One of the busiest weeks of the racing season serves up a handful of big races to review, a Monument on the horizon…and what feels like a necessary discussion about whether the calendar is, indeed, much too busy. 

The UCI’s consultation on the future of the sport has certainly given us food for thought. Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie give their reaction to the findings published this week and a few suggestions of their own. 

There’s also a look back at Remco Evenepoel’s Euros road race victory, analysis of the glut of Italian semi-classics over the last few days, plus some closing thoughts on the career of Nairo Quintana.  

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The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Just a few days on from Brandon McNulty’s surprise victory in the World Championship road race in Montreal, his national team-mate Larry Warbasse takes us inside a rainbow jersey-winning performance by Team USA. 

Larry leads us behind the scenes of the American team’s pre-race meetings, their on-the-road tactics and, of course, also the after-party. He has his say on whether banning race radios could improve all races and not just the Worlds, plus those rumours a secret McNulty-Del Toro accord. 

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Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
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The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Join Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie as they recap the men’s World Championships Road Race in Montreal.

They ask whether there's been a more enjoyable race for the rainbow jersey in recent men's elite road race history, and whether the eventual winner was the biggest surprise champion since Igor Astarloa (who also won his world title on Canadian soil in 2003).

There's an attempt to break down the tactics and strategy in an aggressive, attacking and ever-changing race.

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Bikmo
The Cycling Podcast is supported by Bikmo, cycle insurance built for cyclists who actually ride.
Whether it's a crash, a stolen bike, or your pride and joy arriving at baggage reclaim in three separate pieces – it's covered. Flexible policies you can cancel anytime, 50 per cent off extra household bikes, plus protection for your kit, race entries and travel.

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Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

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The Cycling Podcast is on Strava

The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Join Rebecca Charlton and Lizzy Banks as they recap the women’s World Championships Road Race in Montreal.

The Men’s World Road Race Championship will take place in Montreal this weekend without its defending champion, a crash in the Vuelta a España having seemingly ended Tadej Pogačar’s 2026 season. Of course Pogačar had finally looked set to win the Vuelta…finally, because this is the last Grand Tour missing from his collection, and it had been a long time coming.

The SlovAlien had in fact made his Grand Tour debut in the Vuelta in 2019 and never returned until this year. That first appearance, though, has gone down in cycling history as the race, the moment that lit the spark, the beginning of a one-man firestorm that would tear through professional cycling. Pogačar finished it with three stage wins and a place on the podium in Madrid. We had quite simply never seen anything like it. 

In this special KM0 episode, Daniel Friebe revisits and relives that 2019 Vuelta, speaking to key witnesses and delving into his own memories, those of Dani Arribas and Michele Pelacci. 

Ignition was written and produced by Daniel Friebe.

Episode sponsors:

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The Cycling Podcast is supported by Bikmo, cycle insurance built for cyclists who actually ride.
Whether it's a crash, a stolen bike, or your pride and joy arriving at baggage reclaim in three separate pieces – it's covered. Flexible policies you can cancel anytime, 50 per cent off extra household bikes, plus protection for your kit, race entries and travel.

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Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

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Friends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.

The Cycling Podcast is on Strava

The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

The World Championships in Montreal, Canada, got underway with Remco Evenepoel’s fourth straight win in the men’s TT at the weekend. In this episode we both review the Belgian “Aerobullet’s” latest triumph and look ahead to the road race on Sunday. 

First of all, Daniel Friebe and Lionel BIrnie react to rumours of Tadej Pogacar changing his mind and planning to return before the end of the season. It’s then full focus on the Worlds and, among other hot talking points, whether Remco can do the TT-RR double.

In the final part of the episode, we hear from Velon chief Graham Bartlett about the new tracking device which should ensure that tragedies like Muriel Furrer’s death in the Worlds two years ago never happen again.

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Bikmo
The Cycling Podcast is supported by Bikmo, cycle insurance built for cyclists who actually ride.
Whether it's a crash, a stolen bike, or your pride and joy arriving at baggage reclaim in three separate pieces – it's covered. Flexible policies you can cancel anytime, 50 per cent off extra household bikes, plus protection for your kit, race entries and travel.

Follow us on social media:
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Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

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The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

With the World Championships well underway in Canada, Rose Manley, Denny Gray and Rebecca Charlton discuss all the happenings over in Montreal. 

They discuss a redemptive win for Marlen Reusser, a standout performance by Zoe Backstedt in her first ever women’s elite World Championships time trial and they ask what does Demi Vollering being caught by Reusser mean for the Dutchwoman’s hopes at the road race later in the week?

For the mini feature we hear from two Canadian cyclists who have shone this year: Maggie Coles Lyster of Human Powered Health and current world champion Magdaleine Vallieres about their upbringings in the country. Friends of the Podcast you can also enjoy a full length interview with Vallieres in which she discusses her move into the elite ranks, her difficult time at the World Cycling Centre and that incredible shock win.

Rose, Denny and Rebecca also cast ahead to this weekend’s road race to pick out what could be the key moments on the course and the key contenders for the title.

Also on the agenda: co-bletherers, Hallmark Christmas movies and how aero is your face?

Episode sponsors
Bikmo
The Cycling Podcast is supported by Bikmo, cycle insurance built for cyclists who actually ride.
Whether it's a crash, a stolen bike, or your pride and joy arriving at baggage reclaim in three separate pieces – it's covered. Flexible policies you can cancel anytime, 50 per cent off extra household bikes, plus protection for your kit, race entries and travel.

Follow us on social media:
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Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

The Cannibal & Badger
Friends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.

The Cycling Podcast is on Strava

The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Join Lionel Birnie and Graham Willgoss as they look back at the weekend's two World Tour one-day races in Canada.

As expected on such demanding courses, the cream rose to the top, but what does this tell us ahead of the UCI World Championships, which take place in Canada in just over a week's time. Remco Evenepoel won the GP de Québec and Isaac del Toro took the GP de Montréal, catapulting themselves to the top of the list of favourites for the rainbow jersey in the men's road race in the absence of reigning champion Tadej Pogačar, who is out injured after crashing at the Vuelta. But what other clues did we garner from the two races? And who else is on the early list of favourites?

We also analyse the big transfers of the week, with Felix Gall and Gregor Muhlberger swapping Decathlon for Lidl-Trek next season. Gall is an intriguing signing – bolstering Lidl-Trek's list of Grand Tour riders. After finishing on the podium at both the Giro and the Vuelta this season, the Austrian is staking a claim to be considered the best of the rest – but is he likely to be able to match the likes of Del Toro and Seixas? We also look at Ben Turner's move from Netcompany-Ineos to Soudal-Safety Jogger.

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The Cycling Podcast is supported by Bikmo, cycle insurance built for cyclists who actually ride.
Whether it's a crash, a stolen bike, or your pride and joy arriving at baggage reclaim in three separate pieces – it's covered. Flexible policies you can cancel anytime, 50 per cent off extra household bikes, plus protection for your kit, race entries and travel.

Follow us on social media:
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Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

The Cannibal & Badger
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The Cycling Podcast is on Strava

The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

The 2026 Vuelta a España rolls out from Monte Carlo, and we’re on the ground for the eleventh straight year to bring you all of the action. Join Daniel Friebe, Michele Pelacci, Larry Warbasse and others for a three-week journey unlike any other.

Episode sponsors

Babbel
Learn a language the fun, easy way with intuitive 15-minute lessons you can do when you want. Choose from 14 languages including Spanish, French, Italian and German. Listeners can get up to 60% off for a limited time only at www.babbel.com/cycle

Bikmo
The Cycling Podcast is supported by Bikmo, cycle insurance built for cyclists who actually ride.
Whether it's a crash, a stolen bike, or your pride and joy arriving at baggage reclaim in three separate pieces – it's covered. Flexible policies you can cancel anytime, 50 per cent off extra household bikes, plus protection for your kit, race entries and travel.

Follow us on social media:
Twitter @cycling_podcast
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DVine Cellars 2026 Vuelta wine selection
As always at the Grand Tours, we've teamed up with DVine Cellars of London to select a case of six wines produced close to the race route, for your enjoyment. UK listeners can buy the case here https://dvinecellars.com/products/cycling-podcast-la-vuelta-2026 . The wines are as follows: 

• Stage 5: (Falset – Roquetes) – La Servera, Garnatxa (No Sulphites Added), Montsant [Red]
• Stage 9: (La Vila Joiosa – Alto de Aitana) – Casa Balaguer, Vino Blanco, Alicante [White]
• Stage 10: (Alcaraz – Elche de la Sierra) – Bodegas Parra Jiménez, 'Larutan' Tempranillo, Castilla [Red]
• Stage 11: (Cartagena – Lorca) – Casa Castillo, Monastrell, Jumilla [Red]
• Stage 15: (Palma del Río – Córdoba) – Alvear, '3 Miradas' Vino de Pueblo Blanco 2022, Montilla [White]
• Stage 18: (El Puerto de Santa María – Jerez de la Frontera) – Bodegas Barbadillo, 'Toto' Palomino Brut, Jerez [Sparkling]

Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

In Loving Memory of Finlay Tarling
Following the tragic death of Finlay Tarling in stage 8 of the Volta a Portugal, a fund has been set up, with the blessing of his parents and in Finlay’s name, with the goal of providing an opportunity to help future generations of young Welsh riders. You can contribute here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-fin-s2u87 

The Cannibal & Badger
Friends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.

The Cycling Podcast is on Strava

The 2026 Vuelta a España rolls out from Monte Carlo, and we’re on the ground for the eleventh straight year to bring you all of the action. Join Daniel Friebe, Michele Pelacci, Larry Warbasse and others for a three-week journey unlike any other.

Bikmo
The Cycling Podcast is supported by Bikmo, cycle insurance built for cyclists who actually ride.
Whether it's a crash, a stolen bike, or your pride and joy arriving at baggage reclaim in three separate pieces – it's covered. Flexible policies you can cancel anytime, 50 per cent off extra household bikes, plus protection for your kit, race entries and travel.

Follow us on social media:
Twitter @cycling_podcast
Instagram @thecyclingpodcast

DVine Cellars 2026 Vuelta wine selection
As always at the Grand Tours, we've teamed up with DVine Cellars of London to select a case of six wines produced close to the race route, for your enjoyment. UK listeners can buy the case here https://dvinecellars.com/products/cycling-podcast-la-vuelta-2026 . The wines are as follows: 

• Stage 5: (Falset – Roquetes) – La Servera, Garnatxa (No Sulphites Added), Montsant [Red]
• Stage 9: (La Vila Joiosa – Alto de Aitana) – Casa Balaguer, Vino Blanco, Alicante [White]
• Stage 10: (Alcaraz – Elche de la Sierra) – Bodegas Parra Jiménez, 'Larutan' Tempranillo, Castilla [Red]
• Stage 11: (Cartagena – Lorca) – Casa Castillo, Monastrell, Jumilla [Red]
• Stage 15: (Palma del Río – Córdoba) – Alvear, '3 Miradas' Vino de Pueblo Blanco 2022, Montilla [White]
• Stage 18: (El Puerto de Santa María – Jerez de la Frontera) – Bodegas Barbadillo, 'Toto' Palomino Brut, Jerez [Sparkling]

Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

In Loving Memory of Finlay Tarling
Following the tragic death of Finlay Tarling in stage 8 of the Volta a Portugal, a fund has been set up, with the blessing of his parents and in Finlay’s name, with the goal of providing an opportunity to help future generations of young Welsh riders. You can contribute here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-fin-s2u87 

The Cannibal & Badger
Friends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.

The Cycling Podcast is on Strava

The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

The 2026 Vuelta a España rolls out from Monte Carlo, and we’re on the ground for the eleventh straight year to bring you all of the action. Join Daniel Friebe, Michele Pelacci, Larry Warbasse and others for a three-week journey unlike any other.

Episode sponsors
Babbel
Learn a language the fun, easy way with intuitive 15-minute lessons you can do when you want. Choose from 14 languages including Spanish, French, Italian and German. Listeners can get up to 60% off for a limited time only at www.babbel.com/cycle

Follow us on social media:
Twitter @cycling_podcast
Instagram @thecyclingpodcast

DVine Cellars 2026 Vuelta wine selection
As always at the Grand Tours, we've teamed up with DVine Cellars of London to select a case of six wines produced close to the race route, for your enjoyment. UK listeners can buy the case here https://dvinecellars.com/products/cycling-podcast-la-vuelta-2026 . The wines are as follows: 

• Stage 5: (Falset – Roquetes) – La Servera, Garnatxa (No Sulphites Added), Montsant [Red]
• Stage 9: (La Vila Joiosa – Alto de Aitana) – Casa Balaguer, Vino Blanco, Alicante [White]
• Stage 10: (Alcaraz – Elche de la Sierra) – Bodegas Parra Jiménez, 'Larutan' Tempranillo, Castilla [Red]
• Stage 11: (Cartagena – Lorca) – Casa Castillo, Monastrell, Jumilla [Red]
• Stage 15: (Palma del Río – Córdoba) – Alvear, '3 Miradas' Vino de Pueblo Blanco 2022, Montilla [White]
• Stage 18: (El Puerto de Santa María – Jerez de la Frontera) – Bodegas Barbadillo, 'Toto' Palomino Brut, Jerez [Sparkling]

Friends of the Podcast
Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.

The 11.01 Cappuccino
Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

In Loving Memory of Finlay Tarling
Following the tragic death of Finlay Tarling in stage 8 of the Volta a Portugal, a fund has been set up, with the blessing of his parents and in Finlay’s name, with the goal of providing an opportunity to help future generations of young Welsh riders. You can contribute here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-fin-s2u87 

The Cannibal & Badger
Friends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.

The Cycling Podcast is on Strava

The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.