More Than a Lead-Out: The Friendship Behind the Fastest Wheels

They were just two kids from Kortrijk, riding bikes after school, never dreaming they’d one day end up in the pro peloton together.In this episode of the Castelli Podcast, we sit down with Belgian sprint sensation Tim Merlier and his lifelong friend and trusted lead-out man Bert Van Lerberghe—a duo bonded by years of shared rides, muddy cyclocross circuits, and quiet ambition.From their humble beginnings to the world’s biggest races, Tim and Bert take us inside their journey—through the chaos of sprint stages, the grit of gravel racing, and the deep trust that powers their performance in the pro peloton. They open up about what it means to represent Belgium, the Castelli gear that gets them through the toughest days, and the unspoken connection that only two decades of friendship can build.This is more than a story about speed. It’s a story about growing up together, daring to dream late, and discovering that the best victories are the ones you chase side by side.Chapters00:00 Intro02:38 Tim Merlier’s Journey06:26 Bert Van Lerberghe’s Journey09:02 Amateur Belgian Cycling13:20 Gravel Racing16:40 Bert’s Strengths and Weaknesses19:22 Tim’s Strengths and Weaknesses20:45 First Castelli Memory21:49 Favorite Castelli Winter Product23:39 Dream Races to Win One Day27:32 Rapid Fire36:10 The Wolfpack Team Dynamics36:43 Ending– LINKS –⁠⁠Tim Merlier⁠⁠⁠⁠Bert Van Lerberghe⁠⁠Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONSIf you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Tour de France episode, we're joined by two of the sharpest minds in performance cycling: Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step, and Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager and driving force behind the Scorpion’s aero innovation.Recorded just ahead of the Tour’s Grand Départ, the episode dives deep into the world of wind tunnel testing and the relentless pursuit of marginal gains.From Tim Merlier’s Tour stage-winning Sanremo S Speed Suit to Remco Evenepoel’s time trial suits—including the one he wore while storming to victory in stage five’s Tour de France time trial.Koen and Steve pull back the curtain on testing protocols, fabric breakthroughs, rider-specific positions, and the surprising results that prove: what looks fast isn’t always fastest.Whether you're a marginal gainer, tech nerd, or just obsessed with the Tour like we are—this one’s for you.Enjoy!CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:18 Behind the Scenes of Wind Tunnel Testing03:55 Tim Merlier's Sprint Suit11:27 Fast Feet Aero Socks12:09 Refining Remco's Time Trial Suit14:50 Remco's New Time Trial Position17:03 Aero Suit Testing with Soudal Quick-Step18:08 Adapting Suits for Different Cyclists20:17 Different TT Suits for the Uphill Time Trial20:48 EndingLINKSCastelli Speed Shophttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/Speed-Shop/c/Speed-ShopCastelli Pro Shophttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/PRO-SHOP/c/Pro-ShopGUESTS⁠Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step⁠⁠Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager ⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we dive into the cutting-edge world of aerodynamic cycling apparel with Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager, Lifelong Marginal Gainer. From the evolution of the iconic maglia rosa for the Giro d’Italia to the latest innovative firsts, Steve shares how rider feedback, wind tunnel testing, and meticulous design come together to create high-performance gear.We explore the behind-the-scenes logistics of outfitting pro teams, the development process inside Castelli’s Speed Shop and Pro Shop, and how amateur cyclists can benefit from the same technology. Tune in for a look at where aero clothing is headed—and Castelli’s role in shaping its future.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro04:40 Amount of Clothing Supplied to Giro Race Leaders12:24 Sanremo 8S Speed Suit14:03 Tailoring Suits for Performance and Fit16:25 Optimized Gear for Specific Rider Positioning19:53 Low-Hanging Fruit for Maximum Performance23:30 Free Aero S Bibshorts28:08 Free Aero Prototype Testing31:54 PoliMI Wind Tunnel – Politecnico di Milano33:55 Custom Program, Speed Shop, and Pro Shop36:42 Aero Race 8S Jersey: Design and Functionality41:42 Aero Gains: Performance Comparisons47:08 Future Frontiers in Aero Clothing53:13 Giro d'Italia, Stage 15, Passing by Castelli HQ55:09 WIN a Singed Maglia Rosa! 55:41 Ending LINKSCastelli Speed Shophttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/Speed-Shop/c/Speed-ShopCastelli Pro Shophttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/PRO-SHOP/c/Pro-Shop– GUEST –Meet Steve Smith: Castelli’s Brand Manager & Lifelong Marginal Gainer! From racing bikes in Portland to leading innovation at Castelli, Steve Smith brings a deep passion for performance. In this episode, he shares insights on wind tunnel testing and the game-changing gear behind the Giro d’Italia leaders. Dive into the tech, the strategy, and the gear that keeps the pros ahead.CONNECThttps://www.instagram.com/smittystuff/– HOST –Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.CONNECT ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the thrilling history of the Giro d’Italia and its most iconic symbol—the Maglia Rosa. From its origins in 1909 to the groundbreaking innovations Castelli introduced to the peloton, we celebrate the legends, the legacy, and the evolution of cycling’s most coveted jersey.Discover how the race began, why pink became the color of victory, and how Castelli helped revolutionize performance cycling gear through bold innovation. From historic champions and unforgettable moments to the evolution of aerodynamic apparel, this episode traces the legacy of the icons who shaped the sport.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro02:10 The Origins of the Giro d’Italia03:33 The Early Winners04:15 The Maglia Rosa Is Born06:31 Giro d’Italia: A Proving Ground06:58 Top GC Winners and Most Victories07:54 La Maglia Rosa09:37 Castelli’s Innovative Firsts11:54 The Legacy of Castelli in the Giro d’Italia16:34 Ending– LINKS –https://www.castelli-cycling.comhttps://www.instagram.com/castellicycling– HOST –Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.CONNECT ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/Music | Slipstream Music, RCS  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Samuel Sánchez, a legend of the sport and Olympic gold medalist, to reflect on his remarkable career and the evolution of the sport over the past three decades. Samuel takes us through his journey from a young aspiring cyclist to Olympic champion, sharing insights into the highs and lows of his career. He talks about his 18 years in the pro peloton, racing for just two teams, the differences in team dynamics from Euskaltel - Euskadi to BMC Racing Team, and the immense impact of winning an Olympic gold medal.We also dive deep into the history and innovation behind some of Castelli’s pioneering products, exploring iconic items like the Sanremo Speed Suit, the Gabba R jacket, and the first Aero Race Jersey—each a game-changer in cycling gear. Samuel offers his perspective on the evolution of cycling apparel and the technical advancements that have revolutionized the sport, particularly in aerodynamics.Samuel shares the mission and passion behind his Cycling Academy, which focuses on developing young talent while balancing education and sport. We also explore the competitive landscape of cycling today, the rise of gravel racing, and how resilience and instinct are just as important as data and numbers in the world of racing.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the values of cycling, the importance of youth development, and how the lessons learned on the bike can be applied to all aspects of life.This is an episode you don’t want to miss!CHAPTERS00:00 Intro 03:39 Rapid Round of Questions05:44 Gabba R09:05 Aero Jersey10:51 Sanremo Speed Suit 15:04 Aero Shoe-Covers  15:56 Body Paint 4.0 TT Suit16:41 First Castelli Memory18:26 Castelli History20:15 Transitioning to BMC25:05 Olympic Gold 30:35 Building the Future. Cycling Academy39:42 Gravel Racing, Sea Otter50:51 Young Superstars of the Sport58:23 Samuel's Journey into Cycling   01:04:27 Ending– GUEST –Samuel Sánchez, Spanish 2008 Olympic gold medalist and former pro cyclist known for his climbing prowess and tactical racing. A Tour de France and Vuelta a España podium finisher.CONNECT⁠https://www.instagram.com/soysamusanchez/⁠– HOST –Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.CONNECT ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yves Lampaert is more than just a Roubaix warrior—he’s a farmer’s son with deep Belgian roots, a love for tractors, and a passion for the Queen of the Classics. In this episode, we go beyond the finish line to explore the brutal beauty of Paris-Roubaix, Yves’ rise through the ranks at Soudal Quick-Step, and the surprising parallels between farming and cycling. From Tour de France yellow jersey glory to muddy cobbles and homegrown veggies—this is Yves Lampaert like you’ve never heard him before.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:27 Yves Lampaert: A Cyclist's Journey02:52 The Evolution of Cycling03:49 The Pressure of Being a Belgian Cyclist10:33 The Support of Fans and Community12:30 Foul Weather Gear: Essential for Cyclists15:26 Career Progression in QuickStep Team18:53 Balancing Team Roles in Cycling19:44 The Impact of Crashes on Performance22:41 Racing Roubaix in Wet vs. Dry24:03 Favorite Cobble Sector and Velodrome Experience26:55 Being Part of the Wolfpack27:56 Memorable Wins and Achievements34:55 Farming and Cycling: Parallels in Life39:46 The Importance of Family and Tradition42:40 Nutrition and Training in Modern Cycling45:52 Advice for Young Cyclists50:15 Cultural Insights: Flemish Language and Cycling– GUEST –Yves Lampaert is a professional Belgian cyclist known for his strength in the classics and time trials. Born on April 10, 1991, in Izegem, Belgium, he rides for the UCI WorldTeam Soudal Quick-Step. Lampaert has made a name for himself with his gritty performances in cobbled races like Paris-Roubaix and has been a consistent national time trial champion. One of his career highlights came in the 2022 Tour de France when he surprised the field by winning the opening time trial in Copenhagen, claiming the coveted yellow jersey. A former judo practitioner, Lampaert brings a tactical and tenacious approach to the road.CONNECThttps://www.instagram.com/yveslampaert/https://www.instagram.com/soudalquickstepteam/– HOST –Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.CONNECT ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we bring you an inspiring story of resilience, talent, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Our guest, Kim Le Court Pienaar, is a rising star in the Women’s World Tour, proving that it’s never too late to chase greatness.When Kim turned pro, many riders have already made their mark—Kim wasted no time in doing the same. In her debut season, she secured a stage win at the Giro d’Italia Women, raced in two Grand Tours, and represented her country at the Paris Olympics.In this episode, we dive into Kim's remarkable journey—from mountain biking in Mauritius to competing on Europe’s most unforgiving roads. Kim shares her firsthand experience of the Tour of Flanders, the energy of De Ronde, and what it’s really like to race the Monuments.Let’s dive in!CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:15 2024 Overcoming Injuries and Challenges07:14 First season in WT12:15 Transitioning from Mountain Biking to Road Racing17:49 Race Goals19:49 First Experience in the Classics and Learning Curve27:55 Memorial Tattoo33:15 2024 Olympics, National Pride38:18 Riding in Mauritius44:21 Other Sports45:22 Big Brother, Inspiration48:10 Top-3 Mauritian Food50:41 Ending– GUEST –Kimberley (Le Court) Pienaar is a Mauritian cyclist riding for AG Insurance-Soudal. Born in 1996, Kim has won most of the top ultra MTB events she has competed in and has placed in the top 10 in most UCI events, showcasing her versatility across disciplines. She is known for her strong climbing ability and endurance.CONNECTwww.instagram.com/kimlecourtwww.instagram.com/aginsurancesoudal– HOST –Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.CONNECT ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French sensation Paul Magnier has taken the pro peloton by storm, and now the 20-year-old is set to support Soudal Quick-Step into the northern classics. With his explosive power, endurance, and fast finishing kick, could he be the next Tom Boonen or Bernard Hinault? In this episode, we break down Magnier’s rapid rise, his potential in sprints and Monuments, and how he handles outside pressure to perform. We also explore the history and innovation behind Castelli’s pioneering gear, along with Paul's favorite pieces, like the Gabba R and Sanremo Speed Suit—each a game-changer in cycling.Join us as we discuss his journey from Grenoble to the WorldTour, his early successes, and the pressure of stepping into the shoes of legends.This is one conversation you won’t want to miss!CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:07 Introduction to Paul Magnier03:35 Max Power and HR09:33 Gabba R13:30 The Secret Pro Collection14:19 Innovating with the Pros15:00 Sanremo Speed Suit Story17:21 The Impact of Crashes and Recovery19:36 Off-Season22:40 Journey Into Cycling30:08 Transition to Soudal Quick-Step33:42 Preparing Mentally for a Sprint37:34 All-Round Rider38:48 Dream Races to Win40:07 2025 Giro d'Italia41:00 Ending– GUEST –Paul Magnier is a French pro cyclist known for his speed and endurance on the cobbles. Born in Texas in 2004 and raised in Grenoble, he joined Soudal Quick-Step in 2024 after a standout junior career. With multiple wins in his debut season, he’s tipped as a future classics star.CONNECTwww.instagram.com/paul_magnier_ www.strava.com/pros/25788579– HOST –Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.CONNECT ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you’re a passionate cyclocross fan or just curious about the sport, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and everything that makes bike racing such a dynamic and evolving discipline.Today, we’re joined by Antoine Huby, a rising talent in cycling from the Brittany region of France. Antoine made a name for himself in cyclocross, winning the U23 French Championship in 2021, before making waves on the road in 2023 with standout performances, including a win at the U23 Course de la Paix, a second-place finish at Liège–Bastogne–Liège U23, and a top-five at the Tour Alsace. His rapid rise caught the attention of Soudal Quick-Step, where he is now in his second season.With the Cyclocross World Championships happening this weekend in Liévin, northern France—just a short drive from his home—it’s the perfect time to hear from Antoine about his training, race strategies, and technical skills that make cyclocross such an essential foundation for top road racers. We’ll also dive into his admiration for Julian Alaphilippe, his aspirations for Strade Bianche, and his thoughts on the crossover between CX and road racing.So, buckle up and get ready for an inside look at the world of cyclocross and its influence on road racing. Let’s dive in! CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:07 Antoine's Journey to Professional Cycling06:02 The Transition from Cyclocross to Road Cycling08:56 The Influence of Julien Alaphilippe11:52 The Importance of Cyclocross in Training15:13 The World Championships and French Cyclocross17:49 Technical Skills Gained from Cyclocross21:13 Antoine's Early Days in Cycling24:08 Understanding Cyclocross Racing Dynamics29:04 Tire Pressure and Setup for Cyclocross32:54 The Importance of a Fast Start35:54 Gear Choices and Techniques for Cyclocross39:48 Techniques for Barriers and Dismounting45:30 Training Intensity and Race Preparation51:45 Running in Cyclocross Training53:40 Dream Races and Future Aspirations LINKS –⁠Velon – Quick Bike Swap⁠ – GUEST –French cyclist Antoine Huby made his mark in cyclocross, winning the U23 French Championship in 2021, before excelling on the road. His rapid rise earned him a spot on Soudal Quick-Step, where he continues to impress in his second season. CONNECT⁠Instagram⁠– HOST –Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACKIf you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube, and don’t miss your chance to win a VIP experience for the Giro d’Italia Women this July with a chance to meet the ladies of AG Insurance Soudal. Share your favorite moment or quote from this episode in the comments to enter! The winner will be announced in a pinned comment on March 4, 2025, and contacted directly.YouTube: https://youtu.be/dMgIjZLu2xQ___In this episode, we sit down with Urška Žigart, an extraordinary Slovenian cyclist carving her path in the women’s professional cycling world.From her rise to becoming a five-time national champion, achieving top placements at the Giro d’Italia Women, Tour de Suisse, and Giro dell’Emilia, to her new chapter with AG Insurance-Soudal, and balancing life with cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar, Urška shares an inspiring journey filled with triumphs, aspirations, and the challenges of competing at the highest level.From Slovenia to Monaco, Urška reflects on the importance of mental resilience, the evolution of women’s cycling, and a peek into her life with Tadej, including who does the cooking at home and other fun moments that come with being in a relationship with a fellow athlete. She also shares her vision for supporting the next generation of cyclists. and offers insights on teamwork and the ongoing growth of women’s cycling.Join us for this heartfelt and insightful conversation about life, cycling, and the power of perseverance.Sit back, relax, and be inspired by Urška Žigart’s incredible story.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro02:41 Contest Rules04:53 Gabba R06:24 2025 Race Program12:12 Building a Stronger Future for Women's Cycling19:10 Žigart and Pogačar: The power couple of Slovenian cycling23:11 Tadej’s Pink jersey, Barbie Story Goes Viral on Social Media24:55 The ‘Fluffy’ Scones Story with Matt Stephens28:22 Who’s in Charge of Tadej’s Wardrobe?29:47 Pogi’s Glorious Tufts of Hair in the Wind (Spoiler!)30:16 How Did Urška and Tadej First Meet?33:10 Who's Always the First One to Be Ready for Training?33:48 Who Changes the Flat Tire?35:53 Who’s the One Half-Wheeling the Other?36:28 Who’s Doing the Cooking at Home?37:07 Can You Tell from Tadej’s Body Language When He’s About to Attack?38:19 Slovenia's Cycling Success Story40:46 Urška’s Journey into Cycling44:13 How Cycling Has Changed Over the Past Years45:46 Talking Cycling at Home with Tadej, Improving Technically48:15 A Hard, Steep Learning Curve52:28 2024 Breakthrough Year55:05 Signing with AG Insurance-Soudal01:01:48 Ending– LINKS –⁠Matt Stephens The Cafe Ride - Tadej Pogačar⁠– GUEST –Urška Žigart is a Slovenian professional cyclist known for her climbing and time-trialing skills. Off the bike, she is passionate about sustainability, empowering women's cycling, and the outdoors, inspiring fans with her talent and determination. Urška is also known for her relationship with Tadej Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France winner.CONNECT⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠AG Insurance Soudal⁠⁠– HOST –Søren Jensen, Castelli Global Marketing Manager.SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.