This week James and Will are joined by Spartacus himself, Fabian Cancellara. Over a career spanning two decades, Cancellara established himself as arguably the greatest Classics rider and time-triallist of his generation, winning multiple Monuments, world, national and Olympic titles and Grand Tour stages. With a cool demeanour and effortless riding style, the Swiss cemented himself as the patron of the peloton, the guy everyone looked up to, listened to and wanted to impress. Today Cancellara owns ProTour team Tudor Pro Cycling, which this year raced its first Grand Tour as a wildcard at the Giro d'Italia, finishing a highly respectable tenth with Aussie rider Michael Storrer.

Amongst a sprawling conversation, Cancellara discusses why he never talks tactics with his own team; the importance of rider safety, especially in light of the death of would-have-been Tudor Pro rider, Gino Mäder; his rivalry with Tom Boonen; if and when Tudor Pro Cycling will race the Tour; the importance of failure - and where he hurt most; and the effect of social media on young riders and cycling.

Interview begins at 9.27

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door. And it's also a rather lovely website about everything road cycling and gravel. Check us out at cyclist.co.uk

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This week Will and James are joined by Peter Sagan. When Sagan burst onto the scene in the early 2010s he was heralded as the greatest talent of his generation, and so he proved to be. 121 professional victories later he'd notched up three World Championships, seven Tour de France green jerseys, multiple Grand Tour stages and national titles plus a Tour of Flanders and a Paris-Roubaix cobble.

Famed for his dry wit, flamboyant riding style and antics on and off the bike - from wheelies to running man celebrations - Sagan became cycling's poster boy for the better part of his 15 year career. Now retired, Sagan reflects on a life at the top, from the heady highs to the soul-searching lows; explains the importance of team dynamics; gives us his thoughts on today's riders; and opens up about a recently discovered heart condition that could have ended his life and has ended up costing him any further professional racing career.

Will and James also discuss the UCI Cycling eSports World Championships, ridden on the MyWhoosh virtual racing platform, for whom Sagan is ambassador. The live UCI Cycling eSports final will take place on 26th October in Abu Dhabi and will see 20 competitors in both men's and women's events going head to head over three stages for a €60,000 prize purse. The event will be streamed live on YouTube here.

Interview begins at 16.36

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door. And it's also a rather lovely website about everything road cycling and gravel. Check us out at cyclist.co.uk

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This week James and Will are joined by Ned Boulting: commentator, pundit, author, stage performer, part-time comic and all-round superb raconteur. Ned talks about the 2011 season (the star of his new The Road Book 2011 almanac), from a knife-edge Tour de France with Cadel Evans snatching a last gasp victory, to a Vuelta a España that announced a rising star in the shape of Chris Froome. Conversation then turns to this year's Tour, from Cav's history-making win no.35 to the imperial form of Tadej Pogačar. All that plus Primož Roglič the unsung hero; Alberto Contador, the man who flew too close to the clenbuterol; Dave Brailsford, Ineos and United; and Ned's new touring one-man stage show, Ned's Marginal Mystery Tour – all about his love affair with an unearthed newsreel from the 1923 Tour de France.

Chat with Ned begins at 8.34

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The Road Book 2011 is out now, with essays from Chris Froome, Emma Pooley, Cadel Evans, Ned Boulting and many more. Edited by Andy McGrath. Order your copy here.

Ned's Marginal Mystery Tour is touring nationwide from 22nd October to 20th November. Get tickets here.

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door. And it's also a rather lovely website about everything road cycling and gravel. Check us out at cyclist.co.uk

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This week James and Will are joined by none other than Tadej Pogačar, currently the greatest rider on the planet having this year triumphed - and decimated all-comers - at both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, a feat last achieved by Marco Pantani in 1998. Next up the World Championships and a potential Triple Crown - can Pogačar join that elite club of Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche?

We sat down with Pogačar as he recce'd the World's course in Zurich and took on a charity bike ride for PlumeStrong, for whom he is ambassador. We discuss his rivalry with Jonas Vingegaard; why he secretly hates wearing the yellow jersey; what he makes of Remco Evenepoel; the pivotal moments at this year's Tour; whether his performances make him the GOAT (or if not, what more he needs to do); how he manages to stay so relaxed; and, most importantly, what he eats for breakfast.

This episode also has a bonus interview with tech billionaire and cycling fanatic, Fahri Diner. Fahri co-founded and runs Plume, the tech company behind the PlumeStrong foundation and the PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge. We talk to Fahri about staying focussed, why cycling is necessary for the soul, and how to run a tech company, a charitable enterprise and keep up with Tadej Pogačar, all the at the same time.

Interview begins at

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This episode is brought to you by Tredz, the online and bricks and mortar bike shop run by real riders, for real riders. Head over to Tredz.co.uk to see the newest kit and latest deals.

Thanks to PlumStrong for helping make this interview possible. For more information about the PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge and how you can take part next year or donate, search #PSCC24 on Instagram or head over to PlumeStrong.

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door. And it's also a rather lovely website about everything road cycling and gravel. Check us out at cyclist.co.uk

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This week, James and Will are joined by Nico Roche. Nico was a pro-rider from 2004-2021 during which time he won numerous races including two Vuelta a España stages. His long career saw spells at Team Sky, Saxobank and BMC, though as we learn, it was with French teams AG2R, Crédit Agricole and Cofidis that Nico felt most at home. The Vuelta was Nico's favourite race, so we kick off by asking what makes that race so special, and does it get the respect it deserves?

Today, Nico is still very much involved in the sport as gravel racing privateer and top cycling pundit. As such, our chat really goes around the houses in expert fashion, from assessments of Pogačar at this year’s Tour, to team dynamics, to the evolution of training, to what it was like being a young pro with Stephen Roche as your father.

We thoroughly enjoyed this one; Nico was a wonderful guy to talk to and very generous with his time, so thanks Nico! And to you, dear listener, we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.

Interview begins at 6.52

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door. And it's also a rather lovely website about everything road cycling and gravel. Check us out at cyclist.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Will and James are joined by ex-pro turned DS, Chris Lawless. At just 28 years old, Chris is the youngest directeur sportif in pro-cycling, but he's got a whole lot of experience. Cutting his teeth at Team Wiggins and JLT Condor, Chris went on to ride for Team Sky/Ineos, during which time he won the Tour de Yorkshire. As a no-nonsense rider with a stoic mentality, a move into team management naturally followed post-retirement, with Chris taking us a DS position at British Pro-Conti team, Saint Piran.

In this episode, Chris tells us about the highs and lows of his career on the road, the role of mental toughness and race craft, the problems in the British racing scene and how to nurture Saint Piran young talent to prepare it for the big time.

Interview begins at 12.50

Follow Saint Piran on Instagram @saintpiran

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Will and James are joined by bike design visionary Dimitris Katsanis. Dimitris worked alongside Chris Boardman in the Secret Squirrel Club, creating the pioneering bikes and kit that helped Team GB dominate the 2012 London Games. Ever wondered where the term 'marginal gains' came from? Yep, Dimitris and his colleagues, whose work at the time was so secret not even his boss, one Dave Brailsford, was allowed to know.

Across a career spanning three decades and counting, Dimitris has had a hand in winning over 100 gold Olympic and World cycling medals, and right now his components and creations can be seen on four national teams' Olympic bikes (though he won't say which ones). Today he runs his own company, Metron A.E, which 3D-prints cutting edge parts for sport, aerospace and the medical industry. He also 3D-printed Fillipo Ganna's Hour record Pinarello Bolide F. The entire bike.

This is a man who has a story about everyone from Wiggins to Ganna, and who can explain aerodynamic drag with just his hands. So pop the kettle on or jump on the turbo, and prepare to be enlightened.

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Cyclist is also a stunning monthly print magazine. Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door.

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This week Will and James are joined by Ribble Rebellion crit rider, Matt Bostock. Matt cut his teeth racing track and road, but now pedals his trade in the crit racing scene. A twice national crit champ and multiple Tour series winner, Matt now races all over the globe. In this episode Matt discusses growing up on the Isle of Man with Mark Cavendish's old mentor for help, throwing elbows in the States against crit superstars Legion (and winning), and why he'll never turn to gravel. Ever. Maybe.

Later, Will and James also get into a very lengthy chat about the Tour de France, because hey, it's the best race in the world and it's just finished. So stick with us for insights into Pogacar, Biniam Girmay, Victor Campanaerts, whether Cav's record is beatable, plus the truth behind team radios.

Interview begins at 1.04

Follow Ribble Rebellion's ongoing success by searching 'ribble rebellion' online and on Instagram. Check out the Ribble Rebellion roster and their incredible Ribble Ultra SL R bikes here.

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Robyn and Will are joined by Mikkel Honoré, Danish pro at WorldTour team EF Education-Easypost. Mikkel talks us through the differences between a team like EF and one like his previous team, Quick-Step; how a small (and decidedly flat) nation like Denmark has produced so many great cyclists; and his thoughts on Pogacar, the Tour, the importance of the World Championships and his love of NBA basketball.

Interview begins at 4.38

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week James and Will are joined by Carlton Kirby, Eurosport's voice of the Tour de France. In this episode, Carlton looks ahead to the Tour de France 2024, and talks us through the course, all the crucial stages, the likely turning points and the surprise heroes. We discuss the inside track on Cavendish's chances of beating the Merckx record; who will triumph between Pogačar and Vingegaard (but listen out for a surprise contender); if could it come down to the wire on the last day's time-trial; how to make a few quid with some outside bets; and why Bernard Hinault has beef with Eddy Merckx.

This one's a long one, but so's three weeks in France. So take your helmet off, put the kettle on and get ready... the Tour is coming! And Carlton's here to explain it all.

Interview begins at 6.25

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door.

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This week Will and James are joined by the founder and owner of Factor Bikes, Rob Gitelis. Rob is originally from Miami but moved to Taiwan more than twenty years ago to start building bikes. Originally he ran a factory which built bikes for brands such as Cervélo, Scott and Canyon, but in 2015 he decided to go it alone with the purchase of Factor Bikes. In this episode, Rob discusses how the bike industry really works, why things are so expensive, what progress lies in store, and what he believes is one of the fastest bikes ever made - and it came out several decades ago.

Interview begins at 10.42

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Did you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine? Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.