The Cycling Podcast

This is part two of our bumper XL Tour de France Preview, with Lionel Birnie, Graham Willgoss, Rob Hatch and François Thomazeau.We pick up where we left off with François' run-through of what to expect on the road in weeks two and three of the 2025 Tour de France, interspersed with some of the more intriguing sub-plots to look forward to.There's also Whitey's Whiteboard – in which experienced sports director Matt White shares some of his tactical expertise and breaks down how a typical team goes about selecting its line-up for the Tour de France and how the daily strategy is decided and conveyed to the riders.INTRODUCING VAN RYSEL, OUR TOUR DE FRANCE SPONSORSWe are very pleased to welcome Van Rysel as our sponsors for the first half of our Tour de France coverage. The Tour gets underway in Lille, the city where the company was founded and has its headquarters. The city is steeped in French cycling history and heritage, not least because the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix are on the doorstep.Van Rysel supplies bikes and kit for the Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale World Tour team, who feature Felix Gall, Bruno Armirail and Aurélien Paret-Peintre in their line-up for the Tour.If you are going to Lille for the opening weekend make sure to drop in at Van Rysel House, a pop-up venue and hub for cycling fans. It’s located at Hein Estaminet in Place Saint-Hubert a short walk from the Euralille train station. It’s a place to have a drink or something to eat and watch the race on TV and there’ll be lots going on over the weekend with a quiz night to test your cycling knowledge each night at 8pm. There’s also some group rides setting out from there. A chance to see the Van Rysel bikes and the innovation that goes into their design.Visit www.vanryselcycling.com to find out more.Follow us on social media:Twitter @cycling_podcastInstagram @thecyclingpodcastFriends of the PodcastSign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.The Cannibal & BadgerFriends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our new virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.The 11.01 CappuccinoOur regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).The Cycling Podcast is on StravaThe Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Join Lionel Birnie, Graham Willgoss, Rob Hatch and François Thomazeau for the first part of The Cycling Podcast’s bumper Tour de France preview.This episode focuses on the first half of the 112th Tour, which will take the riders from Lille in the north east, across to Normandy and Brittany before cutting down through the heart of France to the Massif Central.The head-to-head battle between Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard is currently tied at 2-2, with the Slovenian winning in 2021 and 2024 and the Dane taking back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023. But, as closely-matched as they often seem, none of those four clashes has been particularly close and, as we saw at the Dauphiné last month, Pogačar seems to have the upper hand at the moment.So, will we see a battle royale between the Three Tenors – © Rob Hatch – with Remco Evenepoel one of the riders most suited to a punchy, scrappy opening week, especially with a time trial to contend with?François breaks down the route and explains what we have to look forward to before the first rest day after ten stages.Part two of The XL Tour de France Preview will be online soon...INTRODUCING VAN RYSEL, OUR TOUR DE FRANCE SPONSORSWe are very pleased to welcome Van Rysel as our sponsors for the first half of our Tour de France coverage. The Tour gets underway in Lille, the city where the company was founded and has its headquarters. The city is steeped in French cycling history and heritage, not least because the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix are on the doorstep.Van Rysel supplies bikes and kit for the Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale World Tour team, who feature Felix Gall, Bruno Armirail and Aurélien Paret-Peintre in their line-up for the Tour.If you are going to Lille for the opening weekend make sure to drop in at Van Rysel House, a pop-up venue and hub for cycling fans. It’s located at Hein Estaminet in Place Saint-Hubert a short walk from the Euralille train station. It’s a place to have a drink or something to eat and watch the race on TV and there’ll be lots going on over the weekend with a quiz night to test your cycling knowledge each night at 8pm. There’s also some group rides setting out from there. A chance to see the Van Rysel bikes and the innovation that goes into their design.Visit www.vanryselcycling.com to find out more.Follow us on social media:Twitter @cycling_podcastInstagram @thecyclingpodcastFriends of the PodcastSign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.The Cannibal & BadgerFriends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our new virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.The 11.01 CappuccinoOur regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).The Cycling Podcast is on StravaThe Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Oscar Onley, a rising star cyclist for Team DSM-Firmenich, shares insights following his spectacular stage win at the Tour de Suisse. He discusses the intense competition alongside João Almeida, emphasizing the pressure of the final time trial. The conversation delves into the evolving dynamics of professional cycling, touching on recent UCI proposals and the ethical challenges faced by athletes. The hosts also reflect on thrilling performances and strategies as they gear up for the Tour de France, hinting at Onley’s potential impact this season.

Lisa Brambani, a four-time British national champion and former cyclist, shares her nostalgic journey through the inaugural women’s Giro d'Italia in 1988. She recounts her quirky experiences with convent dormitories and cold water showers, illuminating the challenges of early women's cycling. The discussion also touches on key moments in recent races, highlighting the resilience of today's female cyclists and the exciting dynamics of upcoming events like the Giro d’Italia. Listeners are treated to a blend of history, inspiration, and fun anecdotes!

Brian Nygaard, a Danish cycling expert and commentator, joins the hosts to dive into the Critérium du Dauphiné and its implications for the upcoming Tour de France. He emphasizes that Jonas Vingegaard’s performance shouldn't spark panic for his team yet. The conversation also highlights Tadej Pogačar's impressive win that ties him with cycling legend Eddy Merckx in Dauphiné victories. Additionally, they discuss the rising talents in French cycling, the intense rivalry building up between Vingegaard and Pogačar, and the emotional farewells in the cycling community.

Graham Willgoss, a cycling enthusiast and commentator, shares his excitement for the upcoming Tour de France. He discusses the thrilling opening stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, where top contenders Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel faced off. The conversation dives into strategic racing, the unique challenges of hilly terrains, and the implications of rider performances on the competition. Willgoss also highlights Teo Gagan Hart's impressive comeback and the evolving dynamics within teams as they prepare for the grand showdown ahead.

In a riveting discussion, Matt White, former head of performance at Jayco-Alula and a cycling analyst, shares his deep insights into Simon Yates' remarkable performance in the Giro d’Italia. He reflects on the tactical blunders from Yates' past, particularly the 2018 loss on the Colle delle Finestre. The dialogue further explores how Visma-Lease A Bike clinched their win, and the strategic pressures faced by rising stars like Isaac Del Toro. Matt also touches on the emotional rollercoaster of team changes and the resilience required in the competitive cycling landscape.

Simon Yates, the 2025 Giro d'Italia champion, shares thrilling insights about his emotional victory and the unforgettable final stage in Rome. He discusses the intense moments of the race, including a dramatic sprint finish and the camaraderie among rival cyclists. The conversation highlights the impact of crashes, the vibrant culture of Italian hospitality, and personal growth through challenges, weaving together a rich tapestry of experiences from this iconic cycling event.

Immerse yourself in the thrilling atmosphere of Stage 20 of the Giro d'Italia, where the unpredictable nature of racing delivers excitement. Simon Yates's journey of redemption shines through as he battles challenging weather and navigates tactical complexities. The conversation flows from intense race strategies to the emotional weight carried by riders, and even touches on the culinary delights of Italy. Highlights include the record-breaking ascent at Collo delle Finestre, showcasing that resilience and teamwork are key to success in professional cycling.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Giro d'Italia and the vibrant atmosphere in Champoluc. Discover the psychological pressures riders face and the importance of teamwork in Stage 19. Delve into online security in cycling, alongside dynamic strategies that shape the race. Enjoy delightful anecdotes about community barbecues and cherished memories involving cycling legends. Plus, learn about the historic challenges of the Colle delle Finestre and the culinary delights in Biella, all while savoring the adventure that is the Giro.