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Sigma Sports Unplugged with Matt Stephens

Sigma Sports Unplugged with Matt Stephens

143 episodes — Page 2 of 3

S1 Ep 125Giro Unplugged 2024 Stages 1 to 9 - Wild predictions and tame reflections

Matt Stephens is back at the Giro d’Italia bringing his trademark blend of unusual clips from behind the scenes. This bumper episode takes us from before stage 1 through to stage 9 with a short review of each stage mixed with whatever spontaneous nonsense unfurls around him. Matt bemuses his Eurosport colleague Ned Boulting with some outlandish predictions, and the pair bring us into the booth for some exciting stage finishes, then they encounter the best-resourced tax policing unit in Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 13, 20241h 12m

S1 Ep 124Rory Townsend on versatility, and racing efficiently to reach your potential

Matt Stephens chats to Rory Townsend about his versatility as a rider, both in terms of his ability to win one-day classics and stage race sprints, but also in terms of his flexibility within UCI ProTeam Q36.5. Being on a team with limited resources requires a range of skills that can be called upon at short notice - and at the time of recording, Rory was waiting to hear if he or teammate Szymon Sajnok would be required for Ronde Van Vlaanderen, just three days later! Matt was also keen to learn if the former Irish national road race champion would be targeting that title again this season, and what other goals he set himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 19, 202459 min

S1 Ep 123Jasper Philipsen on how he’ll tackle Paris-Roubaix this weekend

Matt Stephens previews Paris Roubaix with the 2024 Milan San Remo champion, Jasper Philipsen. Arguably in the form of his life, the Belgian Alpecin - Deceuninck sprinter looks forward to racing with his ever-humble teammates, reflecting on how it feels to have Mathieu van der Poel leading him out, and how timing is 95% of the job. Touching on tactics and how training for the Classics differs from training for Grand Tours, this is an insightful chat right in time for what promises to be the best race of the classics season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 5, 202451 min

S1 Ep 122Rod Ellingworth on the impact of his success at British Cycling and Team Sky

Matt Stephens has a fascinating chat with Rod Ellingworth about his impact on British Cycling and how that helped lead to the period of dominant success at Team Sky in the mid 2010’s. The newly appointed race director for Tour of Britain explains how he had a holistic approach that valued the personality of the riders as much as their numbers, and shares some interesting stories about the likes of Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas and Bradley Wiggins. But how can such an intelligent man be so awful at quizzes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 22, 20241h 12m

S1 Ep 121Kate Veronneau on the rewards of investing in Women

In this International Women’s Day special, Matt Stephens chats to Kate Veronneau about her pioneering role in helping to deliver the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. From a basketballing background to riding fixies for 50 miles, Kate rose to the ranks of elite cycling but quickly learnt it was not a viable career option. Now, as head of partnerships at Zwift, she’s doing all she can to help break down the barriers and deliver parity for the next generation of female riders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 8, 20241h 4m

S1 Ep 120Stevie Williams on how consistency makes the difference

Matt Stephens chats to Stevie Williams about how his career is no longer defined by a plague of knee injuries since adding the General Classification of the 2024 Tour Down Under to his palmares. The Aberystwyth native is a shining example of determination and credits consistency for getting him beyond his form prior to several setbacks over the years. The Welshman claims he couldn’t have done it without the support of his friends and family, and has a refreshingly simplistic attitude when it comes to training. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 1, 202459 min

S1 Ep 119David O’Doherty on the role of cycling in his comedy

Matt Stephens is impressed by David O’Doherty’s cycling knowledge, and in particular, his obsession with the racing bikes of the late 1980’s that’s led him to own a collection so big he now operates on a ‘one in one out’ basis. David is famous for being one of the most successful Irish stand up comedians of all time, with a host of awards and appearances on QI, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Would I Lie To You, and the upcoming series of Celebrity Bake Off. But given his chosen subject on Celebrity Mastermind was The First 100 Years of The Tour De France, surely he’ll ace the hometown quiz? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 16, 20241h 23m

S1 Ep 118Wout Poels on beating Remcos and other Wouts by using the art of racing

Matt Stephens and Wout Poels chat all about his thus-far illustrious career. With recent stage wins at the Tour de France and La Vuelta Espana for team Bahrain Victorious, the 36 year old is enjoying a long career which he credits to keeping his routine fresh. The pair have differing memories when they raced together at the 2010 Tour of Britain, with Wout taking a stage win and Matt doing his best to keep up. Having grown up in a small town in the Netherlands, you’d expect Wout’s knowledge of Blitterswijck to come in handy in the hometown quiz - and when the questions feature his fan club’s favourite pizzeria hotspot, surely he can’t go wrong…right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 2, 20241h 5m

S1 Ep 117Alison Jackson on being the first Canadian to win Paris-Roubaix

Matt Stephens and Alison Jackson discuss her incredible Paris-Roubaix victory and what it meant to the nation of Canada. Having proven her wisdom at the Spring Classics, Alison’s EF Education TIBCO-SVB teammates now listen closely to her tactical calls, but how would she go about winning Roubaix for a second time in 2024? Born competitive, Alison grew up on a Bison farm in rural Canada dreaming of one day becoming an Olympian - the only question was which sport to choose. Luckily for us fans, she chose cycling! The Canuck’s next goal is to have a street named after her in her native Vermilion, and Matt gets the idea of starting a petition to help make that happen… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 1, 20231h 7m

S1 Ep 116Ben Swift on switching between the World Tour and the local 10-mile TT

Matt Stephens chats to two-times British Road champion Ben Swift about his impressively long career, which has just been extended for another two years with INEOS Grenadiers. Having ridden with the team since the inception of Sky Procycling, Ben has seen the sport change exponentially in recent years, and claims he enjoys the thrill of racing now more than ever and continues to develop as a rider in his mid thirties. In a podcast packed with stories about teammates Adam Blythe and Geraint Thomas, Ben reflects on how his true idols are the heroes that taught him to ride on his local chain gang in Yorkshire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 17, 20231h 14m

S1 Ep 115Matej Mohoric on becoming UCI World Gravel Champion

Matt Stephens chats with a humble and reflective Matej Mohoric, who was recently crowned UCI World Gravel Champion. The Slovenian explains how he grew up riding off-road and started racing in order to dodge working on his parents’ farm. But will he get to wear the famous rainbow stripes racing on gravel next season? And having won stages at all three grand tours, what’s next for the all-rounder? With a touching tribute to Gino Mäder, Matej explains how his whole Bahrain-Victorious team re-evaluated their lives after the tragic passing of their much loved teammate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 20, 20231h 15m

S1 Ep 114Sir Chris Hoy (Live) on turning self-doubt into a superpower

Matt Stephens and Sir Chris Hoy are joined by a live audience at the Sigma Sports Electric store to discuss the incredible track cycling career which led him to become Britain’s most successful Olympian in his heyday, and brought him a knighthood for services to sports. Chris shares his approach to increasing his maximum power output, explains how his self doubt was a catalyst for success, and enjoys taking questions from the audience about all sorts. No stranger to the hot seat having appeared on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire for charity, can Chris survive the added pressure of Matt’s Murrayfield quiz?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 6, 20231h 23m

S1 Ep 113Zoe Bäckstedt on choosing her favourite rainbows bands

Matt Stephens and Zoe Bäckstedt chat about bike racing and family. With both parents and a big sister already proving themselves in athletic terms, it's no surprise that Zoe has had such a successful junior career - winning World Championship jerseys for road racing, time trialling, cyclocross, and even some track disciplines. And in the 24 hours since recording this podcast, she’s become European U23 Individual Time Trial champion too! But Matt is keen to learn which discipline is her favourite, and how it feels to switch teams mid-season from EF Education-TIBCO-SVB to Canyon-SRAM, where her father Magnus is Directeur Sportif. Zoe also rates Matt’s Lego collection, and gets shocked by the price of Fish and Chips in her hometown of Pontyclun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 22, 20231h 18m

S1 Ep 112Freddy Ovett on Going Solo Through The Mud

Matt Stephens chats to Freddy Ovett about his development from a middle distance runner to a globetrotting road cyclist to one of the best gravel pioneers in the world. Freddy will be the first to point out the flaws of Pro Cycling Stats, as he proclaims his love for the extra plotlines written into every gravel race that the stats just don’t tell. With spells at AG2R, BMC and L39ION of Los Angeles, Freddy has seen the world and tried all styles of racing before finding his true calling as an independent gravel racer; writing his own story by racing the way he wants on the elite gravel circuit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 8, 20231h 12m

S1 Ep 111Josh Tarling on Keeping Calm and Colouring In

Matt Stephens chats to Josh Tarling about his breakthrough season with Ineos Grenadiers. Recorded just days after he became British National Time Trial Champion, and weeks before he earned a podium at the UCI World Championships in Glasgow, Josh is relaxed and candid as he chats about his goals for the season. A fascinating retrospective listen, the young rider fantasises about custom Pinarello paint jobs, describes how he keeps pre-ride stress at bay, and shows his knowledge of local chippies in his hometown of Aberaeron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 25, 20231h 13m

S1 Ep 1102023 UCI Cycling World Championships Special - Glasgow Didn’t Disappoint

From the heart of the action, Matt Stephens has been recording clips at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow. With so many disciplines at the first ever “Super-Worlds”, Matt witnesses Van der Poel’s crash in the company of several Belgians, signs a man’s leg at the Road Race finishing circuit, enjoys an irreplicable atmosphere at the Cycle Ball, and loses his muff at the Cross-Country MTB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 202338 min

S1 Ep 109Tour De France Femmes Unplugged 2023 - All Thriller, No Filler - A Race to Remember

Matt Stephens reflects on the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2023, where he brought his portable recorder behind the scenes to document the race from the inside. While the racing unfolds around Matt, he has arguments about Haribo with Manon Lloyd, enjoys podcast inception with Rebecca Charlton, soaks up the atmosphere with Iris Slappendel, and gets selfies with former teammate David McKenzie - all set against the sonic landscape of the race caravan and the associated media circus. Oh, and the racing was absolutely unforgettable!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 1, 202356 min

S1 Ep 108Tour De France Unplugged 2023 Stages 16 to 21 - Poor Predictions, Good High Altitude Curry, and a Massive Attack

Matt Stephens is at the 2023 Tour de France, digesting the racing and sharing his thoughts from behind the scenes. With VIP access to all of the riders, and his Eurosport GCN colleagues, you might think this podcast is full of gripping interviews and hot takes on the Jonas Vingegaard / Tadej Pogačar rivalry.... But, Matt’s more interested in chatting about high altitude curry with Adam Blythe, discussing Haribo strategy with Alberto Contador, and figuring out how to interview riders without knowing if they’ve won the sprint or not with Laura Meseguer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 25, 202344 min

S1 Ep 107Tour De France Unplugged 2023 Stages 10 to 15 - Heat, Mountains, Pancakes and Gondolas.

Matt Stephens is back behind the scenes at the 2023 Tour de France, where he’s been recording clips in between performing his duties for Eurosport GCN. In this episode, Matt discusses his experiences through stages 10 to 15, including fine dining on ‘long nuggets’, chatting to Jens Voigt who loves being in the peloton on a motorbike (but definitely doesn’t miss racing), and suffering from acute vertigo while riding a Gondola to the foot of Europe’s highest mountain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 17, 202343 min

S1 Ep 106Tour De France Unplugged 2023 Stages 1 to 9 - Firsts, Lasts, and Everything In Between

Matt Stephens is at the 2023 Tour de France reporting for Eurosport GCN, but luckily for us, he’s brought his trusty portable recorder along for the journey. Over a collection of spontaneously recorded clips, Matt reflects on his experience from the biggest bike race in the world in his own inimitable way; extolling the virtues of a CBL (Car Bonnet Lunch), commending Philippe Gilbert on his Berlin Nightclub attire, and telling the story of how losing a bet to Mads Pedersen can result in a tattoo forfeit. Matt also reflects on Mark Cavendish’s devastation at crashing out of the race, but will it prove to be his final TdF farewell? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10, 202339 min

S1 Ep 105Ben Healy 2 on tearing up the breakaway rulebook

Matt Stephens welcomes Ben Healy back to the podcast to discuss everything that has changed in the past 18 months. Since his last appearance, Ben has continued his meteoric rise within the World Tour, including a stage win at the 2023 Giro d’Italia for EF Education-Easypost. Find out how the Irish National Road Race Champion performs in a race against himself to see if he can remember the answers to the same questions Matt asked in his previous hometown quiz. And the RQG asks which superpower he would choose, if he could only have it every Tuesday for one hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 30, 202357 min

S1 Ep 104Derek Gee on how he just can’t resist the breakaway

Matt Stephens and Derek Gee chat about the attritional weather at the 2023 Giro d’Italia, and how a series of unfortunate events actually gave Derek the chance to make a big impact on the race. The Israel-Premier Tech rider is a comparatively late bloomer, and explained how the World Tour team gave him his lucky break at the age of 25. No stranger to the track, a national Time Trial champion, and possessing the ability to podium on almost any parcours, is there anything Gee can’t do?! Matt tries his best to stump him in the Ottawa quiz by asking Derek the price of donuts in his hometown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 16, 20231h 7m

S1 Ep 103Andy McGrath on ditching his alias and becoming an award-winning author

Matt Stephens speaks to Andy McGrath about his impressive career as a sports writer which all began at the tender age of 14 under an embarrassing alias. He has since gone on to become Chief Reporter for Cycling Weekly and Editor of Rouleur Magazine. In 2017 he won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year for Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire. Matt spoke to Andy on the eve of the 2022 awards, where his second book, a Frank Vandenbroucke biography entitled God is Dead was shortlisted for the same prize. There are many tangents as always, including a brush with the law, some worrying sirens, cars powered by chip fat, and a story about trying to get Greg Lemond to do karaoke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 12, 20231h 19m

S1 Ep 102Mads Pedersen on Rainbow Stripes, Hot Tubs and not being from Aarhus

Matt Stephens and Mads Pedersen chat all about the great Dane’s wonderful UCI World Road Championship win, when he romped home in appalling conditions to win the road race in Yorkshire, 2019. The Trek-Segafredo rider had a wonderful 2022 season, adding 9 victories to his Palmares, and now looks forward to 2023 with just a tedious training camp to complete first. With a fascinating insight into how his mentality as a child was better suited to cycling than soccer, how he was inspired by seeing his dad on a turbo trainer, and his surprising use for a hot tub - this chat has it all. The refreshingly honest pro pulls no punches and tells it like it is, even calling out Matt’s error in researching the hometown quiz - it turns out he’s not from Aarhus after all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 5, 202359 min

S1 Ep 101Niamh Fisher-Black on Winning the U23 World Road Championships and Percy Pigs

Matt Stephens and Niamh Fisher-Black discuss her route to glory at the UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia. The New Zealand native treated the race as a stop on her way home to Nelson, and enjoyed the rare treat of celebrating a massive win with her nearest and dearest around her. Now, the Under 23 world road champion is looking forward to the 2023 season and perhaps the prospect of racing the Tour de France Femme if selected by Team SD Worx. In the hometown quiz, Matt asks the same questions he asked of fellow Nelsonian George Bennett, to determine who’s the best at being from Nelson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 16, 20221h 4m

S1 Ep 100Ned Boulting - 100th Episode Special

Matt Stephens welcomes Ned Boulting to a tiny cupboard in Soho (masquerading as a hotel room) to record the 100th episode of this very podcast. The pair waste no time going off-script and enjoy flicking through the 2022 edition of The Roadbook; the pro cycling almanack for which Ned is the editor. With an impromptu quiz about the 2022 Giro d’Italia, some fantastic prize-winning questions from our listeners and backstage stories from Ned’s sold-out live show - this is a celebration not to be missed. For more information on Ned's Cycling Almanack, visit www.theroadbook.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 9, 20221h 6m

S1 Ep 99Ethan Vernon on Adaptive Training, Sprinting Techniques, and Mankinis

Matt Stephens and Ethan Vernon chat about his hugely successful first season as a World Tour pro. He got off to a great start on his first training ride with Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, beating Fabio Jakobsen in a town sign sprint. Following a fairly memorable team initiation task, he went on to win a couple of stages at the Tour of Slovakia, and another at Volta Catalunya too. Of course, none of this should come as a surprise given his pedigree on the track - he’s currently a Team Pursuit World Champion for Team GB. With an in-depth chat about adaptive training and sprinting techniques, along with the usual fun on the hometown quiz, this episode has something for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25, 20221h 8m

S1 Ep 98Ashton Lambie on his Rainbow Stripes and his Astronaut Wife

Matt Stephens and Ashton Lambie reflect on his incredible Individual Pursuit World Record, as the first person ever to ride the 4km discipline in under four minutes. He’s also a decorated gravel racer and loves nothing more than heading off on multi-day adventures on his gravel bike. On the same day that he became World IP Champion, his wife Christina was accepted to NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Class. Ashton discusses the influence that training for short and long distances has on the two disciplines he excels at, and how having his fellow track racing partner Christina in his corner, helps him achieve his goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 18, 20221h 24m

S1 Ep 97Rouleur Live 2022 with Pidcock, Banks, Phinney, Haas and more

Recorded in the Green Room at Rouleur Live 2022, Matt Stephens enjoys a freeflowing chat with a range of guests from the top table of professional cycling. Tom Pidcock enjoys mixing it with the ‘Big Dogs’, Lizzy Banks discusses the merits Corduroy, Taylor Phinney and Adam Blythe rate one another’s teeth, and Nathan Haas explains the difficulty in finding the Green Room on behalf of the colourblind community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 11, 202237 min

S1 Ep 96Tales of the Rainbow Jersey Live with Mark Cavendish, Adam Blythe, Óscar Freire and Johan Museeuw - from LeBlanq Ibiza

In a cosy live setting on the island of Ibiza, Matt Stephens hosts a chat between some of the most successful riders of all time, and Adam Blythe. Mark Cavendish reflects on his career, and what annoys him about the record he shares with Eddy Merckx, Óscar Freire has a controversial opinion of his friends in the peloton, and Johan Museeuw flies the Belgian flag with all his might. With thanks to LeBlanq, ‘Tales of the Rainbow Jersey’ was part of their Ibiza Joyride package, recorded in front of a live audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 4, 20221h 30m

S1 Ep 95Thymen Arensman loves history and has a bright future

Matt Stephens chats to Thymen Arensman about the incredible impact of his first two seasons as a World Tour pro, and where he sees his career going with the Ineos Grenadiers in 2023. The powerful dutchman is perhaps a surprisingly capable climber, and his victory for Team DSM at the Queen stage of the 2022 Vuelta marked him out as a potential future Grand Tour winner. But he’s not letting it get to his head, as he explains to Matt he’s happy to try his best and see where he ends up. For a man who loves history, he’s got the potential for a very bright future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 28, 20221h 14m

S1 Ep 94George Hincapie still loves riding his bike, but still hates intervals

Matt Stephens and Super-domestique George Hincapie chat about the highs and lows of his incredible career where he helped deliver Tour de France victories to three different teammates. However, it wasn’t all done cleanly, and George admitted to doping during a portion of his career which meant his Palmares in Lance Armstrong’s era of dominance were stricken from the record. George helped bring about positive change and is considered by many to be the best teammate of all time, including Mark Cavendish who shared a touching voice note that leaves George shaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 21, 20221h 10m

S1 Ep 93Lizzy Banks on injury, illness, and grabbing life’s chances by the proverbials

Matt Stephens and Lizzy Banks discuss how the landscape of women’s pro cycling has changed for the better in the past five years. It hasn’t been all plain sailing for Lizzy however, who has been plagued by a serious case of concussion and more recently, pericarditis caused by a Covid infection continues to keep her off her bike. Having studied medicine before pursuing her career in the pro peloton, the Team EF Education–Tibco–SVB rider is well placed to impart wisdom on how to recover from concussion and has the grit to focus on her heart’s recovery by wild swimming and sharing her knowledge of the sport she loves on The Cycling Podcast and GCN Eurosport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 14, 20221h 19m

S1 Ep 92Mental Health and Cycling - Pete Kennaugh and Lee Stephenson

In this special episode to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10th, Matt Stephens chats with two guests to discuss the relationship between cycling and their mental health. Pete Kennaugh is an Olympic gold medalist and enjoyed a successful career racing for Team Sky and Bora–Hansgrohe, who retired to gain better control over his difficult mental health condition. Lee Stephenson was a member of the armed police force in the UK, who suffered immensely in the aftermath of a particularly traumatic incident. Lee discusses the positive influence of cycling in his recovery and ongoing management of complex PTSD. This podcast deals with difficult themes including suicide, and listener discretion is advised. If you are struggling with your own mental health, please contact your local health services or General Practitioner. Or contact www.samaritans.org for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 7, 20221h 12m

S1 Ep 91Alex Dowsett is happy to have maxxed out his pro cycling career

Matt Stephens and Alex Dowsett enjoy catching up in the neutral zone of this podcast, before getting down to brass tacks. With his incredible pro cycling career coming to an end with Israel Premier Tech, Alex reflects on how the time felt right to move on to the next chapter with lots of exciting media and business ventures to look forward to. With some great advice on how to use a power meter to best effect, and a deep-dive analysis of how he could outperform his teammates on time trials while pushing fewer watts, Alex is a firm believer in racing with your head, not your legs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 30, 20221h 17m

S1 Ep 90Alex Richardson on making deals in the heat of the breakaway

Matt Stephens learns how Alex Richardson went from brokering deals in the City of London to striking deals in the pro peloton. With a fascinating story of how Stage 3 of the Tour of Britain unfolded, Alex feels that putting too much trust in his fellow riders’ word perhaps cost him the race. The story of how an obsession with cycling took over his life leaves no wonder how he made it from laps of Richmond Park, all the way to the pro peloton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 23, 20221h 8m

S1 Ep 89Philippe Gilbert on his illustrious career and imminent retirement

Matt Stephens and Philippe Gilbert discuss his incredible career in the pro peloton and how he has prepared for retirement at the end of the season with one final ride on the Cauberg. A former world champion, with stage victories at all three grand tours, his dominance of the Spring Classics is perhaps how Philippe’s career will be best remembered. But the Lotto Soudal rider insists it’s not just the victory that matters, but the manner in which it is won. For more information on Phil’s last ride as mentioned in the podcast, visit www.philslastride.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 16, 20221h 13m

S1 Ep 88Jack Haig from hitch hiking to the podium at Vuelta a España

Matt Stephens and Jack Haig discuss the value of consistency above all else. The story of how a young Australian mountain biker went from hitching hiking around North America to the third step of the 2021 Vuelta a España is inspirational. His determination and grit are the key to his success and the Bahrain Victorious rider reckons the most important thing to do, is to turn up - just put in a shift no matter how it goes - it’s the sum of your consistency that really makes the difference. Now recovering from a nasty wrist injury, how does he feel to watch the Vuelta on TV and not have the opportunity to play his part? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 2, 20221h 9m

S1 Ep 87Rob Hatch is an ordinary man behind an extraordinary voice

Matt Stephens and Rob Hatch discuss the immense privilege they feel to have the opportunity to commentate on professional cycling for a living. While there might be a lot of ego in the business, Rob’s down-to-earth approach to life is refreshing and his mantra of "be nice to people" is something we can all learn from. With funny stories from behind the microphone, like when the fog at the 2021 Giro d’Italia meant he had to commentate without any pictures, this is a refreshing chat between two great friends. But how well does Rob know fellow Accringtonian Mystic Meg’s racehorse business? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 26, 20221h 15m

S1 Ep 86Ella Harris from Zwift Academy Champion to Mont Ventoux Challenger

Matt Stephens welcomes proud Kiwi Ella Harris to the podcast in this turbo-charged chat about how much her life has changed since winning the 2018 Zwift Academy, which earned her a pro contract with Canyon SRAM. Comparing her riding style to an all-wheel-drive with a diesel engine, Ella can do everything but sprint. That’s when she’s fit, of course. Recovering from surgery at the time of recording, Ella was looking forward to her return to racing at the Mont Ventoux Challenge. But does she know the price of Kimchi Eggs on Sourdough in her local café, did she really invent the spatula, and will her hometown of Dunedin ever acknowledge her as their unofficial ambassador? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 19, 20221h 12m

S1 Ep 85Ben Turner on changing his attitude to have more fun racing

Matt Stephens and Ben Turner talk about his impressive first season with team INEOS Grenadiers, with his performance at Paris Roubaix a real highlight. Recorded in the lead-up to the British National Championships in June 2022, Ben’s dedication is evident from his preparation for that race, which would become another highlight of his season. But can he beat his good friend Connor Swift’s score in the Doncaster quiz? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 12, 20221h 2m

S1 Ep 84Tour De France Femmes Avec Zwift 2022 Special - A pivotal moment in cycling history is unfolding before our eyes

At the midpoint of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2022, Matt Stephens chats to Hannah Walker on the ground at the race. With every rider relishing the chance to be a part of history, it’s clear that we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in cycling. Then, with commercial sponsorship an increasingly essential component to race organisation, Matt speaks to Hollie Weatherstone of Muc-Off, who spearheaded a campaign to help charities support more women on bikes all around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 28, 202246 min

S1 Ep 83Tour De France Unplugged Stages 16 to 21 - Vingegaard crowned champion and Pogacar hits the decks

Looking back at the Tour de France 2022, Matt Stephens reckons it was one of the most memorable editions of all time. Not just for the breathtaking bike racing, but for all the wonderful sights and experiences he shares with us on this podcast. In this episode, we hear about the dog that sneezed mid-kiss, a nun gets kidnapped very briefly, and Bradley Wiggins suffers the after-effects of consuming too many yoghurt drinks. Matt also looks forward to what the future holds for the sporting pair, Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar, who both gained so many fans this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 26, 202254 min

S1 Ep 82Tour De France Unplugged Stages 10 to 15 - Pidcock’s Alpe d’Huez victory makes Matt emotional

The second week of racing at the 2022 Tour de France was nothing short of breathtaking for so many reasons. From Jonas Vingegaard’s race-changing attack to Tom Pidcock’s Tour debut heroics, there’s so much for Matt Stephens to dissect. As usual, Matt has been recording his highlights throughout his time on the ground, including an in-car invasion from the Dutch Corner fans and a close call with an olive oil sample sachet fired from a caravan canon. Matt also looks forward to the final six stages of Le Tour, making some changes to his fantasy team to try and get them further up the leaderboard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 202257 min

S1 Ep 81Tour De France Unplugged Stages 4 to 9 - Cobbles, Hills, Mountains and Mitch Docker

From the cobbled flatlands of Flanders to the mixed surface mountain top finish of La Super Planche des Belle Filles, the first full week of the Tour de France did not disappoint. Matt Stephens has been to every stage and brings us his personal highlights. From getting Mitch Docker’s opinion on the Belgian fans to clearing out a supermarket of yoghurt drinks with Bradley Wiggins, there’s never a dull moment on this epic edition of the Tour de France Unplugged. Matt looks back at the racing too, and offers some hot tips for your Fantasy Tour de France team as the race heads into the Alps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 11, 202239 min

S1 Ep 80Tour De France Unplugged Stages 1 to 3 - From Denmark with Love

From the heart of the Tour De France 2022, Matt Stephens looks back at the opening three stages in Denmark and takes us behind the scenes as he soaks up the atmosphere in Copenhagen. Matt shares his highlights so far with Geraint Thomas’ gilet, Bernie Eisel’s massive box of fries and Dylan Groenewegen’s tears all featuring, there’s something for everyone. But how are his team faring in the fantasy tour de france league? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 4, 202228 min

S1 Ep 79Tour de France Unplugged - Preview and Fantasy Team Selection

A brand new series of special episodes following Matt Stephens around the 2022 Tour de France. With the first stage in Copenhagen just around the corner, Matt shares his favourite moments of the Tour from days gone by and looks forward to what should be a sensational three weeks of racing. Matt chooses his Fantasy Tour de France team on air, and there are some real surprises in his selection. To join his league and get involved, head to sigmasports.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 30, 202230 min

S1 Ep 78Giro Unplugged Stages 16 to 21 - Bellisimo Giro di Hindley, mate

Matt Stephens joins us from behind the scenes of the Giro d’Italia 2022, in this the fourth and final podcast in this special series. Rarely has a Grand Tour left it so late to be decided, Jai Hindley can put the ghosts of 2020 to rest and the Australian can take home that Maglia Rosa for keeps. Matt reflects on the final six stages of this wonderful race picking out his highlights and key moments that will live long in his memory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 29, 202231 min

S1 Ep 77Giro Unplugged Stages 10 to 15 - Girmay’s historic victory and Ned’s new shirt

Episode three of Matt Stephens’ behind the scenes Giro d’Italia 2022 podcast series. With Biniam Girmay securing an historic victory on Stage 10, Matt and Ned Boulting reflect on the gravity of that victory as well as the Eritrean’s misfortune on the podium. We find out what the chaps are looking forward to seeing in the final week of this thrilling grand tour, with three more stages in the high mountains, a sprint and a time trial remaining - it’s all to play for. And with Matt busy making phone recordings whenever he can, we’re treated to a critique of the Giro Caravan, Matt’s struggle with a continental breakfast, and a round robin review of Ned Boulting’s new shirt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 23, 202240 min

S1 Ep 76Giro Unplugged Stages 4 to 9 - The Story So Far with Ned Boulting

The second instalment of our Giro d’Italia special series, with Matt Stephens behind the scenes with Ned Boulting to discuss the drama of the race so far. Looking back at stages 4 to 9, there’s plenty to discuss - Cav’s emotional 300m sprint victory, Biniam Girmay’s incredible Giro debut, and the joys of the most unpredictable grand tour they’ve ever watched. Find out what the pair are looking forward to over the coming week, and get a real flavour of how it feels to be on the road following the race with Matt’s random recordings; there’s an incidence of Eurobeat road rage, a haunted mole grips, and a very windy volcano to contend with - an episode not to be missed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 16, 202247 min