Race Radio: IS THE VUELTA THE BEST GRANDY?

Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP Mike Woods has achieved a lot in his cycling career. Despite not turning pro until he was 30, he’s won stages at the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, and stood on the podium at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the World Championships. A proud Canadian, Woodsy’s represented his nation at the Olympics and the Worlds, and flown the Maple Leaf jersey as natty champ.  Earlier this year, Mike announced that 2025 would be his final year in the pro peloton, and he was going to come across to the world of retired pro cyclists. He’s under no illusion that the sport is only getting harder, and made the call to leave the young megastars to it, put his family first, and continue enjoying the bike - and his running - with a more relaxed mindset. We were teammates for a few years back on EF, and I loved training hard in the mountains of Andorra with Woodsy back in the good old days before 120 grams of carbs an hour. A three-time guest on the pod, I wanted to catch up with him in the last few weeks of his career before he hangs it up for good for one last ep. of Life In The Peloton. We talk about all sorts of things in this one, guys. There’s some heavy-hitting questions to find out more about what makes Woodsy tick, and he gives me a quick lesson in Canadian Ice Hockey team politics. I also impart a bit of wisdom on Mike to let him know what he’s in for as he leaves the world of pro cycling behind and adjusts to life on the other side.  Guys, I hope you enjoy this pod. I really wanted to speak to Mike one last time, and I hope you enjoy hearing his honest thoughts about all things pro cycling and beyond.  Woodsy - congrats on a great career, mate. Enjoy your last races and being able to bring the curtain down back home in Canada. Can’t wait for a death ride out of Andorra soon. Cheers, Mitch This episode is brought to you by our mates at Shokz – the world leaders in open-ear, bone-conduction headphones. Head to shokz.com and use the code LITP for a special listener-only discount. I’ll be heading to Adelaide this January for the Santos Tour Down Under - chasing the racing, riding the bunches in the morning, and soaking up all the summer vibes the city has to offer. Hope to see you there. This episode is brought to you by our friends at Saily. If you're heading overseas for your next ride or trip? Avoid nasty roaming fees and get set up with Saily, the eSIM app from the legends behind NordVPN. Download the app and use the code PELOSURF for 15% off your next data plan - or hit saily.com/pelosurf to score yourself a special listener-only discount.

I know you all think the Tour de France is the best Grandy of the year, but you’re wrong. For me, it’s all about the Vuelta.  The Vuelta a España is the grand tour I started the most in my career, racing 7 Vueltas over the years. It was my first grand tour way back in 2012, and I have really fond memories of racing in Spain. The atmosphere, the culture, the relaxed vibe at the end of the season; I had some hard moments at the Vuelta, for sure, but on the whole it was always a great race for me. I am a massive fan. Speaking of massive fans, it’s time to check in with the Race Radio boys, Harry & Stu. They’ve recovered after their trip to the Tour, and they’re back with their old mate Cillian Kelly in tow, bringing you all the stats you could ever possibly need. Here’s what the bald bonced bandit Harry has to say about this month’s ep: ‘With La Vuelta underway, we thought we’d invite our good friend Cillian Kelly on the show this week. Cillian is TNT’s official statman, providing the race commentators with all manner of fascinating facts and curiosities to read out at the grand tours. He shares a few of his Vuelta-related gems with us – including revealing one Merckx-related fact that shocks us to our core – before we go on to discuss strange sprints, how we ‘consume’ cycling, and baking bread on the Muur.’ I loved hearing the boys yarn with Cillian. If you like what you heard, you can check out their other pod ‘DNF’ where Harry, Stu, and Dr Kelly break down some of the wildest statistical gems in the sport. I also spoke to Cillian back in July for a special episode of Life In The Peloton all about the financial stability of pro cycling so if you missed that, get back across and give that a listen, too. Guys, I hope you enjoy this month’s episode and the Vuelta! It’s maybe the one race I really miss - mainly because I could usually get away with a few pequeña cervezas in the evening. Catch up soon! Cheers, Mitch Download the SAILY app AND use our code PELOSURF at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase, or visit the website saily.com/pelosurf and your code will be automatically added at checkout.

Just because the Tour de France is over, doesn’t mean the party’s over! I’m back with Tom Southam and Luke Durbridge for this month’s Race Communique. Tom and Luke have just got back from a puncture-filled Hamburg Classic, and the Vuelta a España is about to kick off! I love the Vuelta - it’s the Grand Tour I raced the most in my career, and I’ve got to say it’s my favourite. Southam and Durbo disagree, so we kick off by having a three-way head-to-head: Giro VS Tour VS Vuelta. Which is best, and why? I made my case for the Vuelta, the hardest Grand Tour by a long way…as far as I’m concerned. Luke reckons the Tour is the best because, well, because it’s the Tour. The Giro’s case was made by Southam, who just loves the drama - he’s obviously never watched the Vuelta! In this month’s PeloChat, Durbo goes through this year’s transfers and gives us his take on who’s going where, why they’re moving, and what it might mean for the sport. Remco to Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe is the biggest move of the year, and the young Belgian superstar has definitely raised some eyebrows by moving. Will he clash with Roglič? Will they be able to support him to win the Tour de France? Only time will tell. Luke’s teammates Dylan Groenewegen and Elmar Reinders are stepping down to TDT Unibet - a second division ProTeam! An interesting move in an effort to get the young Dutch squad to the Tour de France in the next few years. He’s also got some insight into Tom Pidcock’s Q36.5’s squad and their signings; some big riders heading that way too. Lots of moves, but Durbo’s across it. Southam’s diving into the modern breakaway in this month’s Talking Tactics. Things have changed a hell of a lot over the last few years in the breakaway; we don’t see 20-minute time gaps any more, and the breaks are kept on a much tighter leash. As the level gets higher and higher, the quality of the lower division teams is getting better and better, and smaller riders are more of a threat in the breakaways these days. It’s great, and I love the exciting racing where the breaks actually have a chance, but shit, it looks so hard. Of course, we wind up with the Communiquiz. Tom’s quiz master this week, and it’s about Summer Classics. You’ll have to listen to the episode to hear how this goes, but let’s just say…I had a bit of a shocker. Guys, I hope you like this episode. I love catching up with Durbo and Southam, especially when they’re in the midst of the racing season; bringing you this insight is what it’s all about. Cheers, Mitch   The Race Communiqué is brought to you by TrainingPeaks! Track, plan, and train smarter - just like the pros. Get 20% off TrainingPeaks Premium now at trainingpeaks.com/litp Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP. maap.cc 🎧 Timecodes 00:00:00 – Intro 00:09:49 – Race Recap (Which is the best Grand Tour? You decide!) 00:36:58 – Pelo Chat (Durbo's Transfer Gossip) 00:48:08 – Talking Tactics (The Modern Breakaway) 00:58:18 – CommuniQuiz (Summer classics conundrums - Mitch has a mare!)

Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP I love riding my bike with my son. My boy Marlow and I head out when we can and boost around LanVegas on the bikes, and he loves it. It’s great to spend time together and see the little man starting to enjoy bikes and being outdoors as much as I did when I was a kid.  But, my guests on this month’s episode of Life In The Peloton take on father-and-son cycling adventures. Based over in the North of England, Rich and James Rothwell are an adventurous, off-road, ultra-cycling father and son duo who have undertaken some massive rides together.  Rich, a lifelong mountain biker, coach, and experienced ultra racer, got his son James into cycling from a young age. Still only 14 years old, James has already ticked off some absolutely huge rides on some world-renowned trails like the Highland Trail 550 and the AZT800 out in the USA.  I really wanted to chat to these guys to hear how they started riding together, what their epic adventures look like, and just how far a young talent like James will go in the world of cycling. I found it really inspiring to hear Rich’s relaxed, supportive approach in helping James keep the enjoyment, and I also loved hearing how young James supports his old man out there on the trails, too!  I hope Marlow can pick up a thing or two and give me a push or a spoonful of peanut butter when I’m in a bit of a hole next time we head out on the bikes.  Guys, I hope you like this episode. To the mums and dads out there, it’s a great listen if you want to get your kids into bike riding and kids, if you’ve ever wanted to get out on a cycling adventure with your parents, I hope this inspires you.  Cheers Mitch This episode is brought to you by our mates at Shokz – the world leaders in open-ear, bone-conduction headphones. Head to shokz.com and use the code LITP for a special listener-only discount. It’s also supported by Restrap – makers of seriously tough, technical bikepacking bags and accessories, which come with a lifetime warranty. I’ve used their gear on some of my biggest adventures, and it’s never let me down. Check them out at restrap.com. I’ll be heading to Adelaide this January for the Santos Tour Down Under — chasing the racing, riding the bunches in the morning, and soaking up all the summer vibes the city has to offer. Hope to see you there.

We’re back from the Tour - and what a bloody wild few weeks that was. So I've jumped back on the mic with my guest...I mean co hosts, Tom Southam and Luke Durbridge to get stuck into all the goss from this year’s race. It’s a big one - we cover everything! The drama, the chaos, the tactics, the crashes, the wins, the "wish I was anywhere but here" moments. And believe me, Durbo’s got a few of those... From Pogacar blowing the race apart on the Col de la Loze, to Ben Healy’s heroics, and even the almighty mess of the groupetto on Stage 20 - this is the full Race Communiqué debrief you’ve been waiting for. Your perfect look behind the curtain of this massive event. We each pick our favourite stages, highlight standout performances (Durbo reckons Harry Sweeney deserves a nickname after Stage 10), and of course, we wrap it all up with the ever-chaotic Communiquiz. Honestly, it’s one of my favourite pods we’ve done all year. There’s plenty of laughs, a bit of behind-the-scenes insight, and some real moments of “can you believe that actually happened?” So grab a post-Tour beer, stick your feet up, and enjoy the chat. Cheers, Mitch   The Race Communiqué is brought to you by TrainingPeaks! Track, plan, and train smarter - just like the pros. Get 20% off TrainingPeaks Premium now at trainingpeaks.com/litp   Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP. maap.cc   🎧 Timecodes 00:00:00 – Intro 00:07:47 – Race Recap (Behind the scenes at the Tour) 00:39:51 – Pelo Chat (Have ASO just given up?) 00:52:46 – Talking Tactics (How did Ben Healey’s stage win come about?) 01:01:22 – CommuniQuiz (Tom forgets his questions…)

Race Radio is proudly brought to you by MAAP Look forward, because it’s time for the Femmes. We’re signing off from France, but we’re not leaving you empty handed, no – tune into Race Radio for a preview of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift with Rouleur’s Rachel Jary to hear what’s happened so far and what to expect in the coming days, a word with Zwift’s Director of Strategy Kate Veronneau on the future of the sport, and we catch Dominque Powers right after she photographs podcast favourite and absolute GOAT of cycling, Marianne Vos.  A lot to get stuck into here: have it! ----more---- 🚴‍♂️ This episode is powered by our friends at JOIN Cycling The AI-powered training app that helps you ride smarter, not harder. Miss a session? Life’s chaotic? JOIN adapts — so your training still makes sense, even when your week doesn’t. 🇦🇺 And supported by the 2026 Tour Down Under Adelaide, January. All the WorldTour teams. Sunshine, cold ones, and not a bad coffee in sight. Start planning now: the racing (and the vibes) will be world-class.

Race Radio is proudly brought to you by MAAP Well, well, well, if it isn’t a bumper edition of Race Radio to finish an outstanding Tour. We get out of bed early to recon the Montmartre climb, eat a hearty business luncheon with a punchline or two before heading to watch the finish, topped off with another pit walk, where we find out if this spectacular stage was as fun for the riders as it was for the fans (hint: it was not). But don’t take our word for it, hear it from the coureurs themselves. Don't miss it! ----more---- 🚴‍♂️ This episode is powered by our friends at JOIN Cycling The AI-powered training app that helps you ride smarter, not harder. Miss a session? Life’s chaotic? JOIN adapts — so your training still makes sense, even when your week doesn’t. 🇦🇺 And supported by the 2026 Tour Down Under Adelaide, January. All the WorldTour teams. Sunshine, cold ones, and not a bad coffee in sight. Start planning now: the racing (and the vibes) will be world class.

Race Radio is proudly brought to you by MAAP Race Radio’s Harry and Stu bring the pit walk to the peloton – where they catch old mate Tom Southam for a quick chat about the cricket, plus some words from Oscar Onley’s DS Matt Winston (also about the cricket) – before taking to the final climb to experience the publicity caravan in its somewhat reduced fullness and a bit of a scramble to the top to see their second summit finish in as many days. Now it’s just a 15-hour bus ride back to the start at Albertville (only 19km away). Pray for them! Get into it! ----more---- 🚴‍♂️ This episode is powered by our friends at JOIN Cycling The AI-powered training app that helps you ride smarter, not harder. Miss a session? Life’s chaotic? JOIN adapts — so your training still makes sense, even when your week doesn’t. 🇦🇺 And supported by the 2026 Tour Down Under Adelaide, January. All the WorldTour teams. Sunshine, cold ones, and not a bad coffee in sight. Start planning now: the racing (and the vibes) will be world class.

Race Radio is proudly brought to you by MAAP Harry and Stu are finally on the ground in France and kick things off with a monster day on the mighty Col de la Loze. Armed with a pair of Bromptons, a bag of pastries, and boundless enthusiasm, they pedal into the clouds for the Queen Stage of this year’s Tour. Expect mist, mayhem, and mistimed gear shifts—as well as a quick chat with cycling photographers Zac Williams and Harry Talbot, who share tales from the road and their plan to shoot the day’s action from 3km out. There’s mountain magic, gondola bureaucracy, Tour Down Under dreams, and a whole lot of fan energy (plus a bit of a beef with the Cycling Podcast convoy). One of the wildest, most atmospheric days of the Tour—and an unforgettable summit finish from Betteo. Get into it! ----more---- 🚴‍♂️ This episode is powered by our friends at JOIN Cycling The AI-powered training app that helps you ride smarter, not harder. Miss a session? Life’s chaotic? JOIN adapts — so your training still makes sense, even when your week doesn’t. 🇦🇺 And supported by the 2026 Tour Down Under Adelaide, January. All the WorldTour teams. Sunshine, cold ones, and not a bad coffee in sight. Start planning now: the racing (and the vibes) will be world class.

Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP The sport of professional cycling has everything. Dramatic storylines, heroic champions, tear jerking wins, and more. But, one thing it seems to be lacking is cash.  Every year, it seems like teams have to fight harder and harder to get sponsorship to pay their riders. Compared to the likes of soccer and other mainstream sports, budgets in cycling are a drop in the ocean.  I wanted to find out how professional cycling is able to keep rolling despite the financial struggles, and see if there’s anything teams can do to increase their revenue and grow the sport as a whole, so I spoke to some key stakeholders in the sport to find out more.  In this special edition of Life In The Peloton, I speak to my first team boss and manager of Team Picnic Post NL, Iwan Spekenbrink, General Race Director of Flander’s Classics, Scott Sunderland, current pro seeing out his last season after 17 years as a rider, Simon Clarke, Bas Tietema, owner of TDT Unibet Rockets - the new kids on the block looking to redefine the fan - team relationship through storytelling alongside chasing results, and finally Dr Cillian Kelly; a master statistician with the cold hard facts on the situation to see if it is really as bleak as it seems.  Guys, this episode is a deep dive into the sport we all love to find out if it has a future that’s financially sustainable, or if teams are always going to be scratching around for sponsorship or closing altogether.  Thanks to all my interviewees for speaking to me, and the wider Life In The Peloton team for helping pull this mammoth episode together. I hope you enjoy it! Cheers! Mitch ----more---- This episode is exclusively being brought to you by the Tour Down Under, stages are set, the 2026 stages have been announced! The most exciting and hardest edition of TDU in its 25 year history! Come and feel the rush! Check out the stages and the race here: https://tourdownunder.com.au _______________ This episode is brought to you by our friends at Saily. If you're heading overseas for your next ride or trip? Avoid nasty roaming fees and get set up with Saily, the eSIM app from the legends behind NordVPN. Download the app and use the code PELOSURF for 15% off your next data plan — or hit https://saily.com/pelosurf to score yourself a special listener-only discount. _______________ This episode is powered by Shokz, the world leading open ear headphones pioneer. Want the most comfortable and safest headphones for cycling? Check out https://shokz.cc/LITP-2505 _______________   🎄 Christmas in July? You bet. We’re running a massive 50% off over at the Life in the Peloton shop all month long! Use code JULY50 at checkout to score half-price tees, caps, and beer cozies – the ultimate kit to keep you cool (and your tinnies cooler) this summer. Support the pod, save some cash, and rep the vibe - https://www.lifeinthepeloton.com/shop