S11 Ep24: Men who stare at GOATS

The first Grand Tour of the 2025 season is also our tenth Giro d‘Italia on the ground with daily episodes. We kick things off here, with Daniel Friebe, Brian Nygaard and Rob Hatch looking ahead to the next three weeks of action, first in Albania and then Italy. First, we examine a route that may lack summit finishes but should deliver excitement from the middle of stage one. The riders on the startline should also see to that, particularly the stacked field of GC contenders led by pre-race favourites Primož Roglič and Juan Ayuso. We also meet a new addition to the podcast team for the Giro, Michele Pelacci, and hear more about what we’ve got in store over the next few weeks.  NordVPN Get NordVPN two-year plan + four months extra ➼ https://nordvpn.com/tcp It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast 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 Cannibal & Badger Friends 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 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). Dvine Cellars 2025 Girovagando Wine Selection As every year, Dvine Cellars and The Cycling Podcast have selected six wines that showcase the 'terroir' of the Giro d'Italia. Head to https://dvinecellars.com/products/the-cycling-podcast-giro-ditalia-2025 to make an order. The Cycling Podcast is on Strava The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

6 Mai 1h 20min

The Giro d’Italia rolls out from Albania on Friday and in doing so will introduce cycling fans to one of the more mysterious and probably misunderstood countries on the continent of Europe.  We, too, knew very little about the 'Land of Eagles' but, in January this year, were invited on a remarkable treasure hunt that began with a listener’s enigmatic direct message into Daniel Friebe’s Twitter inbox. The story that then revealed itself - without giving too much away here - was one of an epic cycling journey that also turned into an astonishing voyage of self-discovery, into the so-called ‘Accursed Mountains’ of northern Albania.  This KM0 is exceptionally available to all listeners, whether Friends of The Cycling Podcast or not. See below for details on how to become a Friend of The Cycling Podcast and thereby help fund our daily, on-the-ground coverage at the Grand Tours and output throughout the rest of the cycling season.  The episode was written and narrated by Daniel Friebe and produced by Adam Bowie.  Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast 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 Cannibal & Badger Friends 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 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). Dvine Cellars 2025 Girovagando Wine Selection As every year, Dvine Cellars and The Cycling Podcast have selected six wines that showcase the 'terroir' of the Giro d'Italia. Head to https://dvinecellars.com/products/the-cycling-podcast-giro-ditalia-2025 to make an order.

5 Mai 1h 7min

As per tradition, together with our friends at Dvine Cellars in London, we’re presenting a selection of six wines showcasing the same terroir that the 2025 Giro d’Italia will visit in May. And, as we’ve done in other years, we’ve asked Greg Andrews and Luciana Girotto of Dvine to talk us through the selection ahead of the race. If you’re not into wine, this is NOT the podcast for you! We have our full XL race preview coming on Tuesday, so hold tight for that. If, however, you do want to hear what Luciana, Greg and Daniel have to say, stay tuned and head to https://dvinecellars.com/products/the-cycling-podcast-giro-ditalia-2025 to make an order. The wines in the case are listed below. Unfortunately, Dvine’s cases are still only available to UK listeners but in many instances you will be able to find similar wines, from the same regions, wherever you are. Please also enjoy in moderation! The wines (in Giro route order): Salice Salentino Il Pumo 2021, San Marzano, Puglia Vigneti Tardis, Martedì Paestum Rosso, Campania Lambrusco del Fondatore 2023, Cleto Chiarli, Emilia-Romagna Incrocio Manzoni Costa degli Angeli 2022/23, Casa Paolin, Veneto Selida Gewürztraminer 2023, Tramin, Alto-Adige Coste delle Sesia 2022/23, Orbello, Tenute Sella, Piedmont Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast 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 Cannibal & Badger Friends 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 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 Cycling Podcast is on Strava

2 Mai 49min

Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie are your guides through the latest headlines and talking points from the world of pro cycling, this week assisted by Tudor Pro Cycling ace Larry Warbasse, fresh from his successful week at the Tour of the Alps.  We look back at the latest Tadej Pogačar tour de force at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and invite Larry to speculate about the rest of Pogačar’s season. There’s also a trip to Coorevits Corner, where Remco Evenepoel’s underwhelming performance in La Doyenne gives Hugo food for thought.  In the final part of the episode, Larry takes us inside Michael Storer’s masterful performance at the Tour of the Alps. We also ask: how far can ‘Storerčar’ go at the Giro?  Sponsored by Laka The Cycling Podcast’s coverage of the spring Classics is supported by Laka. Laka offers specialist bike insurance that goes further than you think. It’s powered by a collective of cyclists who all have each others’ backs. They won’t charge a fixed sum, instead, they calculate your monthly contributions – up to a maximum capped amount – based on the collective’s claims. There’s no excess so you won’t be penalised when it comes to making a claim. Laka is back as a proud sponsor of The Cycling Podcast. Listeners can get their first 30 days free by signing up with the code TCP30 at laka.co/tcp  NordVPN Get NordVPN two-year plan + four months extra ➼ https://nordvpn.com/tcp It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast 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 Cannibal & Badger Friends 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 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 Cycling Podcast is on Strava The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

29 Apr 1h 12min

Rose Manley and Rebecca Charlton dissect the final Classic of the 2025 Spring season, Liège-Bastogne-Liège.  With the first two Ardennes Classics - Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne - going to unexpected winners, all of the big contenders were looking for the victory in Liège. Puck Pieterse arrived looking to get her second win of the week, whilst Demi Vollering was hunting her first victory since Strade Bianche in March. Plus Anna van der Breggen returns from illness, looking to become the most decorated winner of the race having been victorious twice before. But with the stage racing season upon us, every rider will be vying for their last chance for a precious Spring Classics win. Sponsored by Laka The Cycling Podcast’s coverage of the spring Classics is supported by Laka. Laka offers specialist bike insurance that goes further than you think. It’s powered by a collective of cyclists who all have each others’ backs. They won’t charge a fixed sum, instead, they calculate your monthly contributions – up to a maximum capped amount – based on the collective’s claims. There’s no excess so you won’t be penalised when it comes to making a claim. Laka is back as a proud sponsor of The Cycling Podcast. Listeners can get their first 30 days free by signing up with the code TCP30 at laka.co/tcp  Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast 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 Cannibal & Badger Friends 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 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 Cycling Podcast is on Strava The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

27 Apr 33min

Join Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie as they wrap up the spring series of Arrivée episodes with La Doyenne, the oldest of the men's Monuments, Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Sponsored by Laka The Cycling Podcast’s coverage of the spring Classics is supported by Laka. Laka offers specialist bike insurance that goes further than you think. It’s powered by a collective of cyclists who all have each others’ backs. They won’t charge a fixed sum, instead, they calculate your monthly contributions – up to a maximum capped amount – based on the collective’s claims. There’s no excess so you won’t be penalised when it comes to making a claim. Laka is back as a proud sponsor of The Cycling Podcast. Listeners can get their first 30 days free by signing up with the code TCP30 at laka.co/tcp  Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast 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 Cannibal & Badger Friends 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 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 Cycling Podcast is on Strava The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

27 Apr 43min

Join Rose Manley and Denny Gray as they pick apart all the action from this year’s Flèche Wallonne Féminine. After a surprise result for a late breakaway at Amstel Gold Race, everything was to play for at the second race of the Ardennes Classics. Despite a much-hyped expected comeback to the race, seven time winner Anna Van der Breggen didn’t take to the startline after suffering from illness last week. But with defending champion Kasia Niewiadoma and 2023 champion Demi Vollering already proving to be in top form this season, the race was set to be fiercely contested. Or could a new champion be announced at the top of the infamous Mur de Huy? Sponsored by Laka The Cycling Podcast’s coverage of the spring Classics is supported by Laka. Laka offers specialist bike insurance that goes further than you think. It’s powered by a collective of cyclists who all have each others’ backs. They won’t charge a fixed sum, instead, they calculate your monthly contributions – up to a maximum capped amount – based on the collective’s claims. There’s no excess so you won’t be penalised when it comes to making a claim. Laka is back as a proud sponsor of The Cycling Podcast. Listeners can get their first 30 days free by signing up with the code TCP30 at laka.co/tcp  Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast 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 Cannibal & Badger Friends 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 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 Cycling Podcast is on Strava The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

23 Apr 33min

Join Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie for their post-race analysis following the best three minutes of the cycling season (that takes place on a Wednesday afternoon, in spring, in Wallonia). Yes, it’s the annual uphill cheeseroll competition (copyright Friebos). But just how far can we stretch the cheese analogies? What would win? A giant Camembert or 30 Mini Babybels? And what has New Year’s Eve in New York got to do with anything? There’s serious tactical discussion and lots of nonsensical talk about sunglasses too. You wouldn’t expect anything else. Sponsored by Laka The Cycling Podcast’s coverage of the spring Classics is supported by Laka. Laka offers specialist bike insurance that goes further than you think. It’s powered by a collective of cyclists who all have each others’ backs. They won’t charge a fixed sum, instead, they calculate your monthly contributions – up to a maximum capped amount – based on the collective’s claims. There’s no excess so you won’t be penalised when it comes to making a claim. Laka is back as a proud sponsor of The Cycling Podcast. Listeners can get their first 30 days free by signing up with the code TCP30 at laka.co/tcp  Follow us on social media: Twitter @cycling_podcast Instagram @thecyclingpodcast 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 Cannibal & Badger Friends 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 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 Cycling Podcast is on Strava The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

23 Apr 37min