In Episode 8 of our ongoing “Retrospectives” podcast, Steve Brunner talks with long-time American racer, Fred Rodriguez. The U.S. has not produced a slew of top sprinters at the world-class level in road cycling, but, “Fast Freddie Rodriguez” was one of a handful. Tactically sound, Rodriguez had a lengthy and prolific career, winning stages of elite races Giro d’Italia, Tour de Suisse, 4 Days of Dunkirk, and Tour de Georgia. Known as a top lead-out man for a number of years, he was also a good one-day specialist with podium finishes in Milan-San Remo, Gent-Wevelgem, and San Francisco Grand Prix. He may be most notable for his record four U.S. Pro National Championships, the last being in 2013, at age 39.

Cycling has always been a part of Christian Vande Velde's life. From current color commentary on NBC's broadcast of top professional race to his storied career which crested with 4th place in the 2008 Tour de France to his swan song as race champion of the USA Pro Challenge (aka Tour of Colorado) in 2013. Brought up in a household of cyclists, led by his father John, a two-time Olympian, Christian talks about his lineage, fighting through a rash of crash-related injuries at inopportune times to life inside the commentary booth and his unique relationship with former colleague Paul Sherwen. For both the hardcore fan or the novice, Vande Velde (aka "CVV") tells plenty of engaging and earnest stories from his life on and off the bike.

Ushered out of the sport of professional cycling after a disputed positive test in 2015, one of his era's biggest personalities and best climbers, takes his first deep dive into a reflection on his career and how he's morphed into a phoenix of sorts to rise above to become entrepreneur, businessman, coach, and father. Danielson's affable and candid nature reveals perspective on both foibles and successes while looking forward not backwards.

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