Matt Stephens is back at the Giro d’Italia bringing his trademark blend of unusual clips from behind the scenes. This bumper episode takes us from before stage 1 through to stage 9 with a short review of each stage mixed with whatever spontaneous nonsense unfurls around him. Matt bemuses his Eurosport colleague Ned Boulting with some outlandish predictions, and the pair bring us into the booth for some exciting stage finishes, then they encounter the best-resourced tax policing unit in Europe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rory Townsend on versatility, and racing efficiently to reach your potential

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Rory Townsend about his versatility as a rider, both in terms of his ability to win one-day classics and stage race sprints, but also in terms of his flexibility within UCI ProTeam Q36.5. Being on a team with limited resources requires a range of skills that can be called upon at short notice - and at the time of recording, Rory was waiting to hear if he or teammate Szymon Sajnok would be required for Ronde Van Vlaanderen, just three days later! Matt was also keen to learn if the former Irish national road race champion would be targeting that title again this season, and what other goals he set himself.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jasper Philipsen on how he’ll tackle Paris-Roubaix this weekend

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens previews Paris Roubaix with the 2024 Milan San Remo champion, Jasper Philipsen. Arguably in the form of his life, the Belgian Alpecin - Deceuninck sprinter looks forward to racing with his ever-humble teammates, reflecting on how it feels to have Mathieu van der Poel leading him out, and how timing is 95% of the job. Touching on tactics and how training for the Classics differs from training for Grand Tours, this is an insightful chat right in time for what promises to be the best race of the classics season.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rod Ellingworth on the impact of his success at British Cycling and Team Sky

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens has a fascinating chat with Rod Ellingworth about his impact on British Cycling and how that helped lead to the period of dominant success at Team Sky in the mid 2010’s. The newly appointed race director for Tour of Britain explains how he had a holistic approach that valued the personality of the riders as much as their numbers, and shares some interesting stories about the likes of Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas and Bradley Wiggins. But how can such an intelligent man be so awful at quizzes?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kate Veronneau on the rewards of investing in Women

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this International Women’s Day special, Matt Stephens chats to Kate Veronneau about her pioneering role in helping to deliver the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. From a basketballing background to riding fixies for 50 miles, Kate rose to the ranks of elite cycling but quickly learnt it was not a viable career option. Now, as head of partnerships at Zwift, she’s doing all she can to help break down the barriers and deliver parity for the next generation of female riders.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stevie Williams on how consistency makes the difference

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Stevie Williams about how his career is no longer defined by a plague of knee injuries since adding the General Classification of the 2024 Tour Down Under to his palmares. The Aberystwyth native is a shining example of determination and credits consistency for getting him beyond his form prior to several setbacks over the years. The Welshman claims he couldn’t have done it without the support of his friends and family, and has a refreshingly simplistic attitude when it comes to training.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David O’Doherty on the role of cycling in his comedy

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 06:53:00 -0000

Matt Stephens is impressed by David O’Doherty’s cycling knowledge, and in particular, his obsession with the racing bikes of the late 1980’s that’s led him to own a collection so big he now operates on a ‘one in one out’ basis. David is famous for being one of the most successful Irish stand up comedians of all time, with a host of awards and appearances on QI, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Would I Lie To You, and the upcoming series of Celebrity Bake Off. But given his chosen subject on Celebrity Mastermind was The First 100 Years of The Tour De France, surely he’ll ace the hometown quiz?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wout Poels on beating Remcos and other Wouts by using the art of racing

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Wout Poels chat all about his thus-far illustrious career. With recent stage wins at the Tour de France and La Vuelta Espana for team Bahrain Victorious, the 36 year old is enjoying a long career which he credits to keeping his routine fresh. The pair have differing memories when they raced together at the 2010 Tour of Britain, with Wout taking a stage win and Matt doing his best to keep up. Having grown up in a small town in the Netherlands, you’d expect Wout’s knowledge of Blitterswijck to come in handy in the hometown quiz - and when the questions feature his fan club’s favourite pizzeria hotspot, surely he can’t go wrong…right?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alison Jackson on being the first Canadian to win Paris-Roubaix

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Alison Jackson discuss her incredible Paris-Roubaix victory and what it meant to the nation of Canada. Having proven her wisdom at the Spring Classics, Alison’s EF Education TIBCO-SVB teammates now listen closely to her tactical calls, but how would she go about winning Roubaix for a second time in 2024? Born competitive, Alison grew up on a Bison farm in rural Canada dreaming of one day becoming an Olympian - the only question was which sport to choose. Luckily for us fans, she chose cycling! The Canuck’s next goal is to have a street named after her in her native Vermilion, and Matt gets the idea of starting a petition to help make that happen…

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Swift on switching between the World Tour and the local 10-mile TT

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to two-times British Road champion Ben Swift about his impressively long career, which has just been extended for another two years with INEOS Grenadiers. Having ridden with the team since the inception of Sky Procycling, Ben has seen the sport change exponentially in recent years, and claims he enjoys the thrill of racing now more than ever and continues to develop as a rider in his mid thirties. In a podcast packed with stories about teammates Adam Blythe and Geraint Thomas, Ben reflects on how his true idols are the heroes that taught him to ride on his local chain gang in Yorkshire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matej Mohoric on becoming UCI World Gravel Champion

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats with a humble and reflective Matej Mohoric, who was recently crowned UCI World Gravel Champion. The Slovenian explains how he grew up riding off-road and started racing in order to dodge working on his parents’ farm. But will he get to wear the famous rainbow stripes racing on gravel next season? And having won stages at all three grand tours, what’s next for the all-rounder? With a touching tribute to Gino Mäder, Matej explains how his whole Bahrain-Victorious team re-evaluated their lives after the tragic passing of their much loved teammate.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sir Chris Hoy (Live) on turning self-doubt into a superpower

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:19:47 -0000

Matt Stephens and Sir Chris Hoy are joined by a live audience at the Sigma Sports Electric store to discuss the incredible track cycling career which led him to become Britain’s most successful Olympian in his heyday, and brought him a knighthood for services to sports. Chris shares his approach to increasing his maximum power output, explains how his self doubt was a catalyst for success, and enjoys taking questions from the audience about all sorts. No stranger to the hot seat having appeared on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire for charity, can Chris survive the added pressure of Matt’s Murrayfield quiz?!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zoe Bäckstedt on choosing her favourite rainbows bands

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Zoe Bäckstedt chat about bike racing and family. With both parents and a big sister already proving themselves in athletic terms, it's no surprise that Zoe has had such a successful junior career - winning World Championship jerseys for road racing, time trialling, cyclocross, and even some track disciplines. And in the 24 hours since recording this podcast, she’s become European U23 Individual Time Trial champion too! But Matt is keen to learn which discipline is her favourite, and how it feels to switch teams mid-season from EF Education-TIBCO-SVB to Canyon-SRAM, where her father Magnus is Directeur Sportif. Zoe also rates Matt’s Lego collection, and gets shocked by the price of Fish and Chips in her hometown of Pontyclun.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freddy Ovett on Going Solo Through The Mud

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Freddy Ovett about his development from a middle distance runner to a globetrotting road cyclist to one of the best gravel pioneers in the world. Freddy will be the first to point out the flaws of Pro Cycling Stats, as he proclaims his love for the extra plotlines written into every gravel race that the stats just don’t tell. With spells at AG2R, BMC and L39ION of Los Angeles, Freddy has seen the world and tried all styles of racing before finding his true calling as an independent gravel racer; writing his own story by racing the way he wants on the elite gravel circuit.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh Tarling on Keeping Calm and Colouring In

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Josh Tarling about his breakthrough season with Ineos Grenadiers. Recorded just days after he became British National Time Trial Champion, and weeks before he earned a podium at the UCI World Championships in Glasgow, Josh is relaxed and candid as he chats about his goals for the season. A fascinating retrospective listen, the young rider fantasises about custom Pinarello paint jobs, describes how he keeps pre-ride stress at bay, and shows his knowledge of local chippies in his hometown of Aberaeron.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Special - Glasgow Didn’t Disappoint

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0000

From the heart of the action, Matt Stephens has been recording clips at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow. With so many disciplines at the first ever “Super-Worlds”, Matt witnesses Van der Poel’s crash in the company of several Belgians, signs a man’s leg at the Road Race finishing circuit, enjoys an irreplicable atmosphere at the Cycle Ball, and loses his muff at the Cross-Country MTB.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Femmes Unplugged 2023 - All Thriller, No Filler - A Race to Remember

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens reflects on the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2023, where he brought his portable recorder behind the scenes to document the race from the inside. While the racing unfolds around Matt, he has arguments about Haribo with Manon Lloyd, enjoys podcast inception with Rebecca Charlton, soaks up the atmosphere with Iris Slappendel, and gets selfies with former teammate David McKenzie - all set against the sonic landscape of the race caravan and the associated media circus. Oh, and the racing was absolutely unforgettable!!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged 2023 Stages 16 to 21 - Poor Predictions, Good High Altitude Curry, and a Massive Attack

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:03:14 -0000

Matt Stephens is at the 2023 Tour de France, digesting the racing and sharing his thoughts from behind the scenes. With VIP access to all of the riders, and his Eurosport GCN colleagues, you might think this podcast is full of gripping interviews and hot takes on the Jonas Vingegaard / Tadej Pogačar rivalry.... But, Matt’s more interested in chatting about high altitude curry with Adam Blythe, discussing Haribo strategy with Alberto Contador, and figuring out how to interview riders without knowing if they’ve won the sprint or not with Laura Meseguer!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged 2023 Stages 10 to 15 - Heat, Mountains, Pancakes and Gondolas.

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:42:44 -0000

Matt Stephens is back behind the scenes at the 2023 Tour de France, where he’s been recording clips in between performing his duties for Eurosport GCN. In this episode, Matt discusses his experiences through stages 10 to 15, including fine dining on ‘long nuggets’, chatting to Jens Voigt who loves being in the peloton on a motorbike (but definitely doesn’t miss racing), and suffering from acute vertigo while riding a Gondola to the foot of Europe’s highest mountain.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged 2023 Stages 1 to 9 - Firsts, Lasts, and Everything In Between

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens is at the 2023 Tour de France reporting for Eurosport GCN, but luckily for us, he’s brought his trusty portable recorder along for the journey. Over a collection of spontaneously recorded clips, Matt reflects on his experience from the biggest bike race in the world in his own inimitable way; extolling the virtues of a CBL (Car Bonnet Lunch), commending Philippe Gilbert on his Berlin Nightclub attire, and telling the story of how losing a bet to Mads Pedersen can result in a tattoo forfeit. Matt also reflects on Mark Cavendish’s devastation at crashing out of the race, but will it prove to be his final TdF farewell?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Healy 2 on tearing up the breakaway rulebook

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens welcomes Ben Healy back to the podcast to discuss everything that has changed in the past 18 months. Since his last appearance, Ben has continued his meteoric rise within the World Tour, including a stage win at the 2023 Giro d’Italia for EF Education-Easypost. Find out how the Irish National Road Race Champion performs in a race against himself to see if he can remember the answers to the same questions Matt asked in his previous hometown quiz. And the RQG asks which superpower he would choose, if he could only have it every Tuesday for one hour.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Derek Gee on how he just can’t resist the breakaway

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 05:42:28 -0000

Matt Stephens and Derek Gee chat about the attritional weather at the 2023 Giro d’Italia, and how a series of unfortunate events actually gave Derek the chance to make a big impact on the race. The Israel-Premier Tech rider is a comparatively late bloomer, and explained how the World Tour team gave him his lucky break at the age of 25. No stranger to the track, a national Time Trial champion, and possessing the ability to podium on almost any parcours, is there anything Gee can’t do?! Matt tries his best to stump him in the Ottawa quiz by asking Derek the price of donuts in his hometown.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy McGrath on ditching his alias and becoming an award-winning author

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens speaks to Andy McGrath about his impressive career as a sports writer which all began at the tender age of 14 under an embarrassing alias. He has since gone on to become Chief Reporter for Cycling Weekly and Editor of Rouleur Magazine. In 2017 he won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year for Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire. Matt spoke to Andy on the eve of the 2022 awards, where his second book, a Frank Vandenbroucke biography entitled God is Dead was shortlisted for the same prize. There are many tangents as always, including a brush with the law, some worrying sirens, cars powered by chip fat, and a story about trying to get Greg Lemond to do karaoke.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mads Pedersen on Rainbow Stripes, Hot Tubs and not being from Aarhus

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Mads Pedersen chat all about the great Dane’s wonderful UCI World Road Championship win, when he romped home in appalling conditions to win the road race in Yorkshire, 2019. The Trek-Segafredo rider had a wonderful 2022 season, adding 9 victories to his Palmares, and now looks forward to 2023 with just a tedious training camp to complete first. With a fascinating insight into how his mentality as a child was better suited to cycling than soccer, how he was inspired by seeing his dad on a turbo trainer, and his surprising use for a hot tub - this chat has it all. The refreshingly honest pro pulls no punches and tells it like it is, even calling out Matt’s error in researching the hometown quiz - it turns out he’s not from Aarhus after all.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Niamh Fisher-Black on Winning the U23 World Road Championships and Percy Pigs

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Niamh Fisher-Black discuss her route to glory at the UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia. The New Zealand native treated the race as a stop on her way home to Nelson, and enjoyed the rare treat of celebrating a massive win with her nearest and dearest around her. Now, the Under 23 world road champion is looking forward to the 2023 season and perhaps the prospect of racing the Tour de France Femme if selected by Team SD Worx. In the hometown quiz, Matt asks the same questions he asked of fellow Nelsonian George Bennett, to determine who’s the best at being from Nelson.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ned Boulting - 100th Episode Special

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens welcomes Ned Boulting to a tiny cupboard in Soho (masquerading as a hotel room) to record the 100th episode of this very podcast. The pair waste no time going off-script and enjoy flicking through the 2022 edition of The Roadbook; the pro cycling almanack for which Ned is the editor. With an impromptu quiz about the 2022 Giro d’Italia, some fantastic prize-winning questions from our listeners and backstage stories from Ned’s sold-out live show - this is a celebration not to be missed.

For more information on Ned's Cycling Almanack, visit www.theroadbook.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ethan Vernon on Adaptive Training, Sprinting Techniques, and Mankinis

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Ethan Vernon chat about his hugely successful first season as a World Tour pro. He got off to a great start on his first training ride with Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, beating Fabio Jakobsen in a town sign sprint. Following a fairly memorable team initiation task, he went on to win a couple of stages at the Tour of Slovakia, and another at Volta Catalunya too. Of course, none of this should come as a surprise given his pedigree on the track - he’s currently a Team Pursuit World Champion for Team GB. With an in-depth chat about adaptive training and sprinting techniques, along with the usual fun on the hometown quiz, this episode has something for everyone.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashton Lambie on his Rainbow Stripes and his Astronaut Wife

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Ashton Lambie reflect on his incredible Individual Pursuit World Record, as the first person ever to ride the 4km discipline in under four minutes. He’s also a decorated gravel racer and loves nothing more than heading off on multi-day adventures on his gravel bike. On the same day that he became World IP Champion, his wife Christina was accepted to NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Class. Ashton discusses the influence that training for short and long distances has on the two disciplines he excels at, and how having his fellow track racing partner Christina in his corner, helps him achieve his goals.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rouleur Live 2022 with Pidcock, Banks, Phinney, Haas and more

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Recorded in the Green Room at Rouleur Live 2022, Matt Stephens enjoys a freeflowing chat with a range of guests from the top table of professional cycling. Tom Pidcock enjoys mixing it with the ‘Big Dogs’, Lizzy Banks discusses the merits Corduroy, Taylor Phinney and Adam Blythe rate one another’s teeth, and Nathan Haas explains the difficulty in finding the Green Room on behalf of the colourblind community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tales of the Rainbow Jersey Live with Mark Cavendish, Adam Blythe, Óscar Freire and Johan Museeuw - from LeBlanq Ibiza

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

In a cosy live setting on the island of Ibiza, Matt Stephens hosts a chat between some of the most successful riders of all time, and Adam Blythe. Mark Cavendish reflects on his career, and what annoys him about the record he shares with Eddy Merckx, Óscar Freire has a controversial opinion of his friends in the peloton, and Johan Museeuw flies the Belgian flag with all his might. With thanks to LeBlanq, ‘Tales of the Rainbow Jersey’ was part of their Ibiza Joyride package, recorded in front of a live audience.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thymen Arensman loves history and has a bright future

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Thymen Arensman about the incredible impact of his first two seasons as a World Tour pro, and where he sees his career going with the Ineos Grenadiers in 2023. The powerful dutchman is perhaps a surprisingly capable climber, and his victory for Team DSM at the Queen stage of the 2022 Vuelta marked him out as a potential future Grand Tour winner. But he’s not letting it get to his head, as he explains to Matt he’s happy to try his best and see where he ends up. For a man who loves history, he’s got the potential for a very bright future.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George Hincapie still loves riding his bike, but still hates intervals

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Super-domestique George Hincapie chat about the highs and lows of his incredible career where he helped deliver Tour de France victories to three different teammates. However, it wasn’t all done cleanly, and George admitted to doping during a portion of his career which meant his Palmares in Lance Armstrong’s era of dominance were stricken from the record. George helped bring about positive change and is considered by many to be the best teammate of all time, including Mark Cavendish who shared a touching voice note that leaves George shaking.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lizzy Banks on injury, illness, and grabbing life’s chances by the proverbials

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Lizzy Banks discuss how the landscape of women’s pro cycling has changed for the better in the past five years. It hasn’t been all plain sailing for Lizzy however, who has been plagued by a serious case of concussion and more recently, pericarditis caused by a Covid infection continues to keep her off her bike. Having studied medicine before pursuing her career in the pro peloton, the Team EF Education–Tibco–SVB rider is well placed to impart wisdom on how to recover from concussion and has the grit to focus on her heart’s recovery by wild swimming and sharing her knowledge of the sport she loves on The Cycling Podcast and GCN Eurosport.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mental Health and Cycling - Pete Kennaugh and Lee Stephenson

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

In this special episode to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10th, Matt Stephens chats with two guests to discuss the relationship between cycling and their mental health. Pete Kennaugh is an Olympic gold medalist and enjoyed a successful career racing for Team Sky and Bora–Hansgrohe, who retired to gain better control over his difficult mental health condition. Lee Stephenson was a member of the armed police force in the UK, who suffered immensely in the aftermath of a particularly traumatic incident. Lee discusses the positive influence of cycling in his recovery and ongoing management of complex PTSD.

This podcast deals with difficult themes including suicide, and listener discretion is advised. If you are struggling with your own mental health, please contact your local health services or General Practitioner. Or contact www.samaritans.org for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Dowsett is happy to have maxxed out his pro cycling career

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Alex Dowsett enjoy catching up in the neutral zone of this podcast, before getting down to brass tacks. With his incredible pro cycling career coming to an end with Israel Premier Tech, Alex reflects on how the time felt right to move on to the next chapter with lots of exciting media and business ventures to look forward to. With some great advice on how to use a power meter to best effect, and a deep-dive analysis of how he could outperform his teammates on time trials while pushing fewer watts, Alex is a firm believer in racing with your head, not your legs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Richardson on making deals in the heat of the breakaway

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:01:13 -0000

Matt Stephens learns how Alex Richardson went from brokering deals in the City of London to striking deals in the pro peloton. With a fascinating story of how Stage 3 of the Tour of Britain unfolded, Alex feels that putting too much trust in his fellow riders’ word perhaps cost him the race. The story of how an obsession with cycling took over his life leaves no wonder how he made it from laps of Richmond Park, all the way to the pro peloton.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Philippe Gilbert on his illustrious career and imminent retirement

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Philippe Gilbert discuss his incredible career in the pro peloton and how he has prepared for retirement at the end of the season with one final ride on the Cauberg. A former world champion, with stage victories at all three grand tours, his dominance of the Spring Classics is perhaps how Philippe’s career will be best remembered. But the Lotto Soudal rider insists it’s not just the victory that matters, but the manner in which it is won.

For more information on Phil’s last ride as mentioned in the podcast, visit www.philslastride.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack Haig from hitch hiking to the podium at Vuelta a España

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Jack Haig discuss the value of consistency above all else. The story of how a young Australian mountain biker went from hitching hiking around North America to the third step of the 2021 Vuelta a España is inspirational. His determination and grit are the key to his success and the Bahrain Victorious rider reckons the most important thing to do, is to turn up - just put in a shift no matter how it goes - it’s the sum of your consistency that really makes the difference. Now recovering from a nasty wrist injury, how does he feel to watch the Vuelta on TV and not have the opportunity to play his part?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob Hatch is an ordinary man behind an extraordinary voice

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Rob Hatch discuss the immense privilege they feel to have the opportunity to commentate on professional cycling for a living. While there might be a lot of ego in the business, Rob’s down-to-earth approach to life is refreshing and his mantra of "be nice to people" is something we can all learn from. With funny stories from behind the microphone, like when the fog at the 2021 Giro d’Italia meant he had to commentate without any pictures, this is a refreshing chat between two great friends. But how well does Rob know fellow Accringtonian Mystic Meg’s racehorse business?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ella Harris from Zwift Academy Champion to Mont Ventoux Challenger

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens welcomes proud Kiwi Ella Harris to the podcast in this turbo-charged chat about how much her life has changed since winning the 2018 Zwift Academy, which earned her a pro contract with Canyon SRAM. Comparing her riding style to an all-wheel-drive with a diesel engine, Ella can do everything but sprint. That’s when she’s fit, of course. Recovering from surgery at the time of recording, Ella was looking forward to her return to racing at the Mont Ventoux Challenge. But does she know the price of Kimchi Eggs on Sourdough in her local café, did she really invent the spatula, and will her hometown of Dunedin ever acknowledge her as their unofficial ambassador?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Turner on changing his attitude to have more fun racing

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Ben Turner talk about his impressive first season with team INEOS Grenadiers, with his performance at Paris Roubaix a real highlight. Recorded in the lead-up to the British National Championships in June 2022, Ben’s dedication is evident from his preparation for that race, which would become another highlight of his season. But can he beat his good friend Connor Swift’s score in the Doncaster quiz?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Femmes Avec Zwift 2022 Special - A pivotal moment in cycling history is unfolding before our eyes

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 14:40:00 -0000

At the midpoint of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2022, Matt Stephens chats to Hannah Walker on the ground at the race. With every rider relishing the chance to be a part of history, it’s clear that we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in cycling. Then, with commercial sponsorship an increasingly essential component to race organisation, Matt speaks to Hollie Weatherstone of Muc-Off, who spearheaded a campaign to help charities support more women on bikes all around the world.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 16 to 21 - Vingegaard crowned champion and Pogacar hits the decks

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 08:41:10 -0000

Looking back at the Tour de France 2022, Matt Stephens reckons it was one of the most memorable editions of all time. Not just for the breathtaking bike racing, but for all the wonderful sights and experiences he shares with us on this podcast. In this episode, we hear about the dog that sneezed mid-kiss, a nun gets kidnapped very briefly, and Bradley Wiggins suffers the after-effects of consuming too many yoghurt drinks. Matt also looks forward to what the future holds for the sporting pair, Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar, who both gained so many fans this season.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 10 to 15 - Pidcock’s Alpe d’Huez victory makes Matt emotional

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:15:00 -0000

The second week of racing at the 2022 Tour de France was nothing short of breathtaking for so many reasons. From Jonas Vingegaard’s race-changing attack to Tom Pidcock’s Tour debut heroics, there’s so much for Matt Stephens to dissect. As usual, Matt has been recording his highlights throughout his time on the ground, including an in-car invasion from the Dutch Corner fans and a close call with an olive oil sample sachet fired from a caravan canon. Matt also looks forward to the final six stages of Le Tour, making some changes to his fantasy team to try and get them further up the leaderboard.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 4 to 9 - Cobbles, Hills, Mountains and Mitch Docker

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 15:30:00 -0000

From the cobbled flatlands of Flanders to the mixed surface mountain top finish of La Super Planche des Belle Filles, the first full week of the Tour de France did not disappoint. Matt Stephens has been to every stage and brings us his personal highlights. From getting Mitch Docker’s opinion on the Belgian fans to clearing out a supermarket of yoghurt drinks with Bradley Wiggins, there’s never a dull moment on this epic edition of the Tour de France Unplugged. Matt looks back at the racing too, and offers some hot tips for your Fantasy Tour de France team as the race heads into the Alps.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 1 to 3 - From Denmark with Love

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 21:00:00 -0000

From the heart of the Tour De France 2022, Matt Stephens looks back at the opening three stages in Denmark and takes us behind the scenes as he soaks up the atmosphere in Copenhagen. Matt shares his highlights so far with Geraint Thomas’ gilet, Bernie Eisel’s massive box of fries and Dylan Groenewegen’s tears all featuring, there’s something for everyone. But how are his team faring in the fantasy tour de france league?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tour de France Unplugged - Preview and Fantasy Team Selection

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

A brand new series of special episodes following Matt Stephens around the 2022 Tour de France. With the first stage in Copenhagen just around the corner, Matt shares his favourite moments of the Tour from days gone by and looks forward to what should be a sensational three weeks of racing. Matt chooses his Fantasy Tour de France team on air, and there are some real surprises in his selection. To join his league and get involved, head to sigmasports.com/podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Unplugged Stages 16 to 21 - Bellisimo Giro di Hindley, mate

Sun, 29 May 2022 20:30:00 -0000

Matt Stephens joins us from behind the scenes of the Giro d’Italia 2022, in this the fourth and final podcast in this special series. Rarely has a Grand Tour left it so late to be decided, Jai Hindley can put the ghosts of 2020 to rest and the Australian can take home that Maglia Rosa for keeps. Matt reflects on the final six stages of this wonderful race picking out his highlights and key moments that will live long in his memory.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Unplugged Stages 10 to 15 - Girmay’s historic victory and Ned’s new shirt

Mon, 23 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Episode three of Matt Stephens’ behind the scenes Giro d’Italia 2022 podcast series. With Biniam Girmay securing an historic victory on Stage 10, Matt and Ned Boulting reflect on the gravity of that victory as well as the Eritrean’s misfortune on the podium. We find out what the chaps are looking forward to seeing in the final week of this thrilling grand tour, with three more stages in the high mountains, a sprint and a time trial remaining - it’s all to play for. And with Matt busy making phone recordings whenever he can, we’re treated to a critique of the Giro Caravan, Matt’s struggle with a continental breakfast, and a round robin review of Ned Boulting’s new shirt.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Unplugged Stages 4 to 9 - The Story So Far with Ned Boulting

Mon, 16 May 2022 19:30:00 -0000

The second instalment of our Giro d’Italia special series, with Matt Stephens behind the scenes with Ned Boulting to discuss the drama of the race so far. Looking back at stages 4 to 9, there’s plenty to discuss - Cav’s emotional 300m sprint victory, Biniam Girmay’s incredible Giro debut, and the joys of the most unpredictable grand tour they’ve ever watched. Find out what the pair are looking forward to over the coming week, and get a real flavour of how it feels to be on the road following the race with Matt’s random recordings; there’s an incidence of Eurobeat road rage, a haunted mole grips, and a very windy volcano to contend with - an episode not to be missed!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giro Unplugged Stages 1 to 3 - Hungary for Goulash with Stephen Roche

Mon, 09 May 2022 15:57:17 -0000

A new series of short catch-ups with Matt Stephens from the heart of the action at the 2022 Giro d’Italia. Recorded on rest day one, Matt looks back on stages one to three to reflect on Mark Cavendish’s emotional sprint victory. He also enjoys some Goulash, and finds out how the Giro came to Hungary from Stephen Roche. Matt tells us what he’s looking forward to in the coming stages and uses the term ‘Netflix and Chill’ with innocent naivety.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fred Wright would love to win Flanders one day

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Fred Wright discuss that itching feeling to get back on the bike after a few days of rest, which might come as a surprise given the depth of effort Fred put into his Spring Classics season. Now with his sights firmly on the Tour de France, the Team Bahrain Victorious rider is so versatile that he has the luxury of picking and choosing whether he goes for it in a bunch sprint or a Time Trial stage. Having met Bradley Wiggins there as a kid, it wasn’t until he reached his teens that he realised that Herne Hill Velodrome and its volunteers had shaped him as a rider, and a person; setting him on his path to stardom in the pro peloton.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tanja Erath from Zwift Academy Champion to Paris Roubaix

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats with Tanja Erath about her life-changing Zwift Academy victory and her subsequent professional cycling career, which has led her to recently finishing her second Paris Roubaix. A fully qualified doctor, Tanja is seizing the opportunity to enjoy every moment of her racing career with EF Education-TIBCO-SVB, safe in the knowledge that returning to work as a medical doctor is just like riding a bike. But how does her knowledge of medicine affect her decision making on race day, how did fracturing her vertebrate make her a better doctor, and how much does entry cost to the Jazz Club in Heilbronn cost for non-members? The answer to these questions and more are all in this fascinating episode of Matt Stephens Unplugged!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nico Roche on how dancing changed his life

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens joins Nico Roche in his hotel room for an up-close and personal chat about his recent retirement from the pro peloton and his plans for the future. With a fascinating insight into the differences between bike racing pre and post-Covid lockdowns, Nicolas reckons things will never be the same again. Having recently stepped out of his comfort zone to take part in Dancing With The Stars on Irish TV, Nico describes how the challenging experience changed his life. And after a somewhat nomadic upbringing, the Franco-Irishman elected to be quizzed on his current hometown of Monaco - but how well does he know his Eurovision song contest winning titles?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kasper Asgreen explains how he won the Tour of Flanders

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens enjoys the company of the 2021 Tour of Flanders champion, Kasper Asgreen, in this monumental episode. Knowing your strengths is a key attribute of any successful bike racer, but it's the execution that really matters, as Kasper recalls his tactical approach to winning the Ronde Van Vlaanderen last season. He also remembers the moment Patrick Lefevere really made him sweat - just before offering him a place on his dream team, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl. But it was Kasper’s hidden talents that left the biggest impression on our host, and it's a matter of time before we find out if he will fulfil Matt’s request to display them on the podium.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Connor Swift on premature celebrations

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Connor Swift about Steak Bakes, clothes horses, and premature celebrations. Listen to his captivating recollection of the moment he threw his hands in the air at Tro Bro Leon, 2021 only for it to go to a photo finish. The Arkéa–Samsic rider might have become British national champion at just 22 years of age but now, four years later, he really feels like he’s developing into a late bloomer. But what does that mean for young riders coming through the ranks now? And what does Connor know about the oldest goldfish in Doncaster?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Magnus Bäckstedt on two-wheel drifting at Paris-Roubaix

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Magnus Bäckstedt chat about his famous victory at Paris-Roubaix, in this fascinating Spring Classics themed episode. A formidable figure on the bike, the big Swede forged his powerful legs in the world of downhill skiing, and he explains to Matt how he had to make a tough decision as to which sport to dedicate himself to. It proved a good choice, as his Alessio–Bianchi teammates of 2004 would attest, helping him to deliver a memorable victory at Paris-Roubaix. Now, Magnus dedicates his time to helping his two daughters achieve their own goals; with both Elynor and Zoë Bäckstedt riding at the very highest levels too. But how well does Magnus know the heavy metal rock bands of his hometown of Linköping? There’s only one way to find out…

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marcel Kittel on retirement, fatherhood, and musical high jumping

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Marcel Kittel chat about his fantastic career as one of the best sprinters of the modern era. The former Etixx–Quick-Step and Katusha–Alpecin rider took an amazing 89 professional victories but is now enjoying his retirement by embarking on a number of personal projects. He discusses how becoming a father changed his trajectory overnight, and he has a lot to look forward to as he builds a new home for his family. But has he ever taken part in a high jump contest while music was playing in a festival atmosphere, and does he know the three most popular meats used in the sausages of his homeland? There’s only one way to find out…

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jose Been on making the most of your opportunities

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens learns how Jose Been is like you or me; she’s a cycling fan. But when her knowledge of the sport began to get noticed on social media, she was offered her first commentary gig by Eurosport then quickly became a household name in the Netherlands, commentating on almost every race broadcast. With a talent for fact retention, she often surprises herself with information buried deep in her brain and considers the job of a commentator to include 365 days a year of research. But being in the public eye brought some unwanted attention from online trolls, leading her to step back from the sport for a short while in 2019. When she returned, she began commentating in English and found that the warm reception gave her a second wind; making English-speaking cycling fans all the richer for it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Healy trains with power and races on instinct

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Ben Healy discuss the benefits of growing as a rider in the Under-23 category before making the step to World Tour level. Ben’s career at the top level is in it’s fledgling stages with EF Education-Easypost, but he’s been putting out world-class performances for a number of years, notably winning the Irish National Championships in 2020 at the tender age of 19. Now, he’s setting his goals for the 2022 calendar, and answering questions on his not-quite-hometown of Dudley.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phil Gaimon on KOMs, hustling, and his un-professional cycling career

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens has an open and honest chat with Phil Gaimon about his admittedly stop-start professional cycling career, and how he never really got a fair shot at the races that suited him. Now carving out a creative path through riding with sponsorships within the world of cycling, Phil’s exciting new ventures can’t be considered a retirement. Having recently joined Jukebox cycling, a uniquely international setup of multidisciplinary cyclists doing what they love, he’s enjoying his cycling perhaps more than ever. However, he still considers his ability to hold 400 watts for an hour to be wasted on Strava KOMs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Bigham on engineering the perfect performance

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Dan Bigham talk numbers in their fascinating conversation about aerodynamics, power, watt-saving measures and pies. The British Hour Record holder is a formidable engineer, who specialised in aerodynamics - Matt is keen to learn how this unique set of skills helped him to earn his current title, and of course, Dan knows exactly what he would need to do to break the World Hour Record. Now working with INEOS Grenadiers, how will his knowledge be put into practice in a team environment, and will he share his winning formula even if it threatens to take his own record away?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joss Lowden on turning pro in the nick of time

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens learns how Joss Lowden bought a TT bike one Saturday, signed up for her first Time Trial on Sunday and set the course record on Monday. “Like a fish to water” doesn’t begin to describe the current Women's World Hour Record holder’s natural aptitude for bike racing. Now riding for Uno-X, the 2022 calendar looks incredibly exciting for Joss, but how will it compare to a Norwegian military-style team-building exercise featuring a single potato and a very large onion? And can it live up to the career highlight of standing on the podium with her partner Dan Bigham at Harrogate World Championships in 2019? There’s only one way to find out - enjoy the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cameron Mason on the synergy of Cyclocross

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats with Cameron Mason about his impressive performance at the HSBC UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships, taking home the Under-23 title and coming second in the Elite category at the tender age of 21. Wise beyond his years, Cameron credits his early-career success to his passion and motivation to learn every time he turns up to an event. With strong opinions on the maximum value of stock loaded into a Poundland lorry, a stunning performance in the Linlithgow quiz, and advice for what to pack on a 1000-year trip across the Galaxy in a UFO, this is an episode not to be missed.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Double Downing - Russ and Dean’s Top Training Tips

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens is joined by not one, but two Downing brothers as Dean and Russ share their expertise in this training-focused podcast. Both having enjoyed illustrious racing careers, they now run the hugely successful Downing Cycling; coaching ambitious amateurs and top professional athletes alike. Matt is keen to learn how time-crunched riders can maximise their training time, what the most common training mistakes are, and what their best piece of advice is for new riders. We hear how the Donny Chaingang went online during lockdown and has flourished from there. Plus there are plenty of distractions along the way, with the Rotherham quiz and the Random Question Generator causing all kinds of confusion.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashleigh Moolman Pasio on ESports, equality and empowering women

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Ashleigh Moolman Pasio about her wonderful career so far, and how the multiple National Road Race and Time Trial champion of South Africa took to ESports like a fish to water - winning the 2020 UCI Cycling ESports World Championship. She speaks passionately about training and racing on Zwift, and how the platform is great for building confidence in women getting into cycling. The SD Worx rider looks forward to the season ahead with an eye on making the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift a real highlight.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

OJ Borg talks on the radio and thinks on the bike

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and OJ Borg embrace the tangents in this fun-filled meandering chat. The BBC Radio 2 DJ explains how turning Vegan caused him to lose his voice, how he doesn’t just buy Lego for his kids, and how seeing Rob Hayles naked really caught him off guard. In the Leicester quiz, OJ displays sound logical reasoning, while the Random Question Generator goes all ‘Desert Island Discs’ but without the discs. There’s time for some cycling chat too - with OJ recently completing Mallorca 312, he admits he gets real clarity of thought while riding his bike.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taylor Phinney only fell in love with the bike once he retired

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens chats to Taylor Phinney about living the dream of riding whatever kind of bike he wants to, whenever he likes. How funemployment is equipping him with newly acquired and admittedly random skills. Plus we learn about his first love of football (soccer), and how a trip to the orthodontist helped him look like his childhood hero - if only for a short while. But when the Random Question Generator leads him to the topic of modern-day heroes, it’s clear that Taylor’s heart now lies in the arts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Howes on training smart and racing stupid

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens talks to Alex Howes about his new career trajectory, which includes coaching amateur riders and racing at World Tour level with EF Education-NIPPO - whether that’s on the road or at gravel events. He's got a lot of balls in the air, and Alex even juggled this podcast recording with the duty of feeding his baby. Now enjoying a mountain lifestyle in Nederland Colorado, Alex believes the world would be a better place if everyone rode a bike. But can he beat his team manager, Jonathan Vaughters in the second-ever Denver Quiz?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Dombrowski on nurturing talent and eating Obama’s M&M’s

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens and Joe Dombrowski talk about the culture shocks experienced by American riders living in Europe, and how he’s happy to sacrifice a little convenience for the laid back pace of life in Nice. At the time of the interview, Joe was about to sign for Team Astana and recalled his hugely successful final season with UAE-Team Emirates - featuring a stage win at the Giro d’Italia, and recalls how close he came to wearing red at the Vuelta Espana too. But when Joe remembers the time he was invited on board Air Force One and left with the President’s M&M’s, he concedes that it was probably the best day of his life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Greipel on swapping finish line sprints for town sign sprints

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens talks to Andre Greipel about how he came to the decision to retire when the buzz of victory started to wane, and how cycling will always be a huge part of his life, whether he has a number on his back or not. Nicknamed “The Gorilla” for his immense presence and power on the bike, Greipel sprinted to victory a massive 22 times at the Grand Tours. And perhaps just like the name suggests, this gentle giant admits he has always treated others how he would like to be treated, himself. But what was his favourite ever victory? What will he get up to now he’s retired from racing? And does he have plans to visit Miniland in his hometown of Rostock? - Tune in to find out the answers to these all-important questions!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Flora Duffy on winning Gold at the Tokyo Olympics

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens learns how quickly Flora Duffy’s life changed when she crossed the finish line of the Women’s Triathlon in first place at the Tokyo Olympics. The eerie quiet of a crowdless event helped her focus on her performance, while the wild celebrations in her native Bermuda were taking the roof off her local bar. Matt is also keen to know how Flora’s Mountain Biking skills improve her Triathlon bike handling, what her favourite post-race snack might be, and the Random Question Generator throws out an equine doozy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rouleur Live Special with Pfeiffer Georgi, Rob Hatch and Ian Cleverly

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0000

In a special episode recorded at Rouleur Live, Matt Stephens chats to the recently crowned women’s British Road Champion, Team DSM rider Pfeiffer Georgi, about the moment she realised she would take the national jersey home with her. Executive Editor at Rouleur Magazine, Ian Cleverly, drops into the green room unable to contain his excitement at the return of this special event. And Rob Hatch talks to Matt all about the buzz of seeing people with smiles on their faces again, and his Ian Curtis style coat.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

50th Episode Special - Reviewing highlights with Perry Ap Gwynedd

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Matt Stephens is joined by the guest that kicked off the entire series - Pendulum and Faithless guitarist Perry Ap Gwynedd - as they chat through some of their favourite moments in the first fifty episodes. With highlights from the likes of Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, Bradley Wiggins, Justin Williams, Orla Chennaoui and Mitch Docker - there’s a mix of thought-provoking debate and a huge dash of humour too. But Matt couldn’t visit Perry’s studio without taking the opportunity to record some new theme music for this fresh batch of podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AJ Bell Women‘s Tour Special with Lizzie Deignan, Tom Varney and Mick Bennett

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:46:28 -0000

Defending champion Lizzie Deignan speaks to Matt Stephens about her iconic win at the inaugural Paris Roubaix Femmes, the buzz of riding for Trek-Segafredo with home support and the current status of her hotel biscuits. Also in this AJ Bell Women's Tour special, we hear how Race Organiser Mick Bennett manages to get the most out of his staff using a mix of good humour and motivational appreciation, while the General Manager of team Drops-Lecol supported by TEMPUR, Tom Varney, explains just how important the race is for his team. Brought to you by Sigma Sports, sponsors of the Points Leader’s jersey and retail partner of the AJ Bell Women’s Tour.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AJ Bell Tour Of Britain Special

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 07:45:31 -0000

A Tour of Britain Rider, a rival Directeur Sportif, and the Race Director all walk into a podcast… That’s right, it’s the AJ Bell Tour of Britain special. From the massage table, Arkéa–Samsic rider Connor Swift tells Matt Stephens how it feels to ride the 2021 edition of the race, which has seen unseasonably hot weather. We learn all about Cherie Pridham’s penchants for getting locked out of her hotel room, something the Israel Start-Up Nation’s Director Sportif admits is just a small part of her busy day. And Route Director Andy Hawes gives Matt the lowdown on how he creates the perfect parcours - it helps that he’s one of the most dedicated professionals in the business.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jake Stewart on being the only British rider on a French team

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Jake Stewart tells Matt Stephens how joining the French Groupama–FDJ cycling development team took some getting used to, before making his impressive breakthrough for the WorldTour team in the past year and really feeling part of the family. Question marks are raised around the Coventry quiz, when the legitimacy of a local delicacy is put under scrutiny. And with his recent heroics at the Tokyo Olympics, Jake wants to know why Tom Pidcock won't share a little bit of his talent with the rest of the peloton.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kristin Armstrong on the Olympics, competition and closure

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Kristin Armstrong and Matt Stephens chat about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, and how she is preparing her athletes to compete in the women's Mountain Biking and Team Pursuit cycling events. With three Olympic gold medals to her name as well as two World Championships in Time Trial, Kristin admits she now cares a little too much about her athletes and explains how that competitive feeling never really goes away. Never afraid of a tangent, the duo converse on the themes of time travel, tracksuits and pizza too.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peter Stetina shares his passion for gravel riding and craft beer

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Pete Stetina and Matt Stephens shoot the breeze about gravel, beer, and Boulder. A former World Tour road racer turned Privateer, Pete is now one of the most successful gravel racers in the world, accrediting the switch to gravel grinding as the best career decision of his life. Find out why he loves it so dearly, and how his passion for craft beer is somewhat complementary to the carnival feeling you only get in the American gravel scene. Having come back from a potentially career-ending injury, Pete’s professional focus on returning to health provides a hint toward his ability to suffer, and how that brings him success. There’s a stewards inquiry on the Boulder quiz, and if you’re wondering what Peter would print with a magic printer, you’ve come to the right place.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nathan Haas on inspiring people to ride bikes

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Nathan Haas chats to Matt Stephens from the comfort of his Pod-pod - a room specially modified for podcasting. We hear the Australian’s take on why you can’t compare Cav to Eddie Merckx and why he’s as much of a cycling fan as he is an athlete. Plus, he shares his take on why there have been so many crashes at the opening stages of the 2021 Tour de France. Find out what led the Cofidis rider to admit that he just doesn’t understand cycling anymore, how it’s better for everyone to think you’re stupid and say nothing than to open your mouth and prove it, and how in his fully enjoyable career - timing has been everything.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russ Ellis on his iconic pro peloton photography

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Russ Ellis explains to Matt Stephens that by giving a little, he gained a lot, when a generous gesture to Chris Froome led to a chance of a lifetime; shooting with then Team Sky. Now revered as one of the most talented cycling photographers around, Russ is a regular at the Grand Tours and Spring Classics alike, updating his @cyclingimages Instagram account with frequent masterpieces that capture action and emotion in equal measures. Australian arachnids, octopuses, and exploding pigeons also feature along with the first-ever Mansfield quiz.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lukas Pöstlberger on the importance of getting the team bus music right

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Lukas Pöstlberger cooks dinner while Matt Stephens quizzes him on his hometown of Vöcklabruck and learns how wearing your national colours helps you to identify your socks. The proud Austrian has spent seven years with Bora Hansgrohe and become one of the most technically gifted riders on the planet; listen in to find out his top tips for corner and descending. A generally laid back guy, Lukas puts his foot down when it comes to the choice of music on the team bus, and explains how getting it wrong can cost the team the race.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marianne Vos on finding happiness in everyday life

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Marianne Vos tells Matt Stephens all about her upbringing in the Netherlands, and how cycling was second nature to her. Having won her first World Championship at the tender age of 19, her life changed overnight - Matt was keen to find out how the Jumbo-Visma rider succeeded in becoming one of the most successful cyclists of all time while dealing with the pressures and expectations of such early promise. And if you’re wondering which kind of cake Marianne would choose if she had to be paid in cake, you’ve come to the right place!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mitch Docker on personal sacrifices, ticket ballots and retro fashion.

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Mitch Docker and Matt Stephens shoot the breeze with a meandering chat about retro cycling fashion, tramp bikes and the challenges of being a road captain. The EF Education-Nippo rider still loves racing his bike, but explains how realising what matters most in life helped inform his decision to retire. The hometown Quiz brings us the lowdown on Melbourne, while the Random Question Generator fires off a doozy featuring the Spice Girls!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tai Woffinden gets a buzz from being on the limit of control

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 10:47:38 -0000

Tai Woffinden tells Matt Stephens how a snap decision at just 12 years of age set him on the path to becoming the three-times Speedway World Champion he is today. His impulsive nature is also responsible for his growing addiction to road cycling, and if he’s not racing Speedway, he’s riding his road bike as hard as he can; on the tarmac or in his custom-built Zwift cave. While the Perth native might reside in Poland, Matt grills him on his birthplace of sunny Scunthorpe and gets more than he bargained for.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens and Ned Boulting (sort of) live from the 2021 Giro d'Italia

Wed, 26 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Ned Boulting explains the virtues of a good darts game to Matt Stephens and the duo discuss why they are out at the Italian stage race. Ned shares his thoughts on the lack of crowds at the 2021 race and if a diminished Tifosi makes a difference when it comes to watching a bike race unfold. Tune in to find out how well he knows his hometown on Andover and what the Tour de Ned would look like.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matteo Trentin is a big fan of watching modern bike races

Wed, 19 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Matteo Trentin admits to Matt Stephens that the modern era of road racing is brilliant for the spectators but extremely difficult for the riders - so it’s a good thing he’s a fan. He credits the amazing team spirit of UAE Team Emirates to the collection of social riders they’ve put together, and measures this by how difficult it is to leave the dinner table. Tune in to find out which is Matteo’s favourite cog, and what his dream bike would look like.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elisa Longo Borghini wears the Maglia Tricolore with pride

Wed, 12 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Elisa Longo Borghini tells Matt Stephens how a period of reflection during lockdown helped shape her give-it-all attitude toward the 2021 season. The Trek Segafredo rider remembers geeking out on the Giro d’Italia as a kid, and can’t help but enjoy adding to the hurt her competitors feel on race day. Tune in to learn all about her vow to entertain on the road, and the magical connection between herself, her mother and the Olympic games.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lachlan Morton admits he has the best job in the world

Wed, 05 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Lachlan Morton explains to Matt Stephens how cutting down his road race calendar has meant he can now enjoy each race as if it’s his first, thanks to the alternative calendar afforded to him by EF Education-Nippo. As a world-beating endurance rider, he tells us how he’s had to harness his inner McGuyver to fix a range of trailside mechanicals. The Random Question Generator was on overload, dictating a number of meandering tangents, while the Port Macquarie quiz tackles nudist beaches and Aussie cover-bands visiting Lachlan’s hometown.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Min founded Zwift and rediscovered his love for riding outdoors

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Eric Min tells Matt Stephens how his unemployability meant he had no choice but to start his own company, Zwift. A bike racer in his youth, Eric has cycling in his DNA and is now rediscovering the joys of riding outdoors since moving house to rural England. Matt demands a pat on the back for his extensively researched Seoul quiz while Eric reflects on the importance of having a positive social impact through business, and how building an online community can be just the ticket.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nic Dlamini from the townships to the WorldTour

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Nic Dlamini tells Matt Stephens all about growing up in hunger and how that has shaped him as a person and an athlete now. The Qhubeka Assos rider started riding a bike for a very cool reason, and now races to change people’s lives, with his team’s primary sponsor doing such great work in providing bicycles to people who need them in Africa. In the Cape Town quiz, Matt stumps Nic with a question about his hometown’s penguins.

To learn more about Qhubeka or make a donation, visit their website:

https://qhubeka.org/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rebecca Charlton on the buzz of live broadcasting

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Rebecca Charlton tells Matt Stephens how she wanted to be a broadcaster from a very young age, and how the role of cycling was somewhat secondary in the pursuit of her dreams. The pressures to adapt to a male-dominated industry in order to thrive eventually encouraged her to do just the opposite, carving her own path in her own personal way. Rebecca has her work cut out in the hometown quiz, as Matt’s done some diligent research on Shoreham-by-Sea - plus the Random Question Generator serves up an existential head-scratcher!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Matthews on the lack of respect in the peloton

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Michael Matthews explains to Matt Stephens just how professional bike racing has changed since he turned pro 10 years ago. How he owes his hugely successful racing career to an unlikely source of inspiration, and how he fell back in love with the sport of cycling. There’s a world-first in the hometown quiz, and Michael is asked to sum up his experience with all of his former teams in just one word.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices