Velo Podcast

Who is "Superman" Lopez, and how did he get that great nickname? The young Colombian has won two stages of the Vuelta a Espana already and could take another before the week is out. Could he make it on to the podium? Fred Dreier, Caley Fretz, Spencer Powlison and Andrew Hood have some hot takes on the final grand tour of the season and its feared stage to the top of the Angliru. Then, a chat with Toms Skuijns about the uncertainty that hovers over Cannondale-Drapac and discussion of Andrew Talansky's sudden surprise retirement.

Slipstream Sports and its Cannondale-Drapac team are in jeopardy. The team may not have enough sponsorship to carry on in 2018. We talk to team principal Jonathan Vaughters as well as riders Joe Dombrowski and Michael Woods about the situation. Plus, we lead off with a look at the Vuelta, which Chris Froome may or may not be ruining by riding so darn fast. Senior editor Andrew Hood checks in straight from Spain and has his own perspective on the Cannondale situation.

For decades (almost a century, in fact), we've been told that cramping is caused by electrolyte imbalance or bad hydration. But new science suggests that this probably isn't why you cramp during exercise. So why do you cramp? It all comes down to something called altered neuromuscular control. And how do you stop it? Well, that's where things get even trickier. Listen in to find out.

Just half a week into the the Vuelta a Espana and already the GC battle is on. Chris Froome and Esteban Chavez fired warning shots on Monday, but Vincenzo Nibali was the one with his hands up — or, rather, a fin up — at the finish line. Fred Dreier and Caley Fretz are joined by Andrew Hood from Spain to chat about the first big mountain stage and what lies ahead. Then, takes galore on the hotter than usual transfer market. Your hosts question some of the moves riders and teams are making, and look into why so many swaps are taking place.

Are you considering riding a Haute Route event or another multi-day sportive? We talk to a veteran rider to learn some tips and tricks for training, packing, and more. The Haute Route Pyrenees mini-series is sponsored by Topical Edge lotion. Go to www.topicaledge.com/velonews for a free sample of a product that's clinically proven to reduce lactic acid. What's this special podcast mini-series all about? Spencer Powlison is off in France doing this seven-day sportive with his friend Matt Mollo. Along the way, they'll discuss the history of these big climbs and the delicious wines of the region. Don't worry, as a wine importer, Matt's an expert on natural wines... Spencer will stick to cycling (and drinking the wine).

On this episode we talk to Mavic mechanic Max Ruphy about what it takes to keep riders running at the Haute Route Pyrenees. How do bikes break? Is it harder than a pro race? Should you tip with beer? That last one is easy to answer... The Haute Route Pyrenees mini-series is sponsored by Topical Edge lotion. Go to www.topicaledge.com/velonews for a free sample of a product that's clinically proven to reduce lactic acid. What's this special podcast mini-series all about? Spencer Powlison is off in France doing this seven-day sportive with his friend Matt Mollo. Along the way, they'll discuss the history of these big climbs and the delicious wines of the region. Don't worry, as a wine importer, Matt's an expert on natural wines... Spencer will stick to cycling (and drinking the wine).

For Thursday's stage 5 time trial, we've got a special interview with the Haute Route race director. He explains how he balances famous cols with lesser-known mountains. Plus we ask him about the difficulties involved in wrangling 800 volunteers throughout the French mountains. What's this special podcast mini-series all about? Spencer Powlison is off in France doing this seven-day sportive with his friend Matt Mollo. Along the way, they'll discuss the history of these big climbs and the delicious wines of the region. Don't worry, as a wine importer, Matt's an expert on natural wines... Spencer will stick to cycling (and drinking the wine). The Haute Route Pyrenees mini-series is sponsored by Topical Edge lotion. Go to www.topicaledge.com/velonews for a free sample of a product that's clinically proven to reduce lactic acid.

What do Chris Froome, Alberto Contador, Romain Bardet, Vincenzo Nibali, Fabio Aru, Ilnur Zakarin, the Angliru, and the Yates brothers all have in common? They're all in the upcoming Vuelta a Espana. This year's Vuelta might just be the best grand tour of the year. It certainly has the most star-studded GC field. So in this episode, Fred Dreier and Caley Fretz call up VN European Correspondant and amateur bon vivant Andrew Hood to dive into the course, the favorites, and the storylines of the impending Vuelta. But first, let's not forget about Colorado's return to top-level pro racing. The innovative Colorado Classic took place last weekend, and the racing was aggressive and exciting. Is this format the future of bike racing? It might just be.

On stage 4 of the Haute Route Pyrenees, the guys tough it out on a rainy ride over Col d'Aspin. They talk about the crazy mountainous route on the first-ever Tour de France and Fernando Escartin's raid over the Peyresourde in the 1999 Tour. What's this special podcast mini-series all about? Spencer Powlison is off in France doing this seven-day sportive with his friend Matt Mollo. Along the way, they'll discuss the history of these big climbs and the delicious wines of the region. Don't worry, as a wine importer, Matt's an expert on natural wines... Spencer will stick to cycling (and drinking the wine). The Haute Route Pyrenees mini-series is sponsored by Topical Edge lotion. Go to www.topicaledge.com/velonews for a free sample of a product that's clinically proven to reduce lactic acid.

On this episode of the Haute Route Pyrenees special podcast, we take on the Col du Tourmalet. This famous climb was the first high-mountain ascent included in the Tour, back in 1910. We talk about that, Eddy Merckx's unbelievable win to Mourenx in 1969, and more. What's this special podcast mini-series all about? Spencer Powlison is off in France doing this seven-day sportive with his friend Matt Mollo. Along the way, they'll discuss the history of these big climbs and the delicious wines of the region. Don't worry, as a wine importer, Matt's an expert on natural wines... Spencer will stick to cycling (and drinking the wine). The Haute Route Pyrenees mini-series is sponsored by Topical Edge lotion. Go to www.topicaledge.com/velonews for a free sample of a product that's clinically proven to reduce lactic acid.