Watt Matters Podcast

Sarah Gigante - From Juniors to the WorldTour 🎙️

In this episode of the Watt Matters Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Gigante to look back at her coaching journey with Pinnacle Performance - from her early years as a developing junior through to racing at WorldTour level.

We unpack how Sarah trained and developed early in her career, how that approach evolved as the demands of racing changed, and the progression towards some of her biggest performances at Nationals, Tour Down Under and the Giro.

We also talk through the setbacks Sarah has faced along the way, including iliac artery endofibrosis and her current injury, and how she has approached the process of rebuilding and returning to racing each time.

A look behind the scenes at the training, development and challenges across Sarah's journey from junior racing to the WorldTour.

Watch on YouTube 📺
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧

@wattmatterspodcast
@nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformancecc

https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/

https://nocsportsscience.com/

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction
02:26 - Current Update on Sarah's Injury
09:32 - Early Coaching
20:33 - Early Career Training Approach
28:19 - Building Towards TDU & Nationals
34:03 - First Year with AG Insurance-Soudal
37:06 - Overcoming Iliac Artery Endofibrosis
39:53 - Building Towards the Giro

In Episode 12, we sit down in Italy with sport scientist, coach, and friend of the podcast, Alice Maggio 🔥.

A great episode where we discuss female endurance physiology, the menstrual cycle, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), and how a better understanding of these areas as athletes and coaches can promote better athlete health and cycling performance 📈.

Alice takes us through her journey into sport science and the historical gap in research surrounding female endurance athletes, before breaking down the menstrual cycle, how it relates to training and performance, and why individual context matters when interpreting it.

We discuss the importance of tracking the menstrual cycle and communication between athletes and coaches, before exploring what Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) can look like in both women and men. We dive into how low energy availability can affect health and performance, what athletes and coaches should look out for, and the process of returning to a healthy state.

A really interesting conversation around physiology, athlete health, communication, and performance, with plenty to take away for both male and female athletes and coaches.

Watch on YouTube 📺
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧

@wattmatterspodcast
@pinnacleperformancecc | @nocsportsscience

https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/
https://nocsportsscience.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction
01:55 Alice’s Journey Into Sport Science
06:00 The Gap in Studying Female Endurance Physiology
09:24 How Does the Menstrual Cycle Work?
14:30 Training in Relation to the Menstrual Cycle
20:28 Communicating With Coaches
23:50 The Impact of Contraceptives
28:30 The Importance of Tracking a Menstrual Cycle
32:00 Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport for Men and Women
42:30 Wrap Up & Final Advice

Episode 11 - Coaching Questions Q+A 🎙️

Something different for this episode - we sit down and answer your topic requests!

In Episode 11 of the Watt Matters Podcast, we answer your Instagram questions covering everything from training and physiology to coaching, racing, and general performance.

We discuss heat training, managing injuries and setbacks, the biggest mistakes we see from self-coached athletes, how we monitor adaptation to training, the differences in programming for different rider profiles and more.

We discuss "ideal" training block length, training in the aero position, bunch rides, gym work throughout the season, periodising the Australian and European racing calendars, durability, and where anaerobic training fits into an endurance program.

Thanks to everyone who sent in a question and topic request. While we will look to do deeper episodes on some of these topics, we'll also be doing more of these. Get in touch at @wattmatterspodcast.

Watch on YouTube 📺

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧

@wattmatterspodcast

@pinnacleperformancecc | @nocsportsscience

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:09 – What Is, and How To Do Heat Training?
• 07:10 – The Mental Side of Dealing With Injuries & Setbacks
• 11:15 – Common Issues We See With Self-Coached Athletes
• 14:11 – How Do You Measure Adaptation to Training?
• 18:17 – Training Differences Between Rider Profiles
• 24:20 – How Long Should a Training Block Be?
• 25:55 – What's the Ideal Build-Up for an Event?
• 27:00 – Training in the Aero Position
• 31:15 – Bunch Rides in Training
• 33:58 – Gym Work: Pre-Season vs In-Season
• 36:15 – Australian vs European Racing Calendar: How Do You Periodise It?
• 42:48 – Durability and Why It Matters
• 48:20 – Anaerobic Training
• 50:00 – Wrap Up

VO2 Max Training 🎙️In this episode of the Watt Matters Podcast, we unpack VO2 Max training - what VO2 Max actually is, how we test it, and how we prescribe training to improve it 📈.

We discuss why MAP can be a poor tool for prescribing VO2 Max intervals, how Critical Power and W′ can be used in relation to VO2 Max training, and the types of sessions we use to target VO2 Max adaptations 🎯

We also touch on why improving VO2 Max isn’t just about doing high intensity intervals, and how other phases of training can still contribute to its development through broader aerobic adaptations.

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@wattmatterspodcast@nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformanceccChapters00:00 - Introduction01:44 - What Is VO2 Max?08:59 - How to Test VO2 Max15:54 - Differences and Practical Implications of MAP & VO2 Max19:56 - Specific Sessions35:00 - VO2 Max Training Blocks and Wrap Up

Tara Neyland: A Journey Into Para-Sport | Watt MattersIn Episode 9, we sit down with Tara Neyland to discuss her journey into para-sport, the challenges that have come with it, and the lessons she’s learning along the way 🎙️Tara takes us through her journey from a lifelong involvement in sport, to being diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, and the challenging transition into para-sport that followed.While Tara is now a multiple World Champion - claiming titles at the Road and Track World Championships in the road race, time trial, elimination race, scratch race and kilo during an incredible 2025 season - this episode is about far more than medals 🥇. We dive into the emotional realities of classification, identity, self-discovery, resilience, and the mental challenges that came with accepting a new sporting pathway. Tara speaks openly about the highs and lows of her journey, the process of learning track cycling from scratch, and how she is developing the mindset needed to perform on the world stage while managing the ongoing challenges of FSHD. We also explore the realities of life as a para-athlete, misconceptions surrounding para-sport, Tara’s mission within the sport, and the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey.This is an honest and important conversation that offers a genuine insight into life as an elite para-athlete. Whether you’re involved in cycling, sport, or simply interested in stories of resilience and human performance, there is something valuable to take away from Tara’s experience.Watch on YouTube 📺Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧@wattmatterspodcast@nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformancecchttps://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/https://nocsportsscience.com/CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction06:13 Tara’s Youth / Journey Into Sport10:11 Tara’s Diagnosis of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD)14:00 Classification Process in Para-Sport17:50 Mental Challenges of Transitioning Into Para-Sport32:15 Learning Track Cycling From Scratch44:11 2025 Race Preparation & Focusing on the Controllable49:45 The Positive and Negative Emotions of Winning World Championships56:10 The Future for Tara / 2026 Racing58:00 Listener Questions

Threshold Training | Watt Matters

In this episode of the Watt Matters Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most talked about concepts in endurance performance  - threshold training.

We discuss the physiology behind what “threshold” actually is, why it matters in cycling performance, and how coaches and athletes attempt to identify and train it in the real world. We also dive into the training sessions we use to improve threshold, and the rationale behind how and why they are prescribed.

The conversation explores the different ways threshold can be tested, both in the lab and out in the field, and why these methods can often produce different results depending on how they are measured.

We talk through why understanding those differences matters, how test interpretation influences training prescription, and why threshold should always be viewed with context rather than treated as a single fixed number.

A practical and applied conversation around one of the foundations of endurance coaching and performance.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

00:57 What Is Threshold?

07:12 Testing Methods for Threshold

17:16 Field Testing and Practical Applications

23:32 Understanding Critical Power and W Prime

26:39 Individualised Training Prescription

31:02 The Importance of Threshold Training

35:44 Riding by Feel vs. Power Metrics

Watch on YouTube 📺
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧

@wattmatterspodcast
@nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformancecc

https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/

Episode 7 - Dave Sanders: The Evolution of Cycling Coaching and Performance 💥📈

In Episode 7, we sit down with one of the most influential and prolific figures in Australian cycling coaching - Dave Sanders.

Dave has spent over 25 years coaching cyclists across Australia and internationally, including time as Head Coach at the Victorian Institute of Sport and working with teams such as Orica–GreenEDGE. Along the way, he has helped shape the careers of generational riders including Cadel Evans, Simon Gerrans, Simon Clarke, and countless other national and international champions.

Having raced himself in the 1970s before moving into coaching through the 1980s, 90s, and into the modern era, Dave has remained at the forefront of performance through the rise of sport science, power meters, and modern coaching technology. Few people have witnessed the evolution of cycling and coaching as closely as Dave.

In this episode, we dive into how the sport has changed, what principles have stood the test of time, where coaching — and cycling more broadly — may be heading next, and hear some brilliant war stories from decades spent working with athletes across an ever-changing sporting landscape.

From old-school training methods to modern sport science, psychology versus physiology, technology’s impact on coaching, and the importance of collaboration - this is a fascinating conversation packed with wisdom, perspective, and great history from one of the most influential Australian cycling coaches of the past three decades. 

Watch on YouTube 📺

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧

@wattmatterspodcast

@pinnacleperformancecc | @nocsportsscience

https://nocsportsscience.com/

https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/

Chapters

00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction 

02:00 – 12:00 | Dave’s Track and Road Racing History 

12:00 – 20:00 | Change in Cycling - Then vs Now

20:00 – 26:00 | The Future of the Sport

26:00 – 29:00 | How Dave Started Coaching

29:00 – 32:00 | Beginning at the Victorian Institute of Sport

32:00 – 39:00 | Sport Science & Coaching in the 90s / Early 2000s

39:00 – 43:00 | Psychology vs Physiology in Sport

43:00 – 51:00 | Power Meters & Technology in Cycling Coaching

51:00 – 1:04:00 | Dave’s “Common Sense” & Timeless Training Principles

1:04:00 – 1:09:00 | What Has Changed Most Over 25 Years of Coaching?

1:09:00 – 1:13:30 | The Importance of Collaboration

1:13:30 – 1:17:00 | Innovation & The Constantly Changing Landscape

1:17:00 – 1:29:30 | Listener Questions

1:29:30 – 1:33:13 | Wrap Up

In Episode 6, we sit down with one of Australia’s most exciting road and track cyclists - Alyssa Polites.

Alyssa takes us through her journey from a standout junior to signing as a professional at a young age with Team Jayco Alula, and the realities that come with stepping into the WorldTour early.

We dive into the challenges of navigating high expectations, setbacks, and the mental demands of elite sport - before shifting into her current phase: a focused rebuild, balancing both track and road with the Australian Cycling Team and Meridian Bikebug Continental Team, while working toward a return to the top level of the sport.

With Alyssa coached by Nick over the past 18 months, this episode gives a unique look into both the athlete and coaches perspective - covering training, periodisation, dual-discipline demands, and what it really takes to progress in modern cycling.

We also get a clear insight into Alyssa’s values, goals, and advice for young Australian riders coming through the sport.

A grounded, honest conversation about performance, pressure, and building back toward the top, from one of Australia's top talents - this episode is not to be missed.

Watch on YouTube 📺

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧

@wattmatterspodcast

@nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformancecc

https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/

https://nocsportsscience.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome Back and Summer Reflections

03:20 Introducing Alyssa Polites

04:29 Alyssa's Journey in Cycling

06:45 Transitioning to Professional Cycling

09:45 Overcoming Challenges As A Young Professional

12:09 The Importance of Mental Resilience

18:38 Looking Back On Early Career Learnings

21:00 Coaching Track vs Road

25:29 Recent Achievements and Future Goals

33:23 The Reality of Periodising Training In A Busy Calendar

38:00 The 2026 Season So Far

44:30 Managing Dual Disciplines: Track and Road Cycling

47:45 Future Aspirations / What’s Next?

50:52 Listener Instagram Q+A

In Episode 5 we take a step back from training theory and dive into the story behind our coaching careers and businesses.

Nick, Jack, and Dylan talk through how each of us entered the sport science and coaching world - from early internships and time spent at institutes, to the lessons learned working across different sports.

We discuss the realities of building a career in cycling performance, the challenges within the coaching industry, and how NOC Sports Science and Pinnacle Performance were created from the ground up.

The conversation covers the early risks of starting a coaching business, different approaches to coaching, and why collaboration between coaches is so important for athlete development.

Watch on YouTube 📺Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧

@wattmatterspodcast
@nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformancecc

https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/
https://nocsportsscience.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Podcast Update
01:55 Breaking into the Sports Science Industry
03:44 Journey into Sports Science and Coaching
07:04 Internship Experiences and Career Development
12:53 Day-to-Day Life at the VIS
16:08 Innovations in Other Sports
18:43 Challenges in Cycling Coaching
20:15 Starting NOC
25:12 The Shift Towards In-House Coaching
29:54 Pinnacle Performance – Starting From Scratch
43:54 Creating a Collaborative Coaching Environment
49:35 Advice for Aspiring Coaches

Episode 4 – Ruby Roseman-Gannon 🔥

A great chat with one of Australian cycling’s most successful athletes, covering everything from longevity in the sport to specific training for the Australian summer.

It was great to discuss Ruby’s journey in the sport, as well as her more recent training and racing.

Our first guest of 2026 - and also one coached by @nocsportsscience.

We thoroughly enjoyed getting both a coach’s and an athlete’s perspective on performance.

Watch on YouTube 📺

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧

@pinnacleperformancecc | @nocsportsscience

Reach us at - / @wattmatterspodcast https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/https://nocsportsscience.com/