135. Stephen Roche: the Triple Crown Champion

This week James and Will are joined by Stephen Roche, who in 1987 became only the second rider in history to win the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and World Championships in one season, aka the Triple Crown (pub fact: the other was Eddy Merckx in 1972, then Tadej Pogačar joined them in 2024).

In this episode Stephen talks us through this incredible season, from the rollercoaster Giro that had him fearing for his safety, to crossing the line first in Austria to cap a historic season. Stephen also regales us with tales of his early years at notorious French amateur club ACBB; falling out with team bosses and sponsors; proving the doubters wrong; crashing and injury; and what he makes of the sport today.

This July, Stephen will be riding three stages of the Tour de France as part of the Tour 21 venture, raising money for Cure Leukaemia along the way, a charity close to Stephen's heart after his son Florian was diagnosed with the disease aged just seven. Find out more about Stephen's endeavours and how you can support him or get involved yourself at thetour21.co.uk

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This episode is also sponsored by Laka Bike Insurance, the specialist bike insurers. Visit laka.co/cyclist and enter the code CYCLISTMAG to get your first 30 days' bike insurance cover FREE.

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