Episoder
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So the highly coveted UCI Annual Half-Wheelin Awards* have been run and won, and weren’t we treated to a feast of celebrating the beauty of road cycling!?
Biggest Local Bunch MuppetMost "Fuck he’s Better than Bloody Good" Never Thought We’d be Admiring Them! Most Ferocious Shredding of a Race by One Team Best Example of 2024 Racing Tactics by a Rider Not Named PogacarMost Truly Beautiful MomentMost Ridiculous Mic DropWeirdest Advertisement Promo by a SuperstarBiggest Mens Rivalry Hurt FeelingsBiggest Tech PisstakeBest Venn Diagram for Tires for Super Cool People
Approved by the Half Wheelin’ ethics committee, categories were:Coupled with some brilliant 2025 tech predictions, and an attempt to ease our anxiety about Julian Alaphillipe’s next phase, it was a huge night on the red carpet!
Tune in to find out who won what!
*Awards proudly brought to you but the MAGA-Donald Trump Cycling Foundation -
Ok Half Wheelers, time to get real.
The Slovenian "Year of the Pog" continued at the final monument on the calendar, where Tadej won his fourth Il Lombardia IN A ROW. Predictable, simple and seemingly with unfettered ease, his dominance has moved into a new phase, and reactively, so have his opposition.
It's been the most dominant individual men’s season in history and everyone knows there's PLENTY more left in the tank. Other legends have had more wins than Pog’s 25, but no-one ever did it with so many minutes in hand across all types of races. So what’s to be done about this situation!? Co-host Aidan-the-early-adopter has already had enough, and he's a blue chip litmus test for cycling punter passion. And what of the mindset forming in even the very best of Pogi's competitors? Things are brewing.
This includes the UCI and ASO scrapping the Tour's redundant white jersey for the "Pog Prize"- awarded to the 1st loser after Pog crosses the line each race. We flesh out the details.Anointing co-host Ross “UCI God-for-a-week”, we call out opposition team tactics, and challenge them to accept reality. Do they actually see how different they gotta be?
Within this new world of men’s road racing, we also discuss one team and rider, who perhaps did stumble on a template for racing with honorable intent, and it might surprise you.
The boys cover the ongoing decline of Ineos and it's handling of Pidcock, and while the British outfit famed for marginal gains, desperately need maximal ones, they've seemingly accepted where they're at in the big boys club. It remains to be seen if other teams follow suit, stop playing it safe, and embrace their ultimate job of truly competing.
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Manglende episoder?
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Well the Worlds in Zurich have come and gone, and weren’t we all left scratching our heads. Of course in this Chinese Year of the Pog, TP did normal TP things, but what about Belgium and The Netherlands? Seemed like they did almost no things. The boys also square up on the race prominent Dutch women’s team for demonstrating their recent reputation of being a team of champions rather than a champion team, and how they not only confused themselves, and everyone watching, but even the winner of the race. And finally, the 2 standout Australian performances get a celebration, where winners are grinners, and we were always with 'em.
In case you weren’t sure, the absolute key requirement for Zwift racing is discussed, and it’s lets just say there’s not a lot wriggle room. And in a grand philanthropic gesture of societal generosity and community building, Half Wheelin also outlines local racing, for those considering it for the first time.And what about your beliefs, biases and thinking on "doping suspicious" riders? Do you ever examine yourself? Tune in for a how-to-construct-your-attitude-to-the-inevitable-narrative-that-keeps-on-keeping-on.
In a watershed moment, Aidan discloses his recent epiphany, that there’s actually a 5th monument in cycling. Yo! Did ya know that?! It’s only been around for 120 years so you can’t really blame him. Tends to be hidden by leaves anyway… The boys tell you how Pog will and won’t win. Take it from them.
Finally, some of the big home bike mechanic stuff ups are covered - from team half wheelers and hosts alike, but the best Scott could offer was a Tom Dumoulin inspired “lightening of the load” climbing scandal. So this is a call! Share with all the Half Wheelers, more of your DIY bike blunders! Extra points for crazy, radical, dangerous and funny.
Pull a turn ya dog! -
It took us a while, such was his impact.
But don't worry Half Wheelers, we'd never let you down. We just needed time to make sense of what his dazzling time in the peleton meant to us all. Yes Peter Sagan has finished with road cycling, and after an incredible career, with an incredible win rate, will return to his MTB roots and perhaps where his soul has always been. Rosco and Scotty cover his career, the key moments that captured them, and what it was about him, that made him so popular and impossible to take your eyes off.
The heir apparent is next, and Pog's recently released 2024 race schedule, was instructive as it was decisive. Doing the Giro and the Tour, but not the cobbled classics. Liège but not Amstel and Flèche earlier in the week. And his primary goal isn't the Giro or Tour, but the Worlds! What does this mean and what does it say about the Peter Pan of cycling?
Finally, to cap things off, Ross has a bit of personal news about a new opportunity to attract thousands of new Half Wheelers to our global movement.
Allez! Allez! -
Righto Half Wheelers! The boys are back casting their powerful observations, beginning with the recent Worlds in Glasgow and it's 50-turn city circuit of ridiculous attritional pain. MVDP is recognised, in the context of his victory and whole year, and of course, Wout gets a mention, with a "where to from here?" for the Belgian beast. There's a bit of forecasting for the undoubtedly entertaining upcoming women's road race, and have you seen who's on the GC contender list for the Vuelta!? My god, we're in for a race there. A couple of rider trades are discussed and once again, magnetic Quickstep principal, Patrick LeFevre is in the news for his Moneyball approach to sprinters. Le Tour is well done and dusted, but what are your memories? The boys share a few of theirs, and ponder the question: What's most important for Pog? Got all that? Good. Your time to being dropped, starts...... now!
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After a big Spring and Ardennes Classics season where Pog went ballistic only to be finally stopped by someone else bringing him down in a crash early in La Doyene, and Coolangatta Gold continued to add to his monument collection, the Half Wheelin' boys went back to altitude for a another training and preparation cycle.
They wisely avoided the filthy weather of the Giro, but still watched closely on the tellie provided by their monastery-like, high mountain accommodation. Don't worry, they didn't miss a thing. G, Rog, Ben Healy, and of course, the amazing "Stage of Pinot" all get a thorough rinsing.
As we all know, no one analyses it as good as Half Wheeler's, and Ross and Scott had been inundated with requests from the press for their thoughts on the recently released Tour de France: Unchained tv series. Bottom line? Don't fuck with Wout, drop the fake commentary overlay, and enjoy another brilliant look at the phenomenon that is Le Tour.
Finally, in deeply sad turn of events, the boys pay their respects to Bahrain Victorious rider Gino Mader, who tragically died while during the Tour de Suisse, while descending a mountain toward the end of the stage. -
Righto Half Wheelers! The part of the season we all love best, has just finished with the recently completed Paris-Roubaix. The boys take a look back at all of the races, with fleeting reference to Strada Bianche (how long ago was that?!). Roubaix, Ronde, De Panne, Dwars, Wevelgum and E3 are all given random and passionate coverage. Who were the heroes, and who stood out? Who did the stomping, how fast was Coolangatta Gold going, and what would Michael Jordan say to the peanut gallery watching Wout and Laporte? Heinrich Hausler's incredible career is recognised after the interesting timing of his retirement announcement. And finally the boys review Scotty's appearance on Mitch Docker's Life in the Peloton podcast and identify the crucial opportunity missed! So hit the cobbles with speed, get best line you can, keep ya hands soft, and bloody well just get through! Here we go!
Link to Scotty on Life in the Peleton: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/life-in-the-peloton/id1078826997?i=1000608574374
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After a painfully long off season, a brilliant CX season and some well meaning, but let's be honest, "different" feeling races in Argentina, the Middle East and even our beloved Down Under, real road racing finally revealed itself with Opening Day.
Yes, recorded one day after K-B-K, the boys launch into Omloop and Kurne-Brussels-Kurne with the usual superb analysis, insight and celebration of the type of brilliant racing that the Belgium parcours create.
Who's comes out of the gate hot as hell? Who hasn't? How's Lotte Kopecky looking for a Strade Bianchi repeat? Oh, and did you hear that Ross and Scotty went to the Worlds? Just checking.
Ross faces a couple of questions without notice, including a delightfully pleasant grilling from Scotty on one of them. The future event setup for racing has been revealed in Holland, and Wout FINALLY gets challenged by the boys. Is Pog off his head? And what about Quickstep team principal Patrick LeFevre? Is is time for him to jog on?
Find out now!
Agree, disagree, but whatever you do, keep rolling. -
Following the climax of being on location at the World champs in Wollongong, and of course producing brilliant shows, Ross and Scott are back to caress your cycling spirits, with an episode full of musings and mirth, bridging the road-seasons.
Initially it’s a reflection on Ross’s heroic recent Everesting and the reason why, and Scott shares a setback we’ve all experienced, when something we love gets significantly interrupted.
Off season in Europe means one thing, and that is the mud, sand and stacks of CX. In reality it’s only about the big 2, Wout and Coolangatta Gold isn't it? - their form, the upcoming CX worlds and how might it play out into their road season? Ross (cue eye-roll 😊) follows in even further, posing the question: How does Wout stack up, as a great?
We discuss 2022’s rider of the year, and it aint who you think, and aint even close.
Finally we finish with 2 slaps across the face - a lightening one on the fucked things about pro cycling and a longer exploration of Quickstep’s main man Patrick Lefevre, and whether we might be seeing the beginning of Lou Lou’s career tail-off? So sit on the wheel and spin easy! -
Ross and Scotty take the opportunity while on the train, to discuss the experience of watching the women's and men's road races. A nice 20 minute breakdown for you!
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Ross and Scott record this one in the car on the way to Wollongong (apologies for the sound being a bit tinny, couldn't get the $10,000 mic to work). It's a 9 hour journey, so let's just say there was plenty of opportunity for brilliant, expansive thoughts. Our previous episode reviewing Le Tour was accidentally deleted before being published, so we do a whirlwind review of the TdF and the Vuelta, a look at the contenders for the women's and men's road races, what was involved in Ross's consultancy to team USA, and other shenanigans occurring while on route. Enjoy!
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No we weren't assassinated. Just dealing with a complex concoction of soul searching, being in high demand, considering offers from ASO and doing too much riding.
We do a mid season flyover, spanning the Ghent-Wevelgem Classic in the brisk Belgian weather of late March, thorough to the opening stages of Le Tour in the July Summer. Also covered is the ongoing SBS cycling telecast saga. Not only have we got the inside scoop on who's head could be next on the chopping block, but we also, generously, lay out a roadmap to piece, for all.
It's time to stop pushing your own wind, and sit in, for the bulk of the stage. You'll thank us later when you're half wheelin with ease. -
Despite the busy racing schedule of the world tour, as well as devoting time to their own heroic exploits on two wheels, Scotty and Rosco have found the time to link up for another chin wag about some of their favourite things of this magnificently exciting pro season so far.
They chat about what has caught their respective eye during the start of the Spring Classics and also the week-long stage races of Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico...hint - it revolves a fair bit around The Pog and Wout!!! (who else!)
The boys also give a debrief around the epic day they shared in the saddle - Peaks Challenge Falls Creek - and Rosco gives his insight into the killer instinct that Scotty displayed on the finish line...it's all about the cheap wins of course!
Enjoy Half Wheelers... -
Scotty and Rosco are back for another year of balls to the wall cycling, and they're bloody pumped to bring you some of their early season thoughts and insights - all from an educated bloke at the pub kind of wisdom!
The boys chat about Egan Bernal's career threatening injury, Coolongatta Gold's similar body woes, and as per usual Wout had some love heaped upon him. They discuss the continued trials and tribulations of SBS' Cycling Commentary team and how things look as Robbie McEwan departs the scene.
Scotty and Rosco also give an update on how their respective Peaks Challenge Falls Creek preparations are going. (Just a sneak preview: bloody good!!!)
All this and much more...ENJOY!
Also keep a listen out for our new Podcast Partner for 2022: BRIGHT VELO - The premium outdoor adventure accomodation in Victoria's High Country. Thanks for them for their support! If you'd like more info email Tim at [email protected] -
What a banger we have to finish off 2021!
Scotty and Rosco were lucky enough to sit down and have an in-depth chat on Performance, Recruiting Decisions and Team Culture & Identity with one of Australia's leading voices on these topics, Cameron Schwab.
Cam is a CEO, leadership coach and strategist who holds an MBA & Master of Marketing from Melbourne Business School, has completed an AMP from Harvard University and is also an accomplished artist and illustrator. He was appointed CEO of the Richmond Football Club in the AFL, at the tender age of 24 - the youngest in the history of the game - which led to him enjoying a fine career at 3 clubs and provided countless memorable moments during the journey.
He's the man behind designCEO, a leadership offering for leaders, teams and organisations seeking to build high levels of cultural, strategic and personal trust for sustained high-performance. He was also the guru that Scotty and Rosco turned to when they were keen to unpack the goings-on in this space in World Tour Cycling!
Take the time to listen to this one, Half Wheelers - you won't be disappointed!
If you or your team would like to reach out to Cam, you can contact him at [email protected] or visit the website designceo.com.au -
On March 13th in 2022, the toughest one-day cycling challenge in Australia will be taking place in Victoria's majestic High Country.
Peaks Challenge: Falls Creek, will again play host to thousands of cycling enthusiasts who are keen to extend themselves and take part in what can only be described as an epic day in the saddle.
235km, 4,000m+ of elevation, over the iconic climbs of Tawonga Gap, Mt. Hotham and Falls Creek.
Bicycle Network are the hosts of this fantastic celebration of hill climbing and the man who has been working in conjunction with them for the past few years, Dr. Stephen Lane, has joined Scotty and Rosco in this episode for a chat about all things Peaks! The episode title says it all really - it's pure, expert guidance from a man who knows a thing or two about performance and getting the best out of yourself for big events.
It's a must listen for those who are thinking of taking part, and it's highly recommended for those who have been involved before but might be looking to go to another level.
Stephen is a Director and Sports Scientist at HPTek (Human Performance Technology), a cycling specific coaching business. He's completed a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on exercise nutrition and training adaptation.
In short - he really knows his shit, and he's also got a great story to tell!
We hope you enjoy the episode!
*Contact Stephen at www.hptek.com.au or on Instagram - drslane
**For your discount to Peaks Challenge, enter this code at checkout: HALFWHEELIN22
***Head to the Bicycle Network website for more details - www.bicyclenetwork.com.au -
The Road World Championships and Paris Roubaix have been run and won, and now you can just push them to the far reaches of your brain right? The same spot of your brain that sits the memory of the arse whipping you received on a bunch ride not long ago?
INCORRECT!!!
This is the thorough review of those two simply epic races that you bloody need, right now...RIGHT NOW! And it's done in a way that only Half Wheelin' can do.
So strap on your headphones and hear Scotty and Rosco pick apart the Worlds in Flanders and the memories of this years Paris Roubaix that are still leaving goosebumps at the mere mention of.
There's mud, there's crashes, there's big mouths, there's long seasons and there's plenty of panache...ENJOY!
*For your little discount on your Peaks Challenge entry, the Half Wheelin promo code is: HALFWHEELIN22
Type that in during checkout. -
Rule #5 of The Velominati: The Keepers of the Cog is a simple and straightforward decree - Harden The Fuck Up.
It is this particular commandment that, as a cyclist, can be one that leads to fluctuating fortunes. With good intentions, we're always trying to display our very best 'hard bastard' characteristics and as Scotty and Rosco will chat about in this episode, the races that are coming up in the world racing calendar in the next few weeks, will require every morsel of hardness to compete in - let alone win the bloody things!
The boys dissect the World Championships in Belgium for men and women, the race that you've just gotta stay up for - Paris-Roubaix, the Astana (who you just can't trust) and Premier Tech situation, an update on the Levefere/Bennett prospective cage fight that has struck new depths and also some words of encouragement for all of our loyal, rusted on listeners.
What's left to do than dive right in...ya hard bastards! -
Hold on to your hats Half Wheelin' fans, Scotty and Rosco have some massive news for you in this episode. They have joined forces with Australia's biggest bike riding organisation to assist with the promotion and awareness of one of the country's most epic cycling experiences...listen to find out what that is!
Also in episode 16, the boys discuss the final Grand Tour of 2021 - La Vuelta - and some of the major players from the 3 week long race...Roglic, Jakobsen and a couple of Aussies that are taking all before them. Scotty crunches the numbers on Jumbo Visma and forecasts a handy looking squad that they'll assemble in 2022, the question is posed regarding Ineos' next move, both Scotty and Rosco attempt to solve the Mikel Landa puzzle and Scotty gives us a friendly reminder of the imposing record of Nino Schurter.
All this and much more...there's a little bit of Half Wheelin' in all of us isn't there?
Footnote: We'd really love it if you'd sing the title rather than just say it! - Vis mere
