CASTELLI Cycling Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling — Valentin Paret-Peintre. At just 24, he’s already claimed stage victories at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour of Oman, and made history as the fifth Frenchman ever to win atop Mont Ventoux during his maiden Tour de France.

Join us for a relaxed and insightful conversation recorded during pre-season camp, as Valentin opens up about life with Soudal Quick-Step, his favorite alpine climbs, his power-to-weight secrets, and how growing up in a cycling-obsessed family shaped his journey.

If you're a fan of the high mountains, French alpine gems, and the inner mindset of a pure climber – this one's for you!

The interview was recorded as a friendly chat at the beginning of the season, following a product feedback session. 

– LINKS –

Valentin Paret-Peintre

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Climbs:

Col de l'Arpettaz (Ugine)

Col de la Colombiere (Cluses)

Col des Aravis (Flumet)

Mont-Salève

– CHAPTERS –

00:00 – Quickfire intro

00:39 – Welcome & Valentin’s rise: Giro stage win to Ventoux glory

01:45 – Riding with the Wolfpack: New chapter with Soudal Quick-Step

03:13 – Settling in with the team & first impressions from training camp

04:35 – Why the Giro d’Italia is his favorite Grand Tour

05:39 – Growing up in Haute-Savoie & descending skills

06:49 – Favorite local climb: Col de la Colombière

08:08 – Riding for joy, peace & scenery — not always for coffee

09:40 – Reflections on mountain solitude & wild landscapes

10:51 – Hidden gem climbs: Col de l’Arpettaz and others

11:49 – What makes a world-class climber: More than just numbers

13:27 – Beating personal records at the Giro & Tour de Suisse

15:21 – In-the-saddle vs out-of-saddle: His climbing technique

16:09 – Bodyweight, gym work & nutrition

18:06 – Training efforts: Torque work, over/unders, and VO2 sets

20:32 – Training solo vs in groups & life in Chambéry

22:11 – Annual New Year's ride around Lac Léman tradition

22:58 – Aero obsession: Race suits vs jersey/shorts

24:23 – Castelli product insights & racing with innovation

25:21 – First impressions of the Sanremo S8 race suit

26:16 – Why he joined Soudal Quick-Step & learning from Remco & Landa

29:51 – Not ready to lead just yet — embracing a support role

31:51 – Eyeing the Tour de France debut in 2025

33:02 – On racing the Tour as a French rider: Personal dream

34:06 – Favorite Tour climb: Col du Galibier and its magic

36:08 – Favorite off-season meal? Spaghetti alla bolognese 🍝

36:41 – Outro & thanks

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They were just two kids from Wortegem, 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.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:38 Tim Merlier’s Journey

06:26 Bert Van Lerberghe’s Journey

09:02 Amateur Belgian Cycling

13:20 Gravel Racing

16:40 Bert’s Strengths and Weaknesses

19:22 Tim’s Strengths and Weaknesses

20:37 Rapid Fire Round of Questions

20:45 First Castelli Memory

21:49 Favorite Castelli Winter Product

23:39 Dream Races to Win One Day

27:32 Rapid Fire

36:10 The Wolfpack Team Dynamics

36:43 Ending

– LINKS –

⁠⁠Tim Merlier⁠⁠

⁠⁠Bert Van Lerberghe⁠⁠

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠

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]⁠⁠

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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!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

03:18 Behind the Scenes of Wind Tunnel Testing

03:55 Tim Merlier's Sprint Suit

11:27 Fast Feet Aero Socks

12:09 Refining Remco's Time Trial Suit

14:50 Remco's New Time Trial Position

17:03 Aero Suit Testing with Soudal Quick-Step

18:08 Adapting Suits for Different Cyclists

20:17 Different TT Suits for the Uphill Time Trial

20:48 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

GUESTS

⁠Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step⁠

⁠Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager ⁠

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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/

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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 

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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]⁠⁠⁠

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