VeloNews Podcasts

Phil Gaimon is retired from pro racing, but he's busier — and maybe faster — than ever. In this week's interview, Fred Dreier talks to the former Slipstream rider about how he left the sport sooner than he'd wanted to. They also discuss what to make of ex-dopers who return to racing. And of course, we also get Gaimon's take on stealing Strava KOMs from the locals. All that and much more!

The cyclocross season is underway. Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel has been dominating the European scene, especially the World Cup. The women's field, on the other hand, has afforded more surprises and even a few fresh faces. On the domestic scene, Sho-Air has formed a new series in the US Cup-CX. Fred Dreier and Chris Case have traveled to the first two stops and share their insights. We take a look at some of the key riders to watch. Plus, we have our usual antics with Ask a Cat 3 and the weekly VeloNews Podium.

Ouch, it burns! But what is "it" — the root cause of the pain in your legs when you smash it up a hard climb? For the longest time, we colloquially called "it" lactic acid. It turns out that was wrong. Coach Trevor Connor and Caley Fretz examine the chemistry that occurs in our muscles while riding and racing. They talk to Dr. Iñigo San Millán, who is the director of Colorado University's exercise physiology lab. Best of all, they give you practical advice for your own training to help make that burn go away — or at least make you faster even if it hurts.

The Tour de France unveils its 2018 route. We've got to hand it to ASO for thinking outside the box. This could be the route that breaks Chris Froome and Team Sky. Or, it might be just a gimmicky way to include Roubaix cobblestones. We analyze the key stages, name some favorites and opine on the Tour's ambush-friendly route. In our segments, you #AskACat3 and we answer with all of our usual wisdom. Then, we pick our VN Podiums for the all-time best Tour de France villains.

Fred Dreier sits down with cyclocross star Stephen Hyde to talk about his unusual path to the top, the weight of his national championship jersey, his relationship with an old mentor, Jeremy Powers, and a battle with depression.

Cannondale-Drapac pro Alex Howes is the celebrity guest on this week's episode of the VeloNews Podcast, which digs into crashes and descending skills at Lombardia, the emotional toll of Cannondale's summertime financial woes, and, for the first time ever, answers to your burning #AskACat3 questions.

What will bikes look like in five years? What will they ride like? Trevor Connor and Caley Fretz and joined by VN tech crew Dan Cavallari and Kristen Legan to dig into the future of bikes.

Straight from Interbike, Fred Dreier, Spencer Powlison, and Caley Fretz have more guests and more games in this week's special VN Podcast episode. Sabra Davison joins to chat about Little Bellas, a program that gets girls on bikes, and play a round of "Two Truths and a Lie." Geoff Kabush is "the Deaner" and both are tested on Geoff Kabush knowledge. Finally, Josh Tostado of Montezuma's Revenge fame is quizzed on the intricacies of toast.

"There’s no question there’s static there," Jeremy Powers says of his relationship with former protegé Stephen Hyde. So how does it feel when the apprentice becomes the master? Caley Fretz sits down with cyclocross star Powers to talk about fatherhood, Powers' relationship with Hyde, and the little Belgium that is Western Massachusetts cyclocross.

It was a three-Pete! The world championships in Bergen, Norway finished up over the weekend and Peter Sagan took home his third rainbow in a row. Fred Dreier, Caley Fretz, and Spencer Powlison discuss whether WorldTour riders should be allowed in the U23 race, how the American women could have factored in the finale, whether Tom Dumoulin's TT win is a bad sign for Chris Froome, and more. Plus, a deep discussion of a Belgian team's new beard ban.

Taking time off can feel strange, but it's absolutely necessary. Why do you need an off-season? Can't you just keep riding? Trevor Connor and Caley Fretz sit down with Dr. Andy Pruitt to discuss the physiological and psychological needs of athletes, and how an off-season is crucial to meeting those needs.

We're live from Interbike! So, of course, it's time to play some games. Fred Dreier, Caley Fretz, and Spencer Powlison quiz TJ Eisenhart on classic quotes, Alison Tetrick on her Alison expertise, and the Clif Bar team on its Luna Chix heritage. Plus, your host's favorite tech from cycling's annual tradeshow.

Did you know Nathan Haas can sing? In the first episode of our new interview series, Caley Fretz sits down with Dimension Data's smiling Australian to talk about racing against Peter Sagan, Haas' imminent move to Katusha, and the almost-collapse of Cannondale-Drapac (Note: This episode was recorded right before the team was saved.) Plus, a look at Haas' charitable efforts with the Girona Gala, which raises money for Qhubeka, and his favorite circus acts.

Did Chris Froome let Alberto Contador win on the Angliru? Should Jonathan Vaughters become an assistant professor? These questions, and many more, possibly answered on this week's podcast. Fred Dreier, Caley Fretz and Spencer Powlison are joined by European correspondent Andrew Hood to discuss the Vuelta a Espana, Cannondale's new sponsor, and what cycling feat Froome should attempt next.

Who should you trust? How can you verify? There's a lot of training advice out there, often contradictory, so what's the best way for an athlete figure out what to do? Coach Trevor Connor and Caley Fretz are joined by pro cyclist Sepp Kuss and the founder of FasCat coaching, Frank Overton, to dig into the best methods for dealing with contradictory advice and ignoring bogus science.