CASTELLI Cycling Podcast

📺 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

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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 final episode of the year, we explore the full story of the Gabba — one of the most influential innovations in cycling apparel history.

From a brutal Classics race in 2010 that changed how the peloton raced in cold and wet conditions, to the latest evolution, the Gabba R, this episode traces how a single idea became a category-defining product.

Recorded after a wind-tunnel session in Milan, this episode features Kasper Asgreen, who shares real-world testing insights from training and racing in some of the harshest conditions imaginable.

We break down the aero data, explain how the Gabba R can be faster than an aero jersey or even a road suit in certain positions, and dive into the technology behind its waterproof, breathable, and highly elastic construction.

Cycling history, marginal gains, and real performance — all in one episode.

Happy New Year, and enjoy the ride.

–– LINKS ––

Kasper Asgreen

https://www.instagram.com/k_asgreen

Gabba R White Paper

https://mvc.canto.com/b/QQDJ6

The Gabba Story 🎧

https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000629549953

The Gabba R Collection

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/gabba-r

–– CHAPTERS ––

00:00 Intro

01:08 Why the Gabba changed cycling

01:37 The race that started it all

03:29 Before vs after Gabba

04:56 Cycling’s game changers

06:26 Introducing the Gabba R

06:55 Why Kasper Asgreen tested it

09:20 Wind-tunnel testing

09:55 Kasper’s first Gabba

12:07 First ride impressions

13:18 Faster than a jersey?

14:18 Real-world rain testing

16:16 Aero results

18:35 Energy savings

19:21 Fit & versatility

21:21 Pocket design

23:05 Performance recap

23:53 Technology explained

28:06 Final thoughts

– 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.

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.

Nathan is a household name in cycling, having raced at the World Tour level for 10 years, participated in all Grand Tours, and sparked many conversations about the present and future of gravel cycling—all while achieving top results and inspiring others.

In this action-packed episode, we sit down with Nathan to explore gravel riding, the best routes around Girona, its coffee culture, cycling community, and why Girona has become a cycling mecca.

We also discuss the spirit of gravel, where camaraderie and competition create a passionate, welcoming community, and why events like the Iceland Rift are gaining attention. Other topics include athlete branding on social media, the rising competitiveness in gravel racing, advancements in equipment, biomechanics, and other factors driving increased speed and performance, as well as empowering women in the sport, and more.

Tune in for an episode full of insights, inspiration, and everything that makes gravel cycling unique.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:58 The Girona Coffee Culture

06:07 Favorite Castelli Product

10:07 Why Gravel is Better than World Tour Racing

10:40 Best Jersey Design

13:22 Best Girona Gravel Ride

16:13 Why Girona is a Cyclist's Paradise

19:25 Advice for Aspiring Gravel Racers

21:33 The Best Part of Gravel Racing

26:18 Race Coverage and Athlete Branding

34:50 The Spirit of Gravel

45:23 Empowering Women

47:33 Outro

– LINKS –

Girona Coffee Shops:

https://www.instagram.com/oniriacafe/

https://www.instagram.com/tramuntana_girona

Nathan’s Favorite Ride From Girona

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/269428651

Richard Pearce, R–A/D Collection

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

– 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

https://www.instagram.com/nathanpeterhaas/

https://www.strava.com/pros/12924172 

– 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.

At just 22, Gaia Masetti is already making waves in the women’s WorldTour. With a deep passion for cycling that began in childhood, Gaia has raced in some of the biggest events on the calendar as part of the AG Insurance Soudal team.

In this episode, Gaia reflects on her journey from winning her first race at the age of six to turning pro at just 21. She discusses the challenges she faced along the way, the unwavering support of her family, and how cyclocross helped shape her technical skills on the bike. She shares insights into her favorite Castelli gear, the races she’d like to win one day, what it’s like to race for the national team, and reveals her love for Italian ice cream, pizza, and what's on her curated Spotify playlist.

Join us for an inspiring chat with this rising Italian star!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

03:12 The Role of Castelli in Professional Cycling

06:04 Training Regimen and Coaching Dynamics

08:58 Racing Preferences: Stage vs. One-Day Races

11:51 Experiences in Major Races and Atmosphere

15:09 Cyclocross and Its Influence on Road Cycling

18:03 Representing Italy: The National Team Experience

20:54 Personal Preferences and Lifestyle as a Cyclist

24:11 Cultural Insights: Food and Music in Gaia's Life

27:01 Family Influence and Support in Cycling

30:06 Future Aspirations

– GUEST –

Gaia Masetti is an Italian professional cyclist riding for AG Insurance–Soudal She has gained recognition for her performances, including a victory at the La Classique Morbihan in 2023. Additionally, she won a gold medal in the mixed team relay at the 2024 European Road Championships and has competed in prestigious events like the Tour de France Femmes and Giro d’Italia Women.

CONNECT

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠AG Insurance Soudal⁠

– 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

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.

The pressure to achieve ideal weight in cycling and triathlon, hit competitive power-to-weight ratios, and meet physical expectations drives a surprising number of male and female elite athletes into a state of low energy availability. In this series, we explore RED-S, what it entails, and why diagnosing it is so complex.

If you missed the first episode, we strongly recommend starting there as these two episodes serve as a comprehensive guide for athletes at all levels looking to enhance their performance through proper nutrition and hydration, with a focus on both physical and mental well-being.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

02:57 Best Practices for Treating RED-S

05:46 The Importance of Mental Health in Sports Nutrition

09:07 Educating Young Athletes on Nutrition and Health

11:56 The Counterintuitive Benefits of Increased Energy Intake

14:47 Shifting Mindsets Around Nutrition and Eating Behaviors

18:01 Tailoring Nutrition to Training Demands

20:52 Fluid and Electrolyte Management for Athletes

23:47 The Role of Sodium in Hydration and Performance

26:57 Nutrient Density and Whole Foods in Athletic Diets

29:50 Practical Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Athletes

33:03 The Importance of Training the Gut for Endurance Events

35:48 Emerging Research and Trends in Sports Nutrition

56:00 Ending

IMPORTANT LINKS

RED-S Study: Escape Collective

Researchgate Study

Full Paper, click here. 

RED-S Symptoms Overview 

– GUEST –

Dani Hofstetter has been fueling champions for over 20 years. He holds the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition, awarded by the International Olympic Committee as part of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission program. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of athletes, from World Tour cyclists to mountaineers and amateur cyclists.

CONNECT

⁠⁠Dani Hofstetter bio⁠⁠

⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠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.

As athletes, we constantly push to hit our peak, whether it’s achieving the ideal weight, nailing competitive power-to-weight ratios, or meeting physical expectations. But this pressure can sometimes lead to low energy availability and, in turn, the critical condition known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).

Whether you're training for a race or managing your daily workouts, RED-S can seriously impact your health and performance. In our latest two podcast episodes, we dive deep into what RED-S is, why diagnosing it is so complex, and how it’s impacting athletes of all levels.

Let’s dive in!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro and Overview

02:48 Understanding RED-S

05:46 Differences Between RED-S and the Female Athlete Triad

08:59 Hormonal Imbalances and Their Consequences

11:51 The Role of Metabolism in Athletic Performance

15:09 Bone Health and Energy Availability in Athletes

18:01 Measuring Energy Expenditure and Intake

20:56 Signs and Symptoms of RED-S

24:10 Nutrition Strategies for Athletes

27:02 Long-term Consequences of RED-S

30:12 Case Study: Georgie Howe and Energy Deficit Performance

32:57 Challenges in Diagnosing RED-S

35:48 The Importance of Tailored Nutrition Plans

39:05 Micronutrient Density and Athletic Performance

41:49 Bone Density Scans and Monitoring Health

45:06 Treatment Approaches for RED-S

46:00 Ending 

IMPORTANT LINKS

RED-S Study: Escape Collective

Researchgate Study

Full Paper, click here. 

RED-S Symptoms Overview 

– GUEST –

Dani Hofstetter has been fueling champions for over 20 years. He holds the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition, awarded by the International Olympic Committee as part of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission program. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of athletes, from World Tour cyclists to mountaineers and amateur cyclists.

Dani is also an ultra-cyclist and coach based near Zurich, Switzerland, focused on simplifying nutrition and helping athletes avoid fad diets. You can find Dani’s contact details below.

CONNECT

⁠⁠Dani Hofstetter bio⁠⁠

⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠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.

Today's guest is truly inspiring—a superstar admired by millions of fans. We’re joined by NBA Hall of Famer and Olympian Reggie Miller. While Reggie is widely known for his legendary basketball career, today we’ll discuss his love for mountain biking and gravel riding, the cycling community, his missioan to boost diversity in the sport, and his passion for getting more kids and people of color involved. We’ll also explore his efforts to make cycling more accessible for everyone.

Joining Reggie is Matt Lieto, a world-famous athlete who has competed in several Ironman World Championships and races like the Unbound 200, and now shares his insights as a coach, podcaster, and commentator.

The interview was recorded during the world-class gravel event, SBT GRVL, in and around beautiful Steamboat Springs, in CO. 

We're sure you'll enjoy this one, so sit back, relax and kick your feet up!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Opportunity

13:28 Mission to Boost Diversity in Cycling

22:10 Reggie Miller's Personal Journey in Cycling

27:32 Favorite Bikes and Riding Locations

34:40 The Importance of Community and Support

– GUEST –

Reggie Miller, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, spent his entire 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers, where he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Known for his incredible three-point shooting and clutch performances, Reggie was a five-time NBA All-Star and left a lasting legacy, especially with his unforgettable rivalry against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. He’s the guy who could silence an entire arena with a single shot. And if you’re a Knicks fan, you probably still have some feelings about him! After hanging up his jersey in 2005, Reggie moved on to become a successful sports commentator, continuing to leave his mark on the game he loves.

CONNECT

https://www.instagram.com/reggiemillertnt/

Dropping Dimes Foundation: https://droppingdimes.org

– CO-HOST –

Matt Lieto is a professional triathlete, coach, and commentator, known for his expertise in Ironman competitions. Despite starting his athletic journey later, he became a respected figure in the sport. Today, Matt is a well-regarded coach and mentor to athletes of all levels, and he’s a familiar voice in the endurance sports world as a commentator for major triathlon events, including Ironman. His approachable style and in-depth analysis have made him a favorite among fans and athletes alike.

CONNECT ⁠

https://www.instagram.com/mattlieto/

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.

Join us for a thrilling episode of the Castelli Podcast with João Paulo de Oliveira, a Brazilian racing ace in Japan's Super GT scene. Discover how João uses cycling to stay fit and explore the parallels between these two high-demand sports.

Learn how cycling not only keeps João in peak condition but also allows him to explore Japan’s stunning landscapes, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to serene countryside routes and the iconic climb up Mount Fuji.

Whether you’re into road cycling, curious about the high-tech world of Super GT, or someone who appreciates the finer things in life—like scenic bike routes, Tokyo’s cycling culture and delicious Japanese food— this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for an inspiring and dynamic conversation!

CHAPTERS

00:40 Introduction and Preview

04:46 João's Passion for Cycling

07:12 Getting Out of Tokyo, Exploring Japan by Bike 

10:22 Favorite Climbs Outside of Tokyo

15:30 Car Racing vs Cycling 

16:40 João's Racing Journey and Move to Japan

28:12 Super GT and its Unique Features

41:18 The Importance of the Driver-Engineer Relationship   

43:21 The Mental Toughness Required in Elite Sports

46:42 Dedication and Commitment

49:16 Cycling is a Lifestyle and Life Lessons 

50:37 Training and Rest for Peak Performance

55:58 Training G-Force 

01:01:12 Nutrition, Physio

01:06:35 The Joy of Living and Cycling in Japan

01:10:03 The Connection Between Car Handling and Bike Handling

01:15:48 Specialized Ambassador  

01:16:51 Story Behind A Unique Piece of Race Car Art

01:18:11 Ending

– GUEST –

João Paulo Lima de Oliveira is a Brazilian race car driver competing in the Japanese Super GT series. He won the Super GT GT300 class championship in 2020 and 2022, and the Formula Nippon championship in 2010. JP, as he is known, is one of the most successful drivers in Japan over the last decade, with victories in every category he’s competed in. After dominating German F3 in 2003, he moved to Japan in 2004, winning the Japanese F3 title the following year. He then spent 13 years as a factory driver for Nissan in Super GT and Super Formula, renowned for his speed and car development skills.

CONNECT

⁠Instagram⁠

STRAVA

A Beginners Guide To Super GT

Motorsports.com

– 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

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.