Sigma Sports Unplugged with Matt Stephens

A new series of short catch-ups with Matt Stephens from the heart of the action at the 2022 Giro d’Italia. Recorded on rest day one, Matt looks back on stages one to three to reflect on Mark Cavendish’s emotional sprint victory. He also enjoys some Goulash, and finds out how the Giro came to Hungary from Stephen Roche. Matt tells us what he’s looking forward to in the coming stages and uses the term ‘Netflix and Chill’ with innocent naivety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens and Fred Wright discuss that itching feeling to get back on the bike after a few days of rest, which might come as a surprise given the depth of effort Fred put into his Spring Classics season. Now with his sights firmly on the Tour de France, the Team Bahrain Victorious rider is so versatile that he has the luxury of picking and choosing whether he goes for it in a bunch sprint or a Time Trial stage. Having met Bradley Wiggins there as a kid, it wasn’t until he reached his teens that he realised that Herne Hill Velodrome and its volunteers had shaped him as a rider, and a person; setting him on his path to stardom in the pro peloton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens chats with Tanja Erath about her life-changing Zwift Academy victory and her subsequent professional cycling career, which has led her to recently finishing her second Paris Roubaix. A fully qualified doctor, Tanja is seizing the opportunity to enjoy every moment of her racing career with EF Education-TIBCO-SVB, safe in the knowledge that returning to work as a medical doctor is just like riding a bike. But how does her knowledge of medicine affect her decision making on race day, how did fracturing her vertebrate make her a better doctor, and how much does entry cost to the Jazz Club in Heilbronn cost for non-members? The answer to these questions and more are all in this fascinating episode of Matt Stephens Unplugged! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens joins Nico Roche in his hotel room for an up-close and personal chat about his recent retirement from the pro peloton and his plans for the future. With a fascinating insight into the differences between bike racing pre and post-Covid lockdowns, Nicolas reckons things will never be the same again. Having recently stepped out of his comfort zone to take part in Dancing With The Stars on Irish TV, Nico describes how the challenging experience changed his life. And after a somewhat nomadic upbringing, the Franco-Irishman elected to be quizzed on his current hometown of Monaco - but how well does he know his Eurovision song contest winning titles? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens enjoys the company of the 2021 Tour of Flanders champion, Kasper Asgreen, in this monumental episode. Knowing your strengths is a key attribute of any successful bike racer, but it's the execution that really matters, as Kasper recalls his tactical approach to winning the Ronde Van Vlaanderen last season. He also remembers the moment Patrick Lefevere really made him sweat - just before offering him a place on his dream team, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl. But it was Kasper’s hidden talents that left the biggest impression on our host, and it's a matter of time before we find out if he will fulfil Matt’s request to display them on the podium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens chats to Connor Swift about Steak Bakes, clothes horses, and premature celebrations. Listen to his captivating recollection of the moment he threw his hands in the air at Tro Bro Leon, 2021 only for it to go to a photo finish. The Arkéa–Samsic rider might have become British national champion at just 22 years of age but now, four years later, he really feels like he’s developing into a late bloomer. But what does that mean for young riders coming through the ranks now? And what does Connor know about the oldest goldfish in Doncaster? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens and Magnus Bäckstedt chat about his famous victory at Paris-Roubaix, in this fascinating Spring Classics themed episode. A formidable figure on the bike, the big Swede forged his powerful legs in the world of downhill skiing, and he explains to Matt how he had to make a tough decision as to which sport to dedicate himself to. It proved a good choice, as his Alessio–Bianchi teammates of 2004 would attest, helping him to deliver a memorable victory at Paris-Roubaix. Now, Magnus dedicates his time to helping his two daughters achieve their own goals; with both Elynor and Zoë Bäckstedt riding at the very highest levels too. But how well does Magnus know the heavy metal rock bands of his hometown of Linköping? There’s only one way to find out… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens and Marcel Kittel chat about his fantastic career as one of the best sprinters of the modern era. The former Etixx–Quick-Step and Katusha–Alpecin rider took an amazing 89 professional victories but is now enjoying his retirement by embarking on a number of personal projects. He discusses how becoming a father changed his trajectory overnight, and he has a lot to look forward to as he builds a new home for his family. But has he ever taken part in a high jump contest while music was playing in a festival atmosphere, and does he know the three most popular meats used in the sausages of his homeland? There’s only one way to find out… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens learns how Jose Been is like you or me; she’s a cycling fan. But when her knowledge of the sport began to get noticed on social media, she was offered her first commentary gig by Eurosport then quickly became a household name in the Netherlands, commentating on almost every race broadcast. With a talent for fact retention, she often surprises herself with information buried deep in her brain and considers the job of a commentator to include 365 days a year of research. But being in the public eye brought some unwanted attention from online trolls, leading her to step back from the sport for a short while in 2019. When she returned, she began commentating in English and found that the warm reception gave her a second wind; making English-speaking cycling fans all the richer for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens and Ben Healy discuss the benefits of growing as a rider in the Under-23 category before making the step to World Tour level. Ben’s career at the top level is in it’s fledgling stages with EF Education-Easypost, but he’s been putting out world-class performances for a number of years, notably winning the Irish National Championships in 2020 at the tender age of 19. Now, he’s setting his goals for the 2022 calendar, and answering questions on his not-quite-hometown of Dudley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens has an open and honest chat with Phil Gaimon about his admittedly stop-start professional cycling career, and how he never really got a fair shot at the races that suited him. Now carving out a creative path through riding with sponsorships within the world of cycling, Phil’s exciting new ventures can’t be considered a retirement. Having recently joined Jukebox cycling, a uniquely international setup of multidisciplinary cyclists doing what they love, he’s enjoying his cycling perhaps more than ever. However, he still considers his ability to hold 400 watts for an hour to be wasted on Strava KOMs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens and Dan Bigham talk numbers in their fascinating conversation about aerodynamics, power, watt-saving measures and pies. The British Hour Record holder is a formidable engineer, who specialised in aerodynamics - Matt is keen to learn how this unique set of skills helped him to earn his current title, and of course, Dan knows exactly what he would need to do to break the World Hour Record. Now working with INEOS Grenadiers, how will his knowledge be put into practice in a team environment, and will he share his winning formula even if it threatens to take his own record away? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens learns how Joss Lowden bought a TT bike one Saturday, signed up for her first Time Trial on Sunday and set the course record on Monday. “Like a fish to water” doesn’t begin to describe the current Women's World Hour Record holder’s natural aptitude for bike racing. Now riding for Uno-X, the 2022 calendar looks incredibly exciting for Joss, but how will it compare to a Norwegian military-style team-building exercise featuring a single potato and a very large onion? And can it live up to the career highlight of standing on the podium with her partner Dan Bigham at Harrogate World Championships in 2019? There’s only one way to find out - enjoy the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens chats with Cameron Mason about his impressive performance at the HSBC UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships, taking home the Under-23 title and coming second in the Elite category at the tender age of 21. Wise beyond his years, Cameron credits his early-career success to his passion and motivation to learn every time he turns up to an event. With strong opinions on the maximum value of stock loaded into a Poundland lorry, a stunning performance in the Linlithgow quiz, and advice for what to pack on a 1000-year trip across the Galaxy in a UFO, this is an episode not to be missed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens is joined by not one, but two Downing brothers as Dean and Russ share their expertise in this training-focused podcast. Both having enjoyed illustrious racing careers, they now run the hugely successful Downing Cycling; coaching ambitious amateurs and top professional athletes alike. Matt is keen to learn how time-crunched riders can maximise their training time, what the most common training mistakes are, and what their best piece of advice is for new riders. We hear how the Donny Chaingang went online during lockdown and has flourished from there. Plus there are plenty of distractions along the way, with the Rotherham quiz and the Random Question Generator causing all kinds of confusion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens chats to Ashleigh Moolman Pasio about her wonderful career so far, and how the multiple National Road Race and Time Trial champion of South Africa took to ESports like a fish to water - winning the 2020 UCI Cycling ESports World Championship. She speaks passionately about training and racing on Zwift, and how the platform is great for building confidence in women getting into cycling. The SD Worx rider looks forward to the season ahead with an eye on making the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift a real highlight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens and OJ Borg embrace the tangents in this fun-filled meandering chat. The BBC Radio 2 DJ explains how turning Vegan caused him to lose his voice, how he doesn’t just buy Lego for his kids, and how seeing Rob Hayles naked really caught him off guard. In the Leicester quiz, OJ displays sound logical reasoning, while the Random Question Generator goes all ‘Desert Island Discs’ but without the discs. There’s time for some cycling chat too - with OJ recently completing Mallorca 312, he admits he gets real clarity of thought while riding his bike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens chats to Taylor Phinney about living the dream of riding whatever kind of bike he wants to, whenever he likes. How funemployment is equipping him with newly acquired and admittedly random skills. Plus we learn about his first love of football (soccer), and how a trip to the orthodontist helped him look like his childhood hero - if only for a short while. But when the Random Question Generator leads him to the topic of modern-day heroes, it’s clear that Taylor’s heart now lies in the arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens talks to Alex Howes about his new career trajectory, which includes coaching amateur riders and racing at World Tour level with EF Education-NIPPO - whether that’s on the road or at gravel events. He's got a lot of balls in the air, and Alex even juggled this podcast recording with the duty of feeding his baby. Now enjoying a mountain lifestyle in Nederland Colorado, Alex believes the world would be a better place if everyone rode a bike. But can he beat his team manager, Jonathan Vaughters in the second-ever Denver Quiz? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens and Joe Dombrowski talk about the culture shocks experienced by American riders living in Europe, and how he’s happy to sacrifice a little convenience for the laid back pace of life in Nice. At the time of the interview, Joe was about to sign for Team Astana and recalled his hugely successful final season with UAE-Team Emirates - featuring a stage win at the Giro d’Italia, and recalls how close he came to wearing red at the Vuelta Espana too. But when Joe remembers the time he was invited on board Air Force One and left with the President’s M&M’s, he concedes that it was probably the best day of his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens talks to Andre Greipel about how he came to the decision to retire when the buzz of victory started to wane, and how cycling will always be a huge part of his life, whether he has a number on his back or not. Nicknamed “The Gorilla” for his immense presence and power on the bike, Greipel sprinted to victory a massive 22 times at the Grand Tours. And perhaps just like the name suggests, this gentle giant admits he has always treated others how he would like to be treated, himself. But what was his favourite ever victory? What will he get up to now he’s retired from racing? And does he have plans to visit Miniland in his hometown of Rostock? - Tune in to find out the answers to these all-important questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens learns how quickly Flora Duffy’s life changed when she crossed the finish line of the Women’s Triathlon in first place at the Tokyo Olympics. The eerie quiet of a crowdless event helped her focus on her performance, while the wild celebrations in her native Bermuda were taking the roof off her local bar. Matt is also keen to know how Flora’s Mountain Biking skills improve her Triathlon bike handling, what her favourite post-race snack might be, and the Random Question Generator throws out an equine doozy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special episode recorded at Rouleur Live, Matt Stephens chats to the recently crowned women’s British Road Champion, Team DSM rider Pfeiffer Georgi, about the moment she realised she would take the national jersey home with her. Executive Editor at Rouleur Magazine, Ian Cleverly, drops into the green room unable to contain his excitement at the return of this special event. And Rob Hatch talks to Matt all about the buzz of seeing people with smiles on their faces again, and his Ian Curtis style coat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens is joined by the guest that kicked off the entire series - Pendulum and Faithless guitarist Perry Ap Gwynedd - as they chat through some of their favourite moments in the first fifty episodes. With highlights from the likes of Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, Bradley Wiggins, Justin Williams, Orla Chennaoui and Mitch Docker - there’s a mix of thought-provoking debate and a huge dash of humour too. But Matt couldn’t visit Perry’s studio without taking the opportunity to record some new theme music for this fresh batch of podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Defending champion Lizzie Deignan speaks to Matt Stephens about her iconic win at the inaugural Paris Roubaix Femmes, the buzz of riding for Trek-Segafredo with home support and the current status of her hotel biscuits. Also in this AJ Bell Women's Tour special, we hear how Race Organiser Mick Bennett manages to get the most out of his staff using a mix of good humour and motivational appreciation, while the General Manager of team Drops-Lecol supported by TEMPUR, Tom Varney, explains just how important the race is for his team. Brought to you by Sigma Sports, sponsors of the Points Leader’s jersey and retail partner of the AJ Bell Women’s Tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Tour of Britain Rider, a rival Directeur Sportif, and the Race Director all walk into a podcast… That’s right, it’s the AJ Bell Tour of Britain special. From the massage table, Arkéa–Samsic rider Connor Swift tells Matt Stephens how it feels to ride the 2021 edition of the race, which has seen unseasonably hot weather. We learn all about Cherie Pridham’s penchants for getting locked out of her hotel room, something the Israel Start-Up Nation’s Director Sportif admits is just a small part of her busy day. And Route Director Andy Hawes gives Matt the lowdown on how he creates the perfect parcours - it helps that he’s one of the most dedicated professionals in the business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jake Stewart tells Matt Stephens how joining the French Groupama–FDJ cycling development team took some getting used to, before making his impressive breakthrough for the WorldTour team in the past year and really feeling part of the family. Question marks are raised around the Coventry quiz, when the legitimacy of a local delicacy is put under scrutiny. And with his recent heroics at the Tokyo Olympics, Jake wants to know why Tom Pidcock won't share a little bit of his talent with the rest of the peloton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kristin Armstrong and Matt Stephens chat about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, and how she is preparing her athletes to compete in the women's Mountain Biking and Team Pursuit cycling events. With three Olympic gold medals to her name as well as two World Championships in Time Trial, Kristin admits she now cares a little too much about her athletes and explains how that competitive feeling never really goes away. Never afraid of a tangent, the duo converse on the themes of time travel, tracksuits and pizza too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Stetina and Matt Stephens shoot the breeze about gravel, beer, and Boulder. A former World Tour road racer turned Privateer, Pete is now one of the most successful gravel racers in the world, accrediting the switch to gravel grinding as the best career decision of his life. Find out why he loves it so dearly, and how his passion for craft beer is somewhat complementary to the carnival feeling you only get in the American gravel scene. Having come back from a potentially career-ending injury, Pete’s professional focus on returning to health provides a hint toward his ability to suffer, and how that brings him success. There’s a stewards inquiry on the Boulder quiz, and if you’re wondering what Peter would print with a magic printer, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nathan Haas chats to Matt Stephens from the comfort of his Pod-pod - a room specially modified for podcasting. We hear the Australian’s take on why you can’t compare Cav to Eddie Merckx and why he’s as much of a cycling fan as he is an athlete. Plus, he shares his take on why there have been so many crashes at the opening stages of the 2021 Tour de France. Find out what led the Cofidis rider to admit that he just doesn’t understand cycling anymore, how it’s better for everyone to think you’re stupid and say nothing than to open your mouth and prove it, and how in his fully enjoyable career - timing has been everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russ Ellis explains to Matt Stephens that by giving a little, he gained a lot, when a generous gesture to Chris Froome led to a chance of a lifetime; shooting with then Team Sky. Now revered as one of the most talented cycling photographers around, Russ is a regular at the Grand Tours and Spring Classics alike, updating his @cyclingimages Instagram account with frequent masterpieces that capture action and emotion in equal measures. Australian arachnids, octopuses, and exploding pigeons also feature along with the first-ever Mansfield quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lukas Pöstlberger cooks dinner while Matt Stephens quizzes him on his hometown of Vöcklabruck and learns how wearing your national colours helps you to identify your socks. The proud Austrian has spent seven years with Bora Hansgrohe and become one of the most technically gifted riders on the planet; listen in to find out his top tips for corner and descending. A generally laid back guy, Lukas puts his foot down when it comes to the choice of music on the team bus, and explains how getting it wrong can cost the team the race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marianne Vos tells Matt Stephens all about her upbringing in the Netherlands, and how cycling was second nature to her. Having won her first World Championship at the tender age of 19, her life changed overnight - Matt was keen to find out how the Jumbo-Visma rider succeeded in becoming one of the most successful cyclists of all time while dealing with the pressures and expectations of such early promise. And if you’re wondering which kind of cake Marianne would choose if she had to be paid in cake, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mitch Docker and Matt Stephens shoot the breeze with a meandering chat about retro cycling fashion, tramp bikes and the challenges of being a road captain. The EF Education-Nippo rider still loves racing his bike, but explains how realising what matters most in life helped inform his decision to retire. The hometown Quiz brings us the lowdown on Melbourne, while the Random Question Generator fires off a doozy featuring the Spice Girls! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tai Woffinden tells Matt Stephens how a snap decision at just 12 years of age set him on the path to becoming the three-times Speedway World Champion he is today. His impulsive nature is also responsible for his growing addiction to road cycling, and if he’s not racing Speedway, he’s riding his road bike as hard as he can; on the tarmac or in his custom-built Zwift cave. While the Perth native might reside in Poland, Matt grills him on his birthplace of sunny Scunthorpe and gets more than he bargained for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ned Boulting explains the virtues of a good darts game to Matt Stephens and the duo discuss why they are out at the Italian stage race. Ned shares his thoughts on the lack of crowds at the 2021 race and if a diminished Tifosi makes a difference when it comes to watching a bike race unfold. Tune in to find out how well he knows his hometown on Andover and what the Tour de Ned would look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matteo Trentin admits to Matt Stephens that the modern era of road racing is brilliant for the spectators but extremely difficult for the riders - so it’s a good thing he’s a fan. He credits the amazing team spirit of UAE Team Emirates to the collection of social riders they’ve put together, and measures this by how difficult it is to leave the dinner table. Tune in to find out which is Matteo’s favourite cog, and what his dream bike would look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elisa Longo Borghini tells Matt Stephens how a period of reflection during lockdown helped shape her give-it-all attitude toward the 2021 season. The Trek Segafredo rider remembers geeking out on the Giro d’Italia as a kid, and can’t help but enjoy adding to the hurt her competitors feel on race day. Tune in to learn all about her vow to entertain on the road, and the magical connection between herself, her mother and the Olympic games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lachlan Morton explains to Matt Stephens how cutting down his road race calendar has meant he can now enjoy each race as if it’s his first, thanks to the alternative calendar afforded to him by EF Education-Nippo. As a world-beating endurance rider, he tells us how he’s had to harness his inner McGuyver to fix a range of trailside mechanicals. The Random Question Generator was on overload, dictating a number of meandering tangents, while the Port Macquarie quiz tackles nudist beaches and Aussie cover-bands visiting Lachlan’s hometown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Min tells Matt Stephens how his unemployability meant he had no choice but to start his own company, Zwift. A bike racer in his youth, Eric has cycling in his DNA and is now rediscovering the joys of riding outdoors since moving house to rural England. Matt demands a pat on the back for his extensively researched Seoul quiz while Eric reflects on the importance of having a positive social impact through business, and how building an online community can be just the ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nic Dlamini tells Matt Stephens all about growing up in hunger and how that has shaped him as a person and an athlete now. The Qhubeka Assos rider started riding a bike for a very cool reason, and now races to change people’s lives, with his team’s primary sponsor doing such great work in providing bicycles to people who need them in Africa. In the Cape Town quiz, Matt stumps Nic with a question about his hometown’s penguins. To learn more about Qhubeka or make a donation, visit their website: https://qhubeka.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rebecca Charlton tells Matt Stephens how she wanted to be a broadcaster from a very young age, and how the role of cycling was somewhat secondary in the pursuit of her dreams. The pressures to adapt to a male-dominated industry in order to thrive eventually encouraged her to do just the opposite, carving her own path in her own personal way. Rebecca has her work cut out in the hometown quiz, as Matt’s done some diligent research on Shoreham-by-Sea - plus the Random Question Generator serves up an existential head-scratcher! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Matthews explains to Matt Stephens just how professional bike racing has changed since he turned pro 10 years ago. How he owes his hugely successful racing career to an unlikely source of inspiration, and how he fell back in love with the sport of cycling. There’s a world-first in the hometown quiz, and Michael is asked to sum up his experience with all of his former teams in just one word. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices