Consistent Australian Dan McConnell finished 7th at the Hafjell UCI MTB XC World Cup race, completing the 2013 season in second place overall - Audio courtesy of Canadian Cyclist.

The Cycling Central podcast goes freeform this week, as online editor Phil Gomes is joined by Sarah van Boheemen and Anthony Tan to talk about, well, stuff, to be precise.

Beginning with the Vuelta, the trio wonder if we’ll see our first 40-something Grand Tour champion, as Chris Horner eyes the prize pundits first thought had Vincenzo Nibali’s name written all over it. They also speculate on the speculation that surrounds the American’s performances thus far – Tanny sees nothing unusual, Sarah’s not so sure, and Phil’s somewhere in between… Perhaps it is simply proof that, in this modern era, Grand Tour doubles simply aren’t possible.

Part of a leaked dossier made headlines this week, seemingly throwing UCI president Pat McQuaid into further hot water. Among a dozen direct accusations, McQuaid and predecessor Hein Verbruggen are accused of soliciting a bribe from a team owner last year; of manipulating drug testing rules for Lance Armstrong; and of attempting to cover up Alberto Contador’s positive drugs test in 2010 – all, say the authors of the 54-page document, supported by testimonial and documentary evidence.

Finally, on a somewhat unusual note, Europcar’s David Veilleux announced his surprise retirement from professional cycling at – wait for it – 25 years old! Why, and what does the future hold for this French Canadian who wasn’t even in his cycling prime?

And that’s what we’re talkin’ about!

The Cycling Central podcast goes freeform this week, as online editor Phil Gomes is joined by Sarah van Boheemen and Anthony Tan to talk about, well, stuff, to be precise.

Beginning with the Vuelta, the trio wonder if we’ll see our first 40-something Grand Tour champion, as Chris Horner eyes the prize pundits first thought had Vincenzo Nibali’s name written all over it. They also speculate on the speculation that surrounds the American’s performances thus far – Tanny sees nothing unusual, Sarah’s not so sure, and Phil’s somewhere in between… Perhaps it is simply proof that, in this modern era, Grand Tour doubles simply aren’t possible.

Part of a leaked dossier made headlines this week, seemingly throwing UCI president Pat McQuaid into further hot water. Among a dozen direct accusations, McQuaid and predecessor Hein Verbruggen are accused of soliciting a bribe from a team owner last year; of manipulating drug testing rules for Lance Armstrong; and of attempting to cover up Alberto Contador’s positive drugs test in 2010 – all, say the authors of the 54-page document, supported by testimonial and documentary evidence.

Finally, on a somewhat unusual note, Europcar’s David Veilleux announced his surprise retirement from professional cycling at – wait for it – 25 years old! Why, and what does the future hold for this French Canadian who wasn’t even in his cycling prime?

And that’s what we’re talkin’ about!

The Cycling Central podcast goes freeform this week, as online editor Phil Gomes is joined by Sarah van Boheemen and Anthony Tan to talk about, well, stuff, to be precise.

Beginning with the Vuelta, the trio wonder if we’ll see our first 40-something Grand Tour champion, as Chris Horner eyes the prize pundits first thought had Vincenzo Nibali’s name written all over it. They also speculate on the speculation that surrounds the American’s performances thus far – Tanny sees nothing unusual, Sarah’s not so sure, and Phil’s somewhere in between… Perhaps it is simply proof that, in this modern era, Grand Tour doubles simply aren’t possible.

Part of a leaked dossier made headlines this week, seemingly throwing UCI president Pat McQuaid into further hot water. Among a dozen direct accusations, McQuaid and predecessor Hein Verbruggen are accused of soliciting a bribe from a team owner last year; of manipulating drug testing rules for Lance Armstrong; and of attempting to cover up Alberto Contador’s positive drugs test in 2010 – all, say the authors of the 54-page document, supported by testimonial and documentary evidence.

Finally, on a somewhat unusual note, Europcar’s David Veilleux announced his surprise retirement from professional cycling at – wait for it – 25 years old! Why, and what does the future hold for this French Canadian who wasn’t even in his cycling prime?

And that’s what we’re talkin’ about!

Australia's Cadel Evans won the fourth stage of the Tour of Alberta after a breakaway (Via BMC Audioline).

Australia's Cadel Evans won the fourth stage of the Tour of Alberta after a breakaway (Via BMC Audioline).

Australia's Cadel Evans won the fourth stage of the Tour of Alberta after a breakaway (Via BMC Audioline).

Australia's Rohan Dennis won the 169.8km third stage of the Tour of Alberta to take the overall lead in the Canadian race for his Garmin-Sharp team.

Australia's Rohan Dennis won the 169.8km third stage of the Tour of Alberta to take the overall lead in the Canadian race for his Garmin-Sharp team.

Australia's Rohan Dennis won the 169.8km third stage of the Tour of Alberta to take the overall lead in the Canadian race for his Garmin-Sharp team.