This week I break down the early-season racing action from the low-key cool Saudi Tour (01:30), the spicy action from Etoile de Bessèges (09:22) before getting into the best race of the season so far, the Volta Valencia (13:25). I also dive into how the relegation battle is already affecting the racing (22:30) before briefly discussing what Tom Pidcock can achieve this Spring (28:24).
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Video clip breakdowns & trying to find Tom Pidcock's road racing ceiling 

The Big Takeaways So Far From Volta Valencia, Etoile de Bessèges & Saudi Tour

In-depth pro cycling race previews, analysis, and rankings

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Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down the recent racing action, from last weekend's Tulsa Tough Critériums to what the Critérium du Dauphiné told us about the Tour de France, before getting into some of the major takeaways at the Tour de Suisse and (38:00) unpacking the first three Episodes of the Netflix Tour de France Unchained show.
BTP In-Depth Race Breakdown Newsletter
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Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast
BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web)
Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related

Recent Racing Updates & Tour de France Unchained Episodes 1-3

Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast unpack the action and bigger-picture questions from the recent Unbound Gravel race before digging into the ongoing Critérium du Dauphiné (48:03) and what it can tell us about the current status and viability of Tour de France GC hopefuls like Remco Evenepoel and Primož Roglič.
BTP In-Depth Race Breakdown Newsletter
Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription
Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast
BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web)
Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related.

Unbound Breakdown & Dauphiné Check-In

Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast welcome back Lanterne Rouge podcast co-host/YouTuber Benji Naesen to get his thoughts on the European invasion at the upcoming Unbound Gravel race, Tadej Pogačar's dominance at the Giro d'Italia and how and if anyone can challenge him at the Tour de France, before diving deep on theoretical race tactics and differing views on the best way to challenge a stronger GC rival. 
BTP In-Depth Giro d'Italia Breakdown

Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription
Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast
BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web)
Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related.

Giro Reflections, TdF Predictions & Unbound Thoughts w/Benji Naesen

Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down the recent USA National Road Race and Time Trial Championships, including the amazing performance of recent BTP guest Scott McGill and the drama surrounding the Olympic Road Race team selection, before breaking down Tadej Pogačar's domination at the Giro d'Italia (24:20) and if we've seen anything like this in the modern era. Before wrapping up, they discuss this weekend's Unbound Gravel event and whether they expect the European road professionals to destroy the American gravel specialists or if they will struggle on the difficult and unfamiliar terrain.

Tadej's Giro Domination, USA Road Nationals & Unbound Predictions

Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast welcome back pro cyclist Scott McGill of the Project Echelon Racing project to catch up on his last two seasons, discuss his success at racing a rare mixed US-European schedule, his preferred hoagie packing method for long-haul flight fueling, as well as his thoughts on the ongoing Giro d'Italia (22:00), and his goals for the upcoming US road nationals and the remainder of the season.
BTP In-Depth Daily Giro d'Italia Breakdowns

Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription
Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast
BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Giro d’Italia with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web)
Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related.

 

The Big Takeaways So Far From Volta Valencia, Etoile de Bessèges & Saudi Tour

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