Episodes
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Bike component maker Shimano has launched its new GRX Di2 groupset, which features 12-speed cassettes and semi-wireless shifting. On this episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast, Dave Lawrence and Nick Legan of Shimano talk about how the latest version of their gravel group came to be, its features and what still might lie ahead for GRX. Lawrence is a road and gravel product manager at Shimano and has been with the company for more than 30 years, overseeing the launch of numerous groupsets. Legan, a former WorldTour mechanic and current Shimano road and gravel brand manager, has been participating in gravel and chronicling its development since its early days. He not only provides context for GRX, but looks at the gravel scene as a whole.
Topics the duo cover are why thereâs only a 2-by option of the groupset, the GRXâs compatibility with Di2 road groups and the new feature called Front Shift Next. Also, is there ever tension within Shimano between innovation, possibly pushing technology and keeping things ultra reliable, a feature which the brand is known for?
Canadian Cycling Magazine has something to say about the new gravel group, too. Recently, associate editor Andre Cheuk was at a Shimano media event for GRX in Carson City, Nev. He took the groupset on some serious rides, including Stetina's Paydirt gravel race. Cheuk, ever the gear geek, gets into the nitty-gritty details of how GRX performs on gravel, in sand and even after some stream crossings. You can read Cheuk's detailed look at the Shimano GRX Di2 on the Canadian Cycling Magazine website.
This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast is supported by MS Bike. Register and start fundraising at msbike.ca. Also, check out MS Bike-specific training advice and tips from Canadian Cycling Magazine experts.
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This episode was just getting polished up as both Michael Woods and Riley Pickrell were involved in crashes in Stage 5 of the Giro dâItalia. Before the start of Stage 6, Woods presented symptoms of a mild concussion. The team made the decision that he should leave the race, head home and recover fully. Even though Pickrell was feeling well, he, too, didn't start Stage 6 in case of concussion. While the interviews in this episode were recorded at the start of the Giro, they will still give you insights into the riders we all care about, including what might be ahead for Woods this year as his career is winding down. Do have a listen. And, to keep on top of updates on Woods and Pickrell, visit cyclingmagazine.ca.
So, go behind the scenes of the Giro dâItalia with Michael Woods, Riley Pickrell and others at Israel-Premier Tech. Also, take a ride in the Israel-Premier Tech team car. Directeur sportif Oscar Guerrero offers support to Pickrell on his first Giro stage and shares his knowledge about riders and Grand Tour racing.
This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast is supported by Yoeleo Canada. Did you know that the brand, which is based in China, has an office in Montreal? That's where you'll find support for all of Yoeleo's carbon products including bike frames, handlebars and wheels, like the new Pro Next wheelset. If you head to yoeleocanada.com with the code UPGRADE2024 you can get 20 per cent off a pair of Pro Next wheels.
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Stephen Roche has accomplished what only one other rider has done: won the Giro dâItalia, Tour de France and the road world championships in one year. (The other is Eddy Merckx.) This season, it seems Tadej PogaÄar could match the Irish riderâs feat from 1987.
In this episode, Roche looks back at the challenges he faced during that historic season: the tumultuous Giro with the split within his team and the Italian public seemingly out to get him; the Tour, which was not only a physical contest but a psychological one, too; and the world championships where the rider got himself into âa fine messâ in Villach, Austria. Roche is a great storyteller. He also brings his cycling insights and analysis to the current day. Ahead of this yearâs Giro, which starts May 4, PogaÄar is the favourite to take that Grand Tour. Heâs won two Tours de France in his career and, at 25, is a top contender for the 2024 edition. The hilly worlds course in Zurich looks to be a puncheurâs playgroundâa place where the winner of Il Lombardia (three times), LiĂšge-Bastogne-LiĂšge (twice), the Tour of Flanders and the Grand Prix Cycliste de MontrĂ©al could take the rainbow jersey. Roche breaks down just what has to happen for PogaÄar to make history.
This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast is supported by MS Bike. Register and start fundraising at msbike.ca. Also, check out MS Bike-specific training advice and tips from Canadian Cycling Magazine experts.
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With the final Nations Cup of the season nearing, Sarah Van Dam was in Milton, Ont., with the Canadian squad getting ready for the event. Since the Olympics are only a few months away, the Nations Cup is a key part of the qualification process for Paris. Van Dam and the other riders on the team pursuit squad are after a top-eight place at minimum. But theyâre really expecting a better result. In 2023, the group took bronze in the event in Milton.
Van Dam uses road cycling to support the track, however, she finds the track work doesnât actually add to her racing on tarmac. Still, sheâs continuing to balance both disciplines this year as she did the previous season. Last year, she took on a serious block of road racing in Europe, which she found overwhelming at first. She didnât even eat during a 140-km stage. In March, she was back on the narrow, twisty routes of that continent, making improvements. Following the Olympics, Van Dam is planning to mix it up once again on the roads of the one-day Egmont Cycling Race Women and seven-stage Tour Cycliste FĂ©minin International de l'ArdĂšche.
From serious racing, and serious splinters from crashes on the track, the discussion in this podcast episode also moves to dancing. Van Dam and her teammate Maggie Coles-Lyster create dance numbers for social media. Van Dam discusses that process, and how they roped in a reluctant Champions League rider, one whoâd go on to win the event, into one of their clips.
This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast is supported by the No. 22 Bicycle Company, makers of fine titanium bikes. Founders Mike Smith and Bryce Gracey check in to discuss their unique approach to bike construction, which is all done in North America, and their hands-on approach to getting you the best bike.
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Mel Webb, who has taken on such challenges as the Atlas Mountain Race and the Alberta Rockies 700, can weave the zany and the serious tougher almost effortlessly. Take her snooze in an outhouse this past summer. Itâs kind of gross and funny, but in this episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast, it also leads her to discuss ideas of safety and what roles a public amenity should play in a self-supported event. Throughout the interview, she tackles big topics, like the lack of gender parity within cycling and sharing personal struggles online, and more whimsical subjects, such as what to listen to during a multi-day cycling challenge. Webb is also the co-host of a podcast called Detours, which takes listeners on deep dives into all things ultra-cycling.
Recently, track cycling legend Gordon Singleton passed away. Editors Matthew Pioro and Matt Hansen remember and pay tribute to the world champion and world-record holder from Niagara Falls, Ont.
This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast is supported by the No. 22 Bicycle Company, makers of fine titanium bikes. Founders Mike Smith and Bryce Gracey check in to discuss their unique approach to bike construction, which is all done in North America.
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Kevin Field is back on the pod. Longtime listeners will remember Field as Mr. Moneyball of Canadian Cycling. For years heâs been analyzing data to help riders perform at their best at the top levels of the sport. Today, heâs the chair of the board of directors at Bridge the Gap, an organization that works with riders as they progress toward their pro cycling careers. Heâs also on the board of Team Ecoflo Chronos, an under-23 outfit that supports young racers.
Field looks at some commonly held ideas about road cycling in Canada, and then takes a look at the numbers. The data shows interesting, and sometimes startling, trends. Is road racing really dead in North America? With our nationâs pros winning Tour de France stages and a Monument, is Canada truly in a good spot within the pro circuits? Finally, is road cycling all about the young superstars? Junior to proâitâs the only way to go? Find out what the ever-insightful Field has to say about these topics.
This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast is supported by the No. 22 Bicycle Company, makers of fine titanium bikes. Founders Mike Smith and Bryce Gracey check in to discuss their unique approach to bike construction, which is all done in North America.
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Dirty Reiver, Migration Gravel Race, bikepacking in the mountains of Turkey and Across Andesâthese are some of the big rides that Sami Sauri took on this past year. In this episode, Sauri goes in-depth into how she managed these events. She talks about her gear choices for gravel races, and how sheâs adapted to the way gravel racing is evolving. Sauri is also an accomplished photographer who brings her camera along on her rides. Learn why thereâs never a conflict between Sauriâs two passionsâcycling and photographyâexcept for one time.
Listen to this extended interview with Sauri, presented with the support of YT Industries. Recently, YT released a 30-minute documentary about Sauriâs Migration Gravel Race, âThe Wildest Gravel Race in the World.â Check out the doc and her one-of-a-kind YT Szepter gravel bike that she received for the challenging ride in Kenya.
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World championship wins in two disciplines, a repeat rainbow jersey on the track, World Cup wins in downhill and cross country, a Tour de France stage win and moreâthere were a lot of big performances by Canadian riders this past year. In this episode, Canadian Cycling Magazineâs editorsâMatthew Pioro, Matt Hansen and Terry McKallâpresent their top-five lists. You wonât believe what some of the editors cut, just to whittle their lists down to five top stories from 2023.
You can also listen back to interviews with the yearâs biggest newsmakers:
A deep dive into Michael Woodsâs Tour de France stage winIn-depth interview with Derek Gee on the Giro dâItalia and the seconds that count -
Cyclocross nationals is just a few days away. The competition is returning to Victoria as are many of the athletes who competed at last yearâs event. In this episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast, six riders not only reflect on the significance of nationals, but also look back at their races so far this year, as well as what lies ahead.
There are former and current national championsâsome of them multiple-time winnersâPan Am champions, champions in other disciplines and even a world champion. Two are actually not racing in Victoria, but their stories provide important context for nationals.
In all the interviewsâwith Michael van den Ham, Sidney McGill, Luke Valenti, Evan Russell, Rafaelle Carrier and Isabella Holmgrenâthe stars of CX reveal what it means to be Canadian cyclocross racers and discuss the challenges they face as they practise that muddy art.
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In March 2023, Nick Khattar and five others embarked on a 1,340-km bikepacking trip from Terrace, B.C., to Haines, Alaska. The riders pedalled hardtails and pulled trailers with splitboards strapped to them. They planned to ride, snowboard and record their adventures for a film. Not far into the trek, the team faced harrowing close-passes by trucks on the narrow highway. There was also bad weather, mechanical issues and the fatigue that comes with riding hard with heavy loads in the cold. Then, a true crisis happened in Jade City, B.C., about the halfway point of the trip. Three team members wouldnât go on to Alaska.
Listen to this extended interview with Khattar as he unpacks the trip. Also, find out what made the difficult journey completely worth it.
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Derek Gee reveals a heartwarming story about how he came under the spell of the Grands Prix Cyclistes de QuĂ©bec et de MontrĂ©al. Isabella and Ava Holmgren, two stars of cyclocross and cross country, find themselves with race duties in Montreal. Canadian Cycling Magazineâs photographer takes a hit. Plus, heartbreak for some Canadians at their home races. All these tales and more are mixed with tips about how you can plan your visit to Quebecâs largest cities to take in the races to their fullest next year.
Also, check out Nick Iwanyshynâs photos from the races.
Plus, scandal! An Israel-Premier Tech rider had St-Hubert ribs in the lead-up to the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec.
Episode Highlights
6:39 13-year-old Derek Gee, a ride from Ottawa to Montreal and Thomas Voecklerâs gloves
14:16 Benjamin Perry on the significance of the GPCQM
29:41 Pan Am champ Pier-André Coté breaks down the Quebec City race soon after finishing
40:31 How the 2026 road world championships course in Montreal is shaping up.
46:51 A few laps in the Team Canada car at the GP Montreal. Itâs not a car race!
1:01:17 Charlotte of the Ottawa Bicycle Club and her bottle basketball net.
1:02:49 An old friend of the pod, and former co-host, makes an appearance.
1:06:54 Success for Charlotte!
1:07:28 Ava and Isabella Holmgren have a job to do at the GP Montreal.
1:12:21 In this case, it was No. 1 that affected Derek Gee.
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He did it. But man, was it close. Michael Woods won a stage at the Tour de France this past July in a dramatic fashion on the Puy de DĂŽme. In this extended interview with Woods, the rider from Ottawa gets into the details of how it all came together, and how it all nearly fell apart. Find out about his relationship with Matteo Jorgenson, the rider whom Woods denied a win on Stage 9. Learn why Woods went for a trail run shortly after the Tour. Finally, who is the guy known as Disco and why is he so important to Woods?
Also in this episode, the Matts, Pioro and Hansen, look ahead to the Grands Prix Cyclistes de QuĂ©bec et de MontrĂ©al. The two one-day races return in about two weeks. The Canadian Cycling Magazine editors break down the routes and likely key riders at North Americaâs only WorldTour events.
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When Devon Clarke lined up for the national gravel championship race this past April, most riders and fans didnât really know how fast she was. Sure, sheâd won the provincial road race the previous summer, but still, she wasnât as well known as her competitors Maghalie Rochette and Ruby West. At the end of the 108-km event in Ancaster, Ont., Clarke became the countryâs first national gravel champion, a year after she started racing bikes seriously. Since then, sheâs won the Blue Mountains Gravel Fondoâwhich qualifies her for the gravel world championships in Italy this Octoberâand the Reggie Ramble. She now has her sights set on bigger gravel events. Find out more about this rider from Collingwood, Ont.
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Enduro rider Kasper Woolley has had a terrible run of luck in the past year. In August 2022, a rider going the wrong way on a pump track smashed into Woolley. This past February, he crashed on a trail and damaged his spleen. The injury was so severe that he faced a five-month recovery. Woolley, whoâs been on YT Mob since the start of the year, is now planning his return to competition at the end of July at the Cranworxâs Canadian Open Enduro. Later in September, itâs off to France for the final events of the UCI Enduro World Cup. Itâs a late start to the season, but one Woolley is looking forward to. As heâs done in the past, heâs sure to be on podiums once again.
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Motorola, U.S. Postal and Garmin-Sharp are some of the teams that Geoff Brown has worked on, preparing and fixing bikes for the biggest road races, including the biggest of them all, the Tour de France. His first Tour was in 1994. Since then, heâs amassed many stories, some hilarious and others tragic. Find out why he doesnât like time trials, but does like tubeless tires. Also learn how a mechanic is often more than just a person who tunes a bike. While Brown hasnât been back to the Tour since 2018, he is making a return this year. In just a few weeks, heâll be wrenching at the Tour de France Femmes with his current team, Human Powered Health.
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Since 2018, Matt Kadey has been designing bikepacking routes. Some of his most popular tracks include the BT 700, the Grand Nith Ramble and No Winter Maintenance, all in Ontario. This past March, he launched the Great Northern Bikepacking Route, an adventurous way to get from Victoria to St. Johnâs, N.L. Kadey discusses why riders needed a new way to go west to east, why the route is not all in Canada and whyâeven though there are 16 Ride With GPS files that will help you to get from one coast to the otherâthereâs still work to be done on the route.
Recently, Kadey hosted the fifth grand depart for the first route he designed, the BT 700. He talks about the importance of such send-offs. Kadey not only builds routes, but community, too.
Also in this episode, the regular Matts (Pioro and Hansen) look back at recent races abroad and in Canada. One Matt competed against the other in a hill climb, using an ebike. It didnât go exactly as planned.
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How did Derek Gee do it? How did he get into breakaway after breakaway at the recent Giro dâItalia? And whatâs next for the Ottawa rider who impressed and entertained throughout his first Grand Tour? In this in-depth interview, Gee analyzes his four second-place stage finishes. He also talks about the feisty young Israel-Premier Tech squad that made it to Rome, the state of his apartment following his arrival from the Giro, getting slapped in the face, telling Thibaut Pinot to cool it, his relationship with mountains and what type of rider he might be able to become.
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At stage races this season, Olivia Baril has been in the mix. Recently, the rider from Rouyn-Noranda, Que., sprinted against Demi Vollering, Annemiek van Vleuten and Katarzyna Niewiadoma for a podium place on the final stage of Itzulia Women. Baril was third on the day and finished fourth overall. Her result at that race and at La Vuelta Femenina show that a Grand Tour win is a possibility. The rider herself has the confidence in her abilities for such a feat. She'll have a chance this summer as the team recently informed her that she'd be heading to the Tour de France Femmes as UAE Team ADQ's general classification rider. In this episode, Baril talks about the dynamics within the womenâs pro peloton, living and racing in Spain and her goals for the rest of the season.
This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast is supported by MS Bike. Register and start fundraising at msbike.ca. Also, check out MS Bike specific training advice and tips from Canadian Cycling Magazine experts.
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Mark Beaumont has the world record for circumnavigating the world by bike. He also documents his big ridesâdown a massive volcano or from Cairo to Cape Townâon GCN. His latest book, The Complete Guide to Cycling Psychology (written with Dr. Jim Taylor), draws on his adventures and his co-authorâs expertise to provide you with ways to boost your mental game on the bike. This wide-ranging and inspiring conversation with Beaumont will help you to start training your mind. The rider also talks about bike design as heâs consulted on the new Argon 18 Krypton, the Montreal companyâs all-road bike.
The two Matts chat about La Vuelta Femenina, prairie dogs and something you shouldnât do with a cargo bike.
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From within the infield at the recent Track Nations Cup in Milton, Ont., athletes snagged medals, joked, made vows out of frustration and looked ahead to the world championships and Paris 2024. Find out about the off-track competition team-sprint members Kelsey Mitchell and Lauriane Genest had the day they rode to silver along with Sarah Orban. Learn about the psychology and tactics that go into a team pursuit race. Sometimes you can use an opponentâs strengths against them, which is what the Canadian womenâs squad did in the bronze-medal race.
Also, the two Matts talk LiĂšge-Bastogne-LiĂšge and the Pan Am championships. Terry reports on the cool stuff he saw a Sea Otter, including carbon-fibre bottom bracket threads, new hubs and, yes, jean shorts.
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