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.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

04:40 Amount of Clothing Supplied to Giro Race Leaders

12:24 Sanremo 8S Speed Suit

14:03 Tailoring Suits for Performance and Fit

16:25 Optimized Gear for Specific Rider Positioning

19:53 Low-Hanging Fruit for Maximum Performance

23:30 Free Aero S Bibshorts

28:08 Free Aero Prototype Testing

31:54 PoliMI Wind Tunnel – Politecnico di Milano

33:55 Custom Program, Speed Shop, and Pro Shop

36:42 Aero Race 8S Jersey: Design and Functionality

41:42 Aero Gains: Performance Comparisons

47:08 Future Frontiers in Aero Clothing

53:13 Giro d'Italia, Stage 15, Passing by Castelli HQ

55:09 WIN a Singed Maglia Rosa!

55:41 Ending

LINKS

Castelli Speed Shop

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/Speed-Shop/c/Speed-Shop

Castelli Pro Shop

https://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.

CONNECT

https://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.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

02:10 The Origins of the Giro d’Italia

03:33 The Early Winners

04:15 The Maglia Rosa Is Born

06:31 Giro d’Italia: A Proving Ground

06:58 Top GC Winners and Most Victories

07:54 La Maglia Rosa

09:37 Castelli’s Innovative Firsts

11:54 The Legacy of Castelli in the Giro d’Italia

16:34 Ending

– LINKS –

https://www.castelli-cycling.com

https://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!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro 

03:39 Rapid Round of Questions

05:44 Gabba R

09:05 Aero Jersey

10:51 Sanremo Speed Suit 

15:04 Aero Shoe-Covers  

15:56 Body Paint 4.0 TT Suit

16:41 First Castelli Memory

18:26 Castelli History

20:15 Transitioning to BMC

25:05 Olympic Gold 

30:35 Building the Future. Cycling Academy

39:42 Gravel Racing, Sea Otter

50:51 Young Superstars of the Sport

58:23 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.

CONNECT

⁠https://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.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:27 Yves Lampaert: A Cyclist's Journey

02:52 The Evolution of Cycling

03:49 The Pressure of Being a Belgian Cyclist

10:33 The Support of Fans and Community

12:30 Foul Weather Gear: Essential for Cyclists

15:26 Career Progression in QuickStep Team

18:53 Balancing Team Roles in Cycling

19:44 The Impact of Crashes on Performance

22:41 Racing Roubaix in Wet vs. Dry

24:03 Favorite Cobble Sector and Velodrome Experience

26:55 Being Part of the Wolfpack

27:56 Memorable Wins and Achievements

34:55 Farming and Cycling: Parallels in Life

39:46 The Importance of Family and Tradition

42:40 Nutrition and Training in Modern Cycling

45:52 Advice for Young Cyclists

50:15 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.

CONNECT

https://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!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

03:15 2024 Overcoming Injuries and Challenges

07:14 First season in WT

12:15 Transitioning from Mountain Biking to Road Racing

17:49 Race Goals

19:49 First Experience in the Classics and Learning Curve

27:55 Memorial Tattoo

33:15 2024 Olympics, National Pride

38:18 Riding in Mauritius

44:21 Other Sports

45:22 Big Brother, Inspiration

48:10 Top-3 Mauritian Food

50:41 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.

CONNECT

www.instagram.com/kimlecourt

www.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!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:07 Introduction to Paul Magnier

03:35 Max Power and HR

09:33 Gabba R

13:30 The Secret Pro Collection

14:19 Innovating with the Pros

15:00 Sanremo Speed Suit Story

17:21 The Impact of Crashes and Recovery

19:36 Off-Season

22:40 Journey Into Cycling

30:08 Transition to Soudal Quick-Step

33:42 Preparing Mentally for a Sprint

37:34 All-Round Rider

38:48 Dream Races to Win

40:07 2025 Giro d'Italia

41:00 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.

CONNECT

www.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!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

03:07 Antoine's Journey to Professional Cycling

06:02 The Transition from Cyclocross to Road Cycling

08:56 The Influence of Julien Alaphilippe

11:52 The Importance of Cyclocross in Training

15:13 The World Championships and French Cyclocross

17:49 Technical Skills Gained from Cyclocross

21:13 Antoine's Early Days in Cycling

24:08 Understanding Cyclocross Racing Dynamics

29:04 Tire Pressure and Setup for Cyclocross

32:54 The Importance of a Fast Start

35:54 Gear Choices and Techniques for Cyclocross

39:48 Techniques for Barriers and Dismounting

45:30 Training Intensity and Race Preparation

51:45 Running in Cyclocross Training

53:40 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.

CONNECT

⁠Instagram⁠

– 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 FEEDBACK

If 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.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

02:41 Contest Rules

04:53 Gabba R

06:24 2025 Race Program

12:12 Building a Stronger Future for Women's Cycling

19:10 Žigart and Pogačar: The power couple of Slovenian cycling

23:11 Tadej’s Pink jersey, Barbie Story Goes Viral on Social Media

24:55 The ‘Fluffy’ Scones Story with Matt Stephens

28:22 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 Story

40:46 Urška’s Journey into Cycling

44:13 How Cycling Has Changed Over the Past Years

45:46 Talking Cycling at Home with Tadej, Improving Technically

48:15 A Hard, Steep Learning Curve

52:28 2024 Breakthrough Year

55:05 Signing with AG Insurance-Soudal

01:01:48 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.

CONNECT

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠AG Insurance Soudal⁠⁠

– HOST –

Søren Jensen, Castelli Global Marketing Manager.

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with one of Britain’s most versatile and exciting cyclists—Ethan Hayter.

In this episode, Ethan reflects on his journey from turning pro with Team INEOS in 2020 to signing with Soudal Quick-Step for the next two seasons—a team with Grand Tour and Classics ambitions, while also working to help Ethan rediscover his best form. With past victories, including the GC at the Tour de Pologne and the Tour of Norway, along with 15 wins across 2021 and 2022, Ethan shares insights on season goals, adapting to his new team, balancing road and track disciplines, and the role of marginal gains in professional cycling.

We delve into how his track racing roots have shaped his road career, the mental preparation required for major events like the Olympics, and the importance of patience and joy in overcoming setbacks. Ethan also discusses how he got into cycling through the track community and offers valuable advice for young cyclists, emphasizing the role of community and passion in achieving sustained success.

Packed with insights and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the world of cycling.

Chapters

00:00 Intro 

02:50 Rapid Fire Round of Questions

03:49 Transitioning to Soudal Quick-Step    

08:08 Reflecting on Past Achievements and Future Goals

13:35 Journey Into Track Cycling 

19:29 Balancing Road and Track Training

21:44 Mental Preparation for Major Races

22:39 Dealing with Setbacks and Staying Motivated

25:46 Race Recon and Todays technology

28:21 Castelli Windtunnel Testing

29:43 Sanremo Speed Suit, Idea to Reality   

31:57 Advice for Young Cyclists: Community & Enjoyment

37:19 Ending 

– GUEST –

Ethan Hayter is known for his success both on the road and on the track, with a long list of medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and other major events. He turned pro with Team INEOS in 2020 and now rides for Soudal Quick-Step.

CONNECT

https://www.instagram.com/ethanhayter/

https://www.strava.com/pros/601041

– 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/

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS

If 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 second episode, Nathan Haas shares his inspiring journey from being a young, talented athlete in Australia to racing for some of the sport's biggest World Tour teams.

He discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from downhill mountainbiking to road racing, the importance of team dynamics, and the evolution of Girona as a cycling hub. 

Nathan also delves into his collaborations with architect and designer Richard Pearce, exploring the creative design process behind Castelli’s exclusive R-A/D Collection and the significance of gravel racing in today’s cycling culture.

We sat down with him in his hometown of Girona to talk about his entry into cycling and the lessons he’s learned as a pro that can inspire others.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:08 Overview

03:25 The Journey Begins: Nathan Haas' Early Days

02:44 From Downhill to World Tour: The Transition

06:09 Navigating the World Tour: Challenges and Triumphs

08:57 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Cycling

12:14 The Evolution of Girona as a Cycling Hub

14:58 Cultural Insights: Riding for French Teams

18:11 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Professional Cycling

21:03 Designing the Future: Collaborations with Richard Pérez

23:51 The Full Circle Journey: From Dirt to Road to Gravel

27:10 The Science of Gravel: DNA and Design

30:05 The Art of Cycling Apparel: A Deep Dive into Jerseys

32:56 Reflections and Future Aspirations

37:29 Ending 

– LINKS –

Richard Pearce, R–A/D Collection

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/highlights/r-ad-collection

Designing the R—AD Collection: A history of passion

Nathan: https://youtu.be/XnBd7oeEggU

Richard Paerce: https://youtu.be/5NobK1ER4MY

– GUEST –

Born in Australia, Nathan Haas was originally a mountain biker and represented Australia at two UCI World Championships. In 2009, he switched to road racing, competing in the World Tour for a decade before transitioning to gravel racing in 2021. He has lived in Girona, Spain, since 2012.

CONNECT

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

STRAVA

– 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 ⁠

⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.