S1 Ep713: Is Gravel Riding Just For Old People? | GCN Show Ep. 713

Can riding in a group actually improve your performance and raise your pain threshold? This week on the GCN Show, we dive into the science behind "social energetics" and how group rides let you push harder without it feeling harder. Plus, we cover the latest Vuelta race updates, Zwift news, and e-bike regulation changes!💥 WIN 👉 https://gcn.eu/Elitewheelscompetition

Enric Mas pulls off an incredible victory at La Vuelta, but the decision to neutralise GC times on the final stage has sparked major debate. Plus, we look at standout performances from Primoz Roglič, Wout van Aert, and the Grand Prix races in Quebec and Montreal as the UCI World Championships approach.

In this week’s GCN Show, we dive into the data to find out if gravel cycling is truly a sport for the older generation or if the "young guns" are starting to take over. We compare gravel racing demographics to marathon running to see which sport offers more longevity and why endurance seems to peak later in life. Plus, we’ve got the latest in ultra-endurance world records, e-bike law controversies, and a roadside "zip-tie" chain fix that you won’t want to miss!💥 WIN 👉 https://gcn.eu/Elitewheelscompetition

Enric Mas is on the verge of a historic home victory at La Vuelta a España, but can he hold off his GC rivals in the final week? We break down a dominant second week of racing where Wout van Aert has returned to terrifyingly good form ahead of the World Championships. Plus, we discuss the massive news regarding Tadej Pogačar’s contract extension through 2032 and round up all the action from the Tour of Britain and the ZLM Tour.Support for Ezra Caudell and Family  👉https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ezra-caudell-and-family

Shockwaves hit the cycling world this week as Tadej Pogačar crashed out of La Vuelta a España, leaving his 2026 season in doubt. We dive into the tactical shift for Enric Mas and Primož Roglič as the battle for the red jersey becomes anyone's game. Plus, we cover Tom Pidcock’s masterclass at the MTB World Championships, the European Gravel results, and a massive wave of transfer news.

New research suggests that the way you ride might be preventing you from unlocking maximum health benefits; we dive into the science of sprints vs. steady-state cycling to find out more. We also bid a fond farewell to the legendary Julian Alaphilippe following his shock retirement announcement and check in on a man cycling from India to Everest on just one wheel. Plus, we’ve got new tech from Wahoo and Van Rysel, racing updates from the Vuelta, and your weekly dose of Hacks and Bodges!

This week on GCN Racing News, we dive into a chaotic start to La Vuelta where Tadej Pogačar has already claimed the Red Jersey despite the race being neutralised by extreme weather and massive hailstorms. We also recap the Lloyds Tour of Britain, where Lorena Wiebes showed incredible dominance in the sprints while Kim Le Court secured a historic overall title. Finally, we wrap up the week’s results from the Renewi and Deutschland Tours, cover the latest transfer news, and say a fond farewell to Julian Alaphilippe following his retirement announcement.

This week on the GCN Show, we discuss the tragic loss of another young pro and ask if the UCI is doing enough to ensure rider safety. We also take a first look at the new Trek Domane Gen 5 and a high-speed e-bike capable of reaching a staggering 120kph. Plus, we have your weekly dose of "Hack or Bodge," including a "gym-bro" double-pedal bike and some very questionable stick handlebars!

We begin this week’s GCN Racing News by paying tribute to Finlay Tarling, a talented young rider whose tragic loss during the Volta a Portugal has left the cycling world in mourning. Our deepest sympathies go out to Finlay’s family, friends, and the NCN development team as the global community comes together to honour his memory. This episode also reflects on the week’s racing results from Hamburg and the Czech Tour, alongside the latest updates from the professional transfer market.