The Detour Podcast

We chat with commentator Matt Keenan and Mitchelton Scott DS Matthew White to preview the 2020 edition of the race.  We also take a listen to New Zealand George Bennett and his feelings about the potential of testing positive to Covid-219 during the three weeks.

2011 will forever be etched into the history books of Australian Sport when Cadel Evans become the first Aussie to win the Tour de France.  We chat with him about the lead up to that year edition and why was he so relaxed prior to the race start.  We also dive into the race tactics and what happened on the famous stage 18 finish up the Galibier.  

Caroline Buchanan is a superstar of the BMX and Mountain Bike world.  We chat with her about her rise to fame, Olympic campaigns, sponsorship and the crash which almost ended her life in 2017.  Another inspirational tale of mental toughness and passion to be the best.

Many people who know Aussie cycling have heard of Will Walker.  But not many know the real story.  Once touted as "the next Cadel" Will had some big success as a junior winning national titles and signing with dutch team Rabobank at the height of their dominance in the world tour.  At the age of just 20 he raced in the Tour of Spain which many criticised due to the demands on the body.  Unfortunately for Will he suffered from complications with his heart forcing him into early retirement.  He miraculously made another return to the sport which almost ended his life.  To this day Will struggles to talk about the day at the National Championships that almost killed him.  He opens up in this episode to share that insight.  A truly inspirational story for not just fans of cycling.  

Phil Liggett. “The voice of Cycling” The man who has commentated 47 Tours de France and 15 Olympics talks about his passions; Cycling, South Africa, Australia and the Lance fiasco

The McQuaid family have a rich history in cycling. Pat was president of the UCI in probably its most challenging era – Kieron was almost knocked of his bike by Irish Rebels in the Munich Olympics – Paul raced world championships and has built all the bikes and taught the actors how to ride for the new Hollywood movie “The Racer” and the youngest Darach is the new Chairman of World Tour team Mitchelton Scott.

Who better to tell us where cycling is currently at and how we move forward, and supply a few well needed laughs!

A special episode of the Detour as we chat with Phil Anderson - the first non European to wear the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France.  He details how he got his first break to ride in Europe as well as some of his best battles with the like of Bernard Hinault on the road.  Phil also talks about how he helped a young Simon Gerrans take up cycling, and the struggles he had in the early years.

A fascinating chat with Australia's top ranked women's cyclist Amanda Spratt as she opens up about the highs and lows of her career.  We chat about her road to recovery after a severe crash in 2008 which lead to a long and strenuous road to recovery.  Amanda talks about the current pandemic and the effect on protocols as well as her relationship with current World Champion Annemiek Van Vlueten.  

We chat with acclaimed journalist and author Rupert Guinness after he recently completed the challenging VRAAM event.  He opens up about what it was like covering the Tour de France over 30 times from Cadel's amazing victory in 2011 to the Armstrong era.

We chat with Mitchelton Scott owner Gerry Ryan about the new era for the team.  Gerry opens up about the new management restructure as well as what happened in regards to the failed Manuela Fundación partnership.  We also go back to his beginnings as a young boy from Bendigo and trace the journey to becoming one of Australia's most successful businessmen.  In the current Covid-19 crises Gerry also discusses how he has managed his many business ventures through the tough times, particularly his theatre productions which are currently on hold globally.