We break down a wild Women’s Elite Road Race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali. On a 15 km circuit climbed 11 times with cobbles and altitude, the race turned into pure attrition—and delivered a podium few predicted: Magdeleine Vallieres (CAN) took the rainbow jersey, with Niamh Fisher-Black (NZL) second and Mavi García (ESP) third. Joining us is Kimberly Coats, CEO of Team Africa Rising, to talk course demands, why altitude prep mattered, and what Rwanda’s first-ever African Worlds means for women’s cycling across the continent.

What we cover

• The course: at elevation like Denver or Andorra, with two brutal climbs, long cobbles, no radios = chaos
• How the winning move formed and why the favorites stalled
• Historic junior results from Ethiopia and why development pathways matter
• Travel, logistics, and safety in Rwanda—myths vs. realities
• Altitude camps, iron levels, and why “sleep high” isn’t a magic bullet
• Africa’s momentum: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Benin, and the need for more races
• Looking ahead to Montreal 2026 and LA 2028

Guest Kimberly Coats — CEO, Team Africa Rising (working in African cycling development since 2009)

Chapters (approx.) 00:00 Cold open & intro 01:00 Guest intro: Kimberly Coats 05:05 Race recap & podium 10:30 Why the break stuck / favorites hesitated 13:30 Altitude, cobbles, and equipment notes 17:30 Development realities for African riders 23:30 Rwanda hosting: costs, safety, and impact 29:30 Maryland Cycling Classic takeaways 34:15 Who’s next in African cycling 37:00 What we want from future Worlds courses 40:20 Access to bikes & infrastructure 43:30 Final thoughts & what’s next

We break down a wild Women’s Elite Road Race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali. On a 15 km circuit climbed 11 times with cobbles and altitude, the race turned into pure attrition—and delivered a podium few predicted: Magdeleine Vallieres (CAN) took the rainbow jersey, with Niamh Fisher-Black (NZL) second and Mavi García (ESP) third. Joining us is Kimberly Coats, CEO of Team Africa Rising, to talk course demands, why altitude prep mattered, and what Rwanda’s first-ever African Worlds means for women’s cycling across the continent.

What we cover

• The course: at elevation like Denver or Andorra, with two brutal climbs, long cobbles, no radios = chaos
• How the winning move formed and why the favorites stalled
• Historic junior results from Ethiopia and why development pathways matter
• Travel, logistics, and safety in Rwanda—myths vs. realities
• Altitude camps, iron levels, and why “sleep high” isn’t a magic bullet
• Africa’s momentum: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Benin, and the need for more races
• Looking ahead to Montreal 2026 and LA 2028

Guest Kimberly Coats — CEO, Team Africa Rising (working in African cycling development since 2009)

Chapters (approx.)00:00 Cold open & intro01:00 Guest intro: Kimberly Coats05:05 Race recap & podium10:30 Why the break stuck / favorites hesitated13:30 Altitude, cobbles, and equipment notes17:30 Development realities for African riders23:30 Rwanda hosting: costs, safety, and impact29:30 Maryland Cycling Classic takeaways34:15 Who’s next in African cycling37:00 What we want from future Worlds courses40:20 Access to bikes & infrastructure43:30 Final thoughts & what’s next

Join us as we dive into the thrilling MCC25 Women's Race Recap, where the inaugural women's race at the Maryland Cycling Classic unfolded with breathtaking intensity. From the 28-corner circuit that tested the riders' skills to the picturesque backdrop of Baltimore, this episode captures the essence of a race that was both challenging and exhilarating. Discover how the cobblestones, steep climbs, and aggressive tactics shaped the competition, and hear firsthand accounts of standout performances and unexpected turns. Tune in to experience the highs and lows of a race that promises to leave a lasting impact on the cycling world.

Join us on the Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast as we dive into the Maryland Cycling Classic, the biggest one-day race in the United States, now making history with its debut women's edition. Our special guest, Joanne Kiesanowski, a former professional cyclist and three-time Olympian, shares her insights as the Women's Competition Manager. Discover the challenges and excitement of this unique city circuit in Baltimore, featuring cobblestones, technical turns, and a diverse international peloton. Don't miss this episode packed with expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of women's cycling.

The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast recapped the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, highlighting the excitement and challenges of the nine-day race. We cover everything from the controversy over prize money disparities, and the impact of media scrutiny on riders' weight and body image, and our highlights from the 9 days of racing.

This wraps up Season 1 of the QueenStage and we want to hear from you about where we should go from here. Let us know over on Instagram (@queenstage.cc) or by emailing us a note at [email protected]. (We’re also actively seeking sponsors for the show!)

And of course, make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss us when we return!

The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discusses Stage 9 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch talking about the one and only Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (PFP) winning her second stage and securing the overall victory in the race. PFP's dominant performance, including a final attack with 6.5 km to go, highlighted her tactical brilliance and ability to handle pressure. The GC standings saw significant changes, with PFP leading by 3 minutes and 42 seconds over Demi Vollering.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 8 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch highlighting Pauline Ferrand Prevot’s incredible win on the Col de la Madeleine. With one stage to go and PFP with an almost 3-minute lead in the GC, can anyone stop her?

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 6 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch. The Queen Stage of the Tour de France Femmes with UAE Team ADQ's Maeva Squiban winning back-to-back stages. Kim Lecourt maintained her yellow jersey after a screaming fast descent—descents were key in today’s stage.The GC standings remain tight, with no significant changes, but tomorrow's stage, a summit finish at Col de la Madeleine, is expected to be change all of that.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 6 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and special guest Shawn Small. The stage included 124 kilometers and 2,400 meters of climbing, with key moments including a breakaway by Elise Chabbey, Brody Chapman, and Silke Smulders, and a late attack by Maeva Squiban The GC battle intensified, with Kim Lecourt maintaining her GC lead. The conversation also touched on team tactics, the importance of descending skills, and the unique challenges of racing in the mountains—plus plenty of team tech with Ruckus Composites’ Shawn.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch highlighting a hilly course and significant abandonments early on, including Kristen Faulkner and Elisa Balsamo. The stage saw a breakaway with riders like Allison Jackson and Brody Chapman, and a sprint finish with Kim Le Court winning. The GC standings shifted, with Kim Le Court in yellow, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot in second, and Demi Vollering in third. The next stage promises challenging climbs and potential breakaways—get ready for the mountains.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.