PodCrank | Talk Of Champions | With Philip Hindes & Callum Skinner

“You shouldn’t just force riders to do something; you should allow them to have their own ideas, thoughts and options to control their own destiny” - Dan Bigham

One of our most controversial guests yet is back for another round in the studio! We invite Dan Bigham into our campervan-turned-recording studio at the World Championships in Harrogate.

Fresh from his bronze medal win in the World’s Mixed Team Time Trial, Dan gives us an exclusive insight into the new Mixed TTT race, explaining what it is, time trial tactics and getting pied on the podium. We also get his thoughts on mixed gender events and the relationship between coaches and riders.

In the face of new UCI rules - which are set to prohibit Bigham’s Team Huub WattBike from racing in the Track World Cup - he reveals the team’s new goal; breaking a world record. With gruelling altitude training underway and a roster of new, promising riders joining the team, Huub WattBike will be putting its innovative methods, tech and equipment to the ultimate test in April 2020.

We’ll also be talking about old rivalries, online trolls and setting up some battles with Bigham. Stay tuned for more World Championships Podcasts!

Show us the love by subscribing, rating and reviewing PodCrash. You can also watch all of our cycling podcasts on our YouTube channel. We’re sponsored by Tempur Mattresses - listen to the show to receive a code for £100 off a new mattress. A special thank you also to La Marzocco for providing our coffee machine on the road and North Star Coffee for providing the beans!

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Diet, crashes and competitiveness; this week’s cycling podcast has it all. 

Hosted in front of a live audience at the World Championships in Harrogate, Olympians Callum Skinner and Philip Hindes return for another lively episode of PodCrash. They’re joined by PodCrash regular and Team Ineos (formerly Sky) athlete Owain Doull, who is riding in the Men’s Road Race during the competition.

After a very wet start to the Worlds, the trio discuss the races so far and share anecdotes and memories from previous years. 

With Doull having recently signed another two-year contract with Team Ineos, the guys explain the difference between track and road racing, and how Doull has made the transition; now road racing 78 days a year. 

Hindes and Skinner ask Doull about the Team Ineos dynamic, the pressure to perform and why cycling really is a team sport. Having completed his first Grand Tour this year, Vuelta Espana, Doull explains the controversy surrounding Stage 19, the unpredictability of the course and always having a grab bag ready to head to his next racing destination with, sometimes, just a day’s notice.

“In my head I don’t really have a job, I just have a hobby I get paid for” - Owan Doull

Looking to the future, Doull reveals how he’s feeling ahead of his last race of the year on Sunday, and whether or not he’ll be heading to Tokyo 2020.

Then it’s time for an audience Q&A, with Hindes giving his take on nutritional intake ahead of a race and Doull explaining how he mentally prepares for a Grand Tour.

Don’t miss this banter-filled episode live from the World Champs!

Show us the love by subscribing, rating and reviewing PodCrash. You can also watch all of our cycling podcasts on our YouTube channel. We’re sponsored by Tempur Mattresses - listen to the show to receive a code for £100 off a new mattress. A special thank you also to La Marzocco for providing our coffee machine on the road and North Star Coffee for providing the beans!

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Join PodCrash hosts Philip Hindes and Callum Skinner on the road, live from the Cycling World Championships in Harrogate. Set-up in their campervan-come-recording studio, the Olympic athletes talk all things cycling with this week’s guest; former professional cyclist Magnus Backstedt.

After discussing what they’ve been up to so far at the Worlds; giving away good coffee, talking lots of rubbish, Skinner and Hindes talk about Backstedt’s early career. Having switched from skiing to cycling, this Swedish-born road racing champ won his first national title age 12 and developed a passion for the classics and one day races.

We discuss his infamous win at the epic Paris-Roubaix in 2004 - a race he’d set his sights on years earlier. Hear Backstedt’s take on ‘marginal gains’, navigating challenging surfaces on the road  (like cobblestones) and why looking back at history is just as important as looking to the future.

“If I only won one bike race, that was the one I wanted to win” - Magnus Backstedt

While not riding professionally these days, Backstedt’s weekends are still spent at races. He’s handed down his passion for the sport to his two daughters, Elynore and Zoe, the latter of which is racing in the World Time Trials this week. Backstedt shares his thoughts on having his daughters in the cycling world and discusses the future of the British cycling scene - including the massive changes its undergoing. 

Stay tuned for more cycling podcasts straight from the World Championships!

Show us the love by subscribing, rating and reviewing PodCrash. You can also watch all of our cycling podcasts on our YouTube channel. We’re sponsored by Tempur Mattresses - listen to the show to receive a 10% off code. A special thank you also to La Marzocco for providing our coffee machine on the road and North Star Coffee for providing the beans!

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What does it take to be crowned the Fittest Woman on Earth? We talk to CrossFit athletes Sam Biggs and the Fittest Woman in Ireland Emma McQuaid in this episode of PodCrash.

One of the most fierce competitions to have ever been created, CrossFit has taken the world by storm. Hundreds of thousands of athletes enter the five-week games each year, fighting to make it to the top position and perform in a vast array of (often obscure) fitness events they can only hope they’ve trained for. Briggs and McQuaid are two of those competitors. 

“You never know what they’re going to throw at you” - Briggs

This week, Olympian’s Callum Skinner and Philip Hindes quiz the pair on their journey to CrossFit success. Having competed in her first CrossFit games at the age of 27, Briggs went on to win the games at the age of 31 in 2013. Previously a firefighter, she’s completed in 6 CrossFit Games so far, with no sign of slowing down.

Briggs and McQuaid relay how the sport has transformed its reputation since the early days and how a new wave of athletes are skyrocketing standards. One such example is McQuaid; who in 2019 competed in her first ever CrossFit games and became the Fittest Woman in Ireland. A former Commonwealth Games weightlifting competitor and quad bike racer, McQuaid’s meteoric rise makes her one to watch now and in the future.

Can you make a living as a CrossFit athlete? We talk about the difference between the National Lottery-funded GB cycling programme and sustaining yourself as a CrossFit athlete. There’s also discussion on diet, veganism and balancing extreme training routines with everyday life. Safe to say, this one’s not to be missed.

Show us the love by subscribing, rating and reviewing PodCrash. You can also watch all of our cycling podcasts on our YouTube channel. We’re sponsored by Tempur Mattresses - listen to the show to receive a 10% off code.

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This powerlifting champion has to make impossible decisions on a daily basis: pursue his life-long dream or focus on his health. Meet Ali Jawad, the GB Paralympic Powerlifter who is pushing through pain, suffering and turmoil for another shot at the podium.

“I just want to get that medal, achieve the dream - my dream - and go home.” - Jawad

In this week’s news: PodCrash hosts Callum Skinner and Philip Hindes invite you along to a pop up event at the Starling Bar Kitchen Cafe on 24th September at 4pm for the Road World Championships. You can also catch them in their mobile van/studio at the Prince of Wales Mansions (near West Park Road) for the duration of the World’s too, where you can grab some freebies and meet the duo themselves. In other news, Hindes shares what he’s been up to in the racing world and Skinner reveals the bloody details of a recent bike crash... 

Skinner and Hindes then dive into Jawad’s incredible story; his journey from Lebanon to the UK, the prejudice and hardship disabled people face in his birth country and how he learned to adapt to any environment he found himself in.

Initially a fan of judo, Jawad turned his attention to power lifting when he visited a gym for the first time as a teenager and bench pressed a jaw-dropping 100kg. Jawad talks about the mentor that shaped his view of doping and reveals that paralympic powerlifters hold the world record for the heaviest lift over the able bodied.

Diagnosed with crohn's disease post-Beijing, Jawad’s recent years have been a challenge to say the least. From being rushed into hospital for surgery to his near death experience, Jawad relays the highs and lows of managing the crippling disease alongside his sporting career.

Hear first hand Jawad’s point of view on the controversy surrounding his results at the London Paralympics and the massive decision he now faces about his future. Will he take a shot at Tokyo 2020? Find out in this episode of PodCrash.

Show us the love by subscribing, rating and reviewing PodCrash. You can also watch all of our cycling podcasts on our YouTube channel. This week, head to our Instagram to win a Garmin830 Edge!

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From backflipping 30 metres in the air, to running a marathon in North Korea; it’s safe to say this athlete takes on some extreme challenges. This week, Callum Skinner and Philip Hindes catch up with Aimee Fuller, professional slopeside snowboarder, motocross enthusiast, X Games competitor and Olympic athlete. 

Having hopped on a quad bike at four years old, started motocross by six, detoured into gymnastics and took to the slopes at 12, Fuller reveals the most incredible moments of her sporting career to date.

This episode kicks off with an account of Fuller’s younger years, which saw her and her family move to Washington DC. There, her love of snowboarding was ignited and one chance meeting changed her life. Since then, her career has taken off (literally); she’s been invited to compete at the X Games, joined GB’s Olympic squad and got a sponsorship deal with Roxy.

“How did I ever get to this point where I’m throwing myself off jumps the size of 2 storey houses?” Aimee Fuller

Skinner and Hindes quiz Fuller on what it’s like to backflip 32 meters in the air and talk about the moments that have gone horribly wrong; the time she crashed face first into a deck and broke her eye socket. Fuller explains why falling well is an art, her experience at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and why she finds being on the slopes the ultimate expression of creativity.

“It’s a very creative space, you have a blank canvas to essentially push yourself to new realms.” - Aimee Fuller

Never one to turn down an extraordinary opportunity, Fuller recently completed a marathon in North Korea. She gives us an insight into the silent North Korean streets, a nerve wracking GoPro incident and the surreal staged shops she visited whilst filming a documentary.

The trio also explore the mindset of a snowboarder, Fuller reveals how she prepares for a good day on the slopes and divulges plans for her next extreme adventure...

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In this week’s episode, Olympic cyclists Callum Skinner and Philip Hindes sit down with David Smith to hear about his journey in the world of sport and the devastating health issues he’s fought along the way. Battling cancer, overcoming multiple surgeries and dealing with severe paralysis; describing Smith as an ‘inspiration’ doesn’t quite cut it. He shares his incredible story on PodCrash…

“If you’re aware of death, does it make you live your life differently today?” - David Smith MBE

We kick off the convo with an overview of Smith’s journey into able bodied athletics and his transition into the Paralympic team. Despite scooping a gold medal at London’s 2012 Paralympic Games for rowing, a string of injuries saw him segue into the GB cycling squad. We discuss the evolving perception of paralympic sports, how the London Olympics changed the game and his ideas for pushing the paralympics forward.

Smith then relays how he was first diagnosed with a spinal tumour and the surgeries that followed to save his life. After the third agonising operation, he awoke to find one half of his body completely paralysed and Smith undertook the battle of a lifetime to learn to stand, walk and eventually cycle again. Now diagnosed with cancer for the 4th time, this unstoppable olympic champion refuses to let it hold him back - or slow him down.

“I’m living these two lives and it’s like flipping a coin; if it lands heads, I'm alive. If it lands tails I could be facing more surgery. So everyday I’m trying to live the best life.” - David Smith

With such extreme highs and lows punctuating his career and health, Smith’s story puts everything into perspective. We talk about what’s going on in his life now, his plans for the future, his passion for Barbados and living life to its fullest. Tune in; this one’s unmissable.

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“I think Rio was just the start for me” - Joe Clarke

He’s the Olympic kayak champion that’s going from strength to strength; Joe Clarke drops by for a hilarious chat with Callum Skinner and Philip Hindes. 

Recorded live in a new studio, this week’s PodCrash episode has better sound, better lighting (for the YouTube fans) and better hosting skills? Nah! Expect some laugh out loud moments in this lively cycling podcast as Hindes and Skinner grill Clarke on all things kayaking.

Wondering how you get into such a niche sport? Clarke explains what first ignited his passion for kayaking and how a brush with secondary meningitis derailed his plans to attend GB trials in 2008. Once recovered and with a place on the squad, he recounts some funny anecdotes about his time at Fairfield and Skinner doesn’t miss an opportunity to plug his favourite food joint again. Can you guess what it is?

Later, Clarke talks about the cut-throat selection process in the lead up to the Olympics and how an unpaid utility bill threw a spanner in the works at training camp. That didn’t stop him from scooping a gold medal at Rio though. From partying with the Brazilian Ronaldo to almost losing his gold medal, it’s safe to say he had the time of his life.

And the fun didn’t stop there. Clarke returned home only to be paraded around his home town in his Kayak (definitely worth a Google), and has since got engaged, become an owner of a dog and won two World Cups. 

“The chapter’s not finished yet, there’s still more in the tank and whilst I feel like I’ve still got more to achieve, and I’ve still got the drive and hunger to go out and get it, then why stop?” - Joe Clarke

Have a good laugh at Skinner and Hindes’ expense and find out what’s next for Clarke in this entertaining episode of PodCrash.

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What is it like to be in a relationship with another athlete?

In this week’s episode, former elite cyclist and now PT Charline Jones and Scottish rugby player Lee Jones talk to PodCrash hosts Callum Skinner and Philip Hindes about sport, training and what it’s like to be married to someone equally as competitive as you…

Launching straight into the cycling podcast with this week’s news; Hindes is preparing for a trip to Valencia and has hailed his new extra fancy BBQ as the “best purchase of his life”. Meanwhile, Skinner went on a stag and caused a ruckus, and also managed to drop into Glasgow to give a talk on his top cycling tips. Plus, there’s banter around an Ironman and a bet that could go horribly wrong for Hindes.

Then it’s into the lives of Charline and Lee Jones. With a background in hockey, Charline explains how she’s always seen cycling as a team sport, even when you’re riding solo, while Lee gives an insight into the camaraderie he’s experienced playing for Scotland and the Glasgow Warriors. The main difference?  “If you get beat you can blame it on someone else I guess”. 

In this light-hearted episode, the couple also open up about what it’s like to be in a relationship with an athlete. From their competitive natures, to diet, training and holidays together. 

We also cover how the selection process differs between cycling and rugby and why it’s always good to be on the right side of the coach. Join us for chats on injuries, dealing with rowdy crowds and find out how Skinner made a tit out of himself... again.

Wrapping up, Charline shares how she found a new, rewarding purpose as a PT after retiring from cycling and Lee prepares for pre-season training for the Glasgow Warriors. 

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Want to find out more about the man behind the mic? In a detour from the usual PodCrash format, it’s time for Olympic cyclist and PodCrash co-host, Callum Skinner, to get a grilling!

Ben Nichols (our guest from Episode 14), takes on the role of interviewer in this special episode and delves into why Skinner retired from elite cycling  in March 2019 and what he’s been up to since.

Looking back, Callum describes the long build-up to Rio’s Olympic Games as the ‘ultimate distraction’ in life. But what happens when it’s all over? He gives an insight into what it’s like to win medals at the world’s biggest sporting event and the transition back into training once its all over.

“It’s quite easy to put them [athletes] on a pedestal and say they’re invincible but, ultimately, athletes can be some of the most insecure people you’ll ever meet and that’s because they’re judged on their last performance.” - Callum Skinner

With a frank discussion on mental health, Skinner opens up about the pressure athletes face to perform. He also explains more about Rule 40, a by-law of the Olympic Charter that restricts non-official sponsors from using Olympic-related terms. With many athletes relying on sponsorship from smaller companies, Skinner raises some compromises that could lessen the impact on an athlete’s earning potential.

Nichols also asks Skinner about his passion for athlete activism, where he’s been working to improve collaboration between athletes and sporting bodies to raise standards. He also talks more about his role with the UK Anti-Doping Committee, a surreal trip to the White House and collaborating with Science in Sport and Vaaru.

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