A soulful dive into how cycling doesn’t just make us feel more alive—it might actually help us live longer.
What would change if you truly believed in your ability?
What if holding your breath could make you faster? Allen Lim thought so—until Floyd Landis showed where the real gains came from.
The week started off like any other—routine, predictable. But by the weekend, everything had changed.
He trained harder than ever—so why did his race fall apart at mile 100?
Two talented young cyclists start with identical potential - but what leads one to European glory while the other fades into obscurity?
How an unexpected holiday shattered a performance plateau and revealed the hidden cost of everyday stress.
When too much caffeine ruins a race – the science behind it.
In today's QuickSpin Cycling Digest, we dive into new and cool cycling products. We cover Remco Evenepoel's road bike, Lachlan Morton's crazy stem, innovative tools, new aero undershirts, and the stuff you missed at the Vuelta Espana 2023.
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/4o2LVaf-_ME
Links from the show:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwNkxuFtrXn
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/wout-van-aert-wins-first-ever-gravel-race-by-nine-minutes
https://www.teamjumbovisma.com/news/news/van-aert-stops-in-houffalize-on-way-to-world-championships-gravel/
https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/gear-break-25-8-2023-vuelta-rouvy-primal-shutuplegs-syncros-cadex-chrisking-ass-savers/
https://cyclingmagazine.ca/mtb/lachlan-morton-test-the-limits-of-stem-slamming-and-geometry/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0vXLHOyM-/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a69d7c37-da70-4041-a7dd-874febcb4984
https://www.crankbrothers.com/collections/new/products/f16
https://www.crankbrothers.com/collections/new/products/f11
https://road.cc/content/tech-news/tech-week-would-you-wear-inflatable-bike-helmet-303409
Delving into the controversy surrounding Nairo Quintana's positive tests for tramadol during the 2022 Tour de France. We discuss the complex considerations surrounding the substance's classification, its potential impact on performance, and recent developments that have prompted new discussions.
Plus, 750D? Another new wheel size has been revealed, this time for gravel bikes, more controversy, team finances, and the social media rounds.
Watch this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pjvUKLWDWeY
WADA Twitter post: https://twitter.com/wada_ama/status/1574912951995322369
Tramadol study on Outside Online: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/
New Gravel Bike Wheel Size on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwQZImfh4Tg/?hl=en
Lotto-Dstny terminates Allan Davis' employment: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lotto-dstny-terminates-allan-davis-employment-following-inappropriate-social-media-messages/
Article on swapping Giro and Vuelta dates: https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/giro-vuelta-weather-swap
Groupama-FDJ finances: https://inrng.com/2023/08/groupama-fdj-finances-2021/
Greg Van Avermaet Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvw7m9XMJCx/
Sam Gaze MTB Rider Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwSvfgKr-4F/
Robert Gesink Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwS30aGt-VT/?img_index=6
Jonas Vingegaard and Jumbo-Visma had a secret weapon or two at the Tour de France that could of given him a drag reduction of more than 9% that meant savings of 1.5 seconds a kilometre. We dig into the aero impact of this secret weapon and ask some serious question about their legality.
That’s on today’s show, and…epic social media rounds with everything from white shorts to toilet testing, plus articles on the pains of integrated components.
Watch this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/wJ5vt6XhsDk
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Links from this episode:
https://twitter.com/realBertBlocken/status/1692255441982533730
https://www.triathlete.com/gear/bike/expert-tested-the-water-bottle-jersey-trend-produces-shocking-results/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao_g_-8g7dY
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/what-was-stuffed-down-great-britains-skinsuits-in-mixed-relay-time-trial/
www.cyclingweekly.com/products/aerodynamic-testing-what-are-your-options-and-how-much-does-it-cost
How did Jonas Vingegaard transform from 'the little guy' working at a fish factory to a Jumbo-Visma leader? I have top the top 5 takeaways from a recent Jonas Vingegaard interview before he races in the Vuelta a España 2023.
That’s on today’s show, and… I have another rider profile, the burnout problem in the women’s peloton, should we ditch hardtail mountain bikes and the best gravel tires for every situation.
Links from this show:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/how-jonas-vingegaard-transformed-from-the-little-guy-to-jumbo-visma-leader/
http://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/the-rouleur-journal/sometimes-you-need-to-say-stop-women-s-cycling-s-burnout-problem
http://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/how-andreas-leknessund-went-from-arctic-race-volunteer-to-one-of-norways-top-tour-de-france-hopes
http://www.bikeradar.com/features/opinion/hardtail-analysis-cross-country-racing/
http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/gravel-tech-that-originated-in-triathlon
http://bikerumor.com/the-best-gravel-bike-tires-of-2023/
On today’s show, and… Damian has news on bike launches from Canyon and Bianchi, a glimpse at the potential next-Generation SRAM AXS Shifters, and some other tasty treats, and Peter Sagan real retirement plans for 2024…but we’re starting this show with inside baseball on nutrition and pro rider salaries from the secret rider…
Secret Pro Insights: https://escapecollective.com/the-secret-rider-nutrition-fads-silly-season-and-salaries/
Peter Sagan Update: https://escapecollective.com/i-want-mountain-bikes-to-bring-the-old-peter-sagan-back/ and https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/peter-sagan-prepares-to-join-specialized-mtb-team-after-storied-road-career/
You can watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/V3MMPk27R5g
Episode Links:
SRAM AXS Shifters: https://bikerumor.com/will-we-wear-the-next-generation-sram-axs-shifters/
Canyon Endurace Bike: https://bikerumor.com/2023/08/15/new-canyon-endurace-road-bike-gets-storage-inside-and-ultralight-cfr-treatment/
Bianchi Oltre Race and Sprint Bikes: https://road.cc/content/tech-news/bianchi-introduces-new-oltre-race-and-sprint-road-bikes-and-suggests-12-speed-shimano
Silca Ultimate Chain Stripper and Wax Prep: https://www.cyclist.co.uk/news/shokz-openfit-headphones
Streamlines Forma Sensor:https://www.streamlines.aero
The surprising reason and performance benefit Pro MTB rider Puck Pieterse uses gum before a race.
We dive into the fascinating connection between gum and cycling performance. Plus World Championships Recap, the Evolution of Endurance Training, an Altitude Adjust App and the Social Media Rounds.
You can watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-wH8iATvL_Q
Links
World Champs:
RunGum: https://rungum.com/products/bubblegum-12-pack
10 Bike Tech Highlights - Cycling World Championships: https://road.cc/content/feature/10-bike-tech-highlights-cycling-world-championships-303173
British Cycling could take legal: https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/motorcycles/british-cycling-could-take-legal-action-to-prevent-japanese-and-french-federations-from-using-new-track-bikes/ar-AA1f9yDR
Canyon Speedmax CFR Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4JuxS8y_Oo
Abraham Gebru’s Strava: https://www.strava.com/pros/6817837#interval?interval=202331&interval_type=week&chart_type=miles&year_offset=0
Articles
The rising price of entry-level road bikes: https://road.cc/content/feature/rising-price-entry-level-road-bikes-303057
The Future of Endurance Training: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/future-of-endurance-training-research/
Products:
Altitude Adjust - Garmin Datafield App: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/4abe1b06-3099-4847-8415-815021353931
Social Media
Marlen Reusser climbs off mid-race in World's Elite Women's Time Trial: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/marlen-reusser-climbs-off-mid-race-in-worlds-elite-womens-time-trial/
After the Tour de Suisse, I fell into a hole: Marlen Reusser explains decision to abandon Time Trial World Championships: https://cyclinguptodate.com/cycling/after-the-tour-de-suisse-i-fell-into-a-hole-marlen-reusser-explains-decision-to-abandon-time-trial-world-championships
Tweet by Sadhbh OS: https://twitter.com/SadhbhOS/status/1689936699080519680
In this week's episode of Quick Spin, Damian provides a comprehensive rundown of the latest happenings in the world of cycling.
This show covers the new Specialized Tarmac SL8, featuring the "Speed Sniffer" fat head tube. Find out why they designed this unique feature.
Plus innovative cycling products, social media rounds and even a glimpse into the retirement plans of cycling superstar Peter Sagan.
You can also watch this on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/zTUPfeTnSbc
In this episode we talk with Giro d'Italia winner Jai Hindley to find out what it takes to win a Grand Tour. And we’re not only talking about the 3 weeks during the race, but also the decades of work and journey beforehand. From lifestyle, to family and support, to self-belief, to training and a lifelong passion for cycling - herein we dig into Jai Hindley’s journey from a 6 year old rider with a dream through to Grand Tour winner.
Guest panelist:
Twitter: @JaiHindley
Instagram: @jhindley_
Episode References:
BORA-hansgrohe Spotlight: Episode 03 - Jai Hindley
Jai Hindley - Interview at the start - Stage 20 - Giro d'Italia 2022
Giro d'Italia 2022 Stage 20 LIVE COMMENTARY - Can Carapaz hold off Hindley On the CIMA COPPI?
Producer & co-host:
Damian Ruse
Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
Cyrus Monk
In this two part series we chat with Dr. Teun van Erp, current data scientist with INEOS Grenadiers, about how World Tour cyclists train and perform during competitions. In our opinion, given Tuen’s extensive research and experience working with World Tour cyclists, he is one of the best people in the field to discuss this topic with.
In this episode we examine Dr. Teun’s research further and get into the details of how pro men and women cyclists actually train. But this episode is more than that. There are also some direct comparisons between the training and racing demands of pro men and women - including insight into the numbers of a World Tour power couple.
This is a listener supported podcast, and we would be stoked if you supported us by becoming a member of The Cycling Performance Club. With your backing we can continue our mission to deliver the best in cycling performance knowledge and practical advice to you and the greater cycling community. Support The Club by clicking here!
Guest panelist:
Teun van Erp, Ph.D.
Twitter: @The_Teun
Episode References:
Case Report: Load, Intensity, and Performance Characteristics in Multiple Grand Tours
Demands of professional cycling races: Influence of race category and result
Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
Cyrus Monk
Producer & co-host:
Damian Ruse
In this two part series we chat with Dr. Teun van Erp, current data scientist with INEOS Grenadiers, about how World Tour cyclists train and perform during competitions. In our opinion, given Tuen’s extensive research and experience working with World Tour cyclists, he is one of the best people in the field to discuss this topic with.
In this episode we take aim at measures of training load in training and racing. One of the measures discussed is TSS - aka, the training stress score from TrainingPeaks. Tuen is better placed than probably anyone in performance cycling to talk about TSS as he’s spent a lot of time investigating TSS to understand its limitations across different scenarios. So join us on this journey to see how training load measures available to all of us are used at the highest level of the sport!
This is a listener supported podcast, and we would be stoked if you supported us by becoming a member of The Cycling Performance Club. With your backing we can continue our mission to deliver the best in cycling performance knowledge and practical advice to you and the greater cycling community. Support The Club by clicking here!
Guest panelist:
Teun van Erp, Ph.D.
Twitter: @The_Teun
Episode References:
Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
Cyrus Monk
Producer & co-host:
Damian Ruse
Welcome to The Cycling Performance Club Podcast!
In this day and age of power meters, advanced physiologic metrics, and emphasis on aerodynamics it is very easy to overlook other key components of cycling performance- such as the emotional state of the athlete.
In this episode we discuss the importance of a cyclist’s emotions when pursuing peak performance in the sport. To best facilitate the exploration of this topic we talked with Sport Psychologist Dr. Elisabetta Borgia. Dr. Borgia works for Trek-Segafredo's men and women teams and is the official team psychologist for the Italian Cycling Federation. Full-time sport psychologists are one of the newest additions to the pro cycling team performance staff roster so we were very excited to hear about her role and experiences working with these athletes.
We also take a look at the details of how a specific type of therapy emerging in this space- dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can apply to the performance of athletes of all levels.
Guest panelist:
Dr. Elisabetta Borgia
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elisabetta-borgia-17174b19/
Twitter: @labettina2001
Instagram: @elisabettaborgia
Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
Cyrus Monk
Producer & co-host:
Damian Ruse
Instagram: @cyclingperformanceclub
Facebook: @cyclingperformanceclub
Twitter: @cyclingclubpod
LinkedIn: The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
References:
Welcome to The Cycling Performance Club Podcast!
In this episode we chat with Luke Plapp - Olympic bronze medalist on the track, current Australian Road Champion, and Ineos Grenadiers rider- about his transition from a successful track cyclist to racing on the road at the World Tour level.
And contrary to what one might initially think, his transition between these two roles was much more complicated than simply adding more “base” to his training schedule. Luke has moved across the world to a new climate, from one high performance environment to another, experienced the largest week’s training load of his life, and found new limits to surpass in his own performance abilities. Find out how he has tackled these challenges in stride, and come out swinging on the other side.
As a bonus, we also dive deep into Plappy’s favorite ergogenic aid: heat acclimation- for all of you coming into the Northern Hemisphere summer.
Guest panelist:
Luke Plapp
https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/luke-plapp
Twitter: @LucasPlapp
Instagram: @lukeplapp
Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
Cyrus Monk
Producer & co-host:
Damian Ruse
Instagram: @cyclingperformanceclub
Facebook: @cyclingperformanceclub
Twitter: @cyclingclubpod
LinkedIn: The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
References:
Men’s wheel race - 2021
https://youtu.be/elFgDgPwOqI?t=4972
SBS Cycling Podcast
https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/podcast/sbs-cycling-podcast
Jack Haig discussion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEkwSDFF168
AusCycling Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de2ViYwIfpM&t=2691s
Training Characteristics and Power Profile of Professional U23 Cyclists throughout a Competitive Season
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/8/12/167
Welcome to The Cycling Performance Club Podcast!
In this episode we continue our trip down the rabbit hole of exercise intensity with Dr. Nick Jamnick (part 2 of 2). Previously, we critically examined graded exercise tests, VO2max testing, lactate thresholds, and the usefulness of lactate testing. Herein, we dive deep into Nick’s comprehensive review critiquing the common methods of determining and prescribing exercise intensity.
This review evaluated different methods of prescribing intensity based on their ability to cause the distinct acute responses found in each of the physiologically defined exercise domains. The methods were categorised into three groups: maximal anchors (e.g. percentage of maximal heart rate or peak power), submaximal anchors (e.g. critical power, MLSS), and delta methods (e.g. heart rate reserve).
Spoiler alert: Most of the methods examined did not fare well! So, continue with us down the exercise intensity rabbit hole to find out what methods survived the brutal scrutiny of Nick’s review and why only a few methods out performed the rest. Did the method you use to determine intensity pass or fail?
Guest panelist:
Nicholas Jamnick, PhD
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicholas-Jamnick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jamnick-8351a7a7/
Twitter: @SportResearchEx
Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
boyntoncoaching.com
Cyrus Monk
cyclistscientist.com
Producer & co-host:
Damian Ruse
semiprocycling.com
Instagram: @cyclingperformanceclub
Facebook: @cyclingperformanceclub
Twitter: @cyclingclubpod
LinkedIn: The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
References:
An Examination and Critique of Current Methods to Determine Exercise Intensity
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-020-01322-8
Polarized training has greater impact on key endurance variables than threshold, high intensity, or high volume training
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2014.00033/full
Welcome to The Cycling Performance Club Podcast!
When it comes to performing and prescribing training sessions, there are four main principles to consider: frequency, duration, volume, and intensity. The first three of these principles are relatively simple and agreed upon. However, when it comes to exercise intensity we can quickly find ourselves traveling down a crazy rabbit hole- as it’s definitely not as simple as exercising at a percentage of FTP.
In the next two episodes we go deep down the rabbit hole of exercise intensity with Dr. Nick Jamnick, a postdoctoral fellow and researcher in exercise intensity. We came across Nick while digging into the scientific literature on this topic, and let’s just say his contribution to this field of research can be characterised as both “eye-opening” and “brutal”.
In this episode we focus on a study Nick performed during his PhD where he tested the validity of determining VO2max and lactate thresholds during a graded exercise test. His results were shocking to say the least- and also relevant to the performance focused cyclist as graded exercise tests on smart trainers and inexpensive blood lactate analysers make some of this testing possible at home.
Guest panelist:
Nicholas Jamnick, PhD
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicholas-Jamnick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jamnick-8351a7a7/
Twitter: @SportResearchEx
Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
boyntoncoaching.com
Cyrus Monk
cyclistscientist.com
Producer & co-host:
Damian Ruse
semiprocycling.com
Instagram: @cyclingperformanceclub
Facebook: @cyclingperformanceclub
Twitter: @cyclingclubpod
LinkedIn: The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
References:
Manipulating graded exercise test variables affects the validity of the lactate threshold and VO2 peak
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0199794
On this show we really enjoy talking about the nuts and bolts of cycling performance. Whether it’s determining thresholds, approaches to training, or race tactics and skills, if you’ve listened to the show before you know we love that stuff. But in this episode we want to change gears a bit and ask you this simple and straightforward question: How is your head?
Here we discuss mental wellness and its importance in human performance. To facilitate this conversation we invited Shannon Malseed to join our panel. Shannon Malseed is a former Australian National Road Champion, and ex-pro cyclist. Her personal journey highlights the importance of finding joy in the process and people surrounding you in sport. Shannon has taken her experience in dealing with success and failure and culminated it into becoming a self-love coach and helping people find their own path to well-being. This is a discussion and story that will truly motivate and guide you on your road to achieving your goals on and off the bike.
Guest panelist:
Shannon Malseed
shannonmalseed.com
Instagram: @shannonmalseed
Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
boyntoncoaching.com
Cyrus Monk
cyclistscientist.com
Producer & co-host:
Damian Ruse
semiprocycling.com
Instagram: @cyclingperformanceclub
Facebook: @cyclingperformanceclub
Twitter: @cyclingclubpod
LinkedIn: The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
References:
2018 UCI Women's WorldTour – Ronde van Drenthe – Highlights
https://shannonmalseed.com/commonwealth-games/
https://shannonmalseed.com/thats-all-folks/
In this episode we continue our discussion with Dr. Dajo Sanders (part 2 of 2), an individual whose skill and expertise in the realm of cycling performance are well developed. Dajo is a prolific researcher in many aspects of endurance training and specializes in the very distinct research cohort that is well-trained high-performance cyclists. He is also a member of the performance group at Team DSM where he uses his experience and knowledge to help World Tour cyclists perform at their absolute best.
In this episode we discuss with Dajo his research and practice in monitoring training load in cyclists and also what cycling performance research he is excited about.
Guest panelist:
Dajo Sanders, PhD
Twitter: @DajoSanders
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dajo-Sanders-2
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dajo-sanders-ph-d-59112794/
The podcast co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
boyntoncoaching.com
Damian Ruse
semiprocycling.com
Cyrus Monk
cyclistscientist.com
Instagram: @cyclingperformanceclub
Facebook: @cyclingperformanceclub
Twitter: @cyclingclubpod
LinkedIn: The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
References:
Methods of Monitoring Training Load and Their Relationships to Changes in Fitness and Performance in Competitive Road Cyclists
https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/12/5/article-p668.xml
Maintaining Power Output with Accumulating Levels of Work Done Is a Key Determinant for Success in Professional Cycling
Heat acclimation improves exercise performance
Heat training increases exercise capacity in hot but not in temperate conditions: a mechanistic counter-balanced cross-over study
There are many components within endurance training. Take for example field-testing, training intensity distribution, or training load. Each of these components have dozens of papers in the scientific literature that can help guide a cyclist’s training and a coach’s practice. However, contrary to what one might think, taking findings from research, evaluating them, and then effectively putting them into practice is a skill unto itself.
In this episode (which is a part 1 of 2) we talk with Dr. Dajo Sanders, an individual whose skill and expertise in this area are well developed. Dajo is a prolific researcher in many aspects of endurance training and specializes in the very distinct research cohort that is well-trained high-performance cyclists. He is also a member of the performance group at Team DSM where he uses his experience and knowledge to help World Tour cyclists perform at their absolute best.
In this episode we discuss with Dajo his role with the Team DSM, and his research and practice in both field testing cyclists and training intensity distributions.
Guest panelist:
Dajo Sanders, PhD
Twitter: @DajoSanders
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dajo-Sanders-2
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dajo-sanders-ph-d-59112794/
The podcast co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D.
boyntoncoaching.com
Damian Ruse
semiprocycling.com
Cyrus Monk
cyclistscientist.com
Instagram: @cyclingperformanceclub
Facebook: @cyclingperformanceclub
Twitter: @cyclingclubpod
LinkedIn: The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
References:
A Field-Based Cycling Test to Assess Predictors of Endurance Performance and Establishing Training Zones
Training-Intensity Distribution in Road Cyclists: Objective Versus Subjective Measures
https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/12/9/article-p1232.xml