Watt Matters Podcast

In our third episode, we sit down with Australia's most recognisable voice in cycling - Matthew Keenan - live from the Tour of Bright.

We dive straight into the heart of the weekend: why Bright has become one of the biggest proving grounds in Australian cycling, how the level has evolved, and what makes this event such a powerful snapshot of the sport’s future.

From there, the conversation explores junior development, talent identification, and the increasing pressure placed on young riders.

Keeno also takes us inside his own journey - from racing in the 90s, to eventually becoming the global broadcast voice of the Tour de France. His insights into commentary craft, storytelling, and the responsibility of calling career-defining moments make this a great chat with some very unique perspectives.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Tour of Bright
03:14 The Evolution of Cycling Events
05:40 Identifying Future Talent
08:59 The Pressure For Youth in Cycling
11:45 Tour of Bright History
15:02 The Role of Coaching in Cycling Development
17:41 Keeno’s Cycling Career
20:47 The Journey into Commentary
38:45 Crafting the Perfect Commentary
43:50 Catering For The Audience
48:19 The Emotional Connection in Commentary
51:06 Looking To The Future

In Episode 2 we continue straight on from our first episode on season planning, and dig deeper into how we plan out training phases, and the importance of doing so.Using real world examples, we run through the science and art of mapping out training at different times of the year for different types of athletes.Leave us a comment, or get in touch!Reach us at:@wattmatterspodcast   / @wattmatterspodcast  https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/https://nocsportsscience.com/----------------------------------------

CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction02:09 Current Events04:25 The Importance of Training Phases07:21 Structuring Training Blocks11:12 General Preparation Phase Insights15:30 Monitoring Training Load and Adaptation20:40 Empowering Athletes with Knowledge26:26 Transitioning to Build Phase Training28:09 Race Preparation Strategies32:19 The Importance of Training Phases33:38 Heat and Altitude Training40:10 Real-World Training Examples47:36 Balancing Training and Racing53:25 Key Takeaways and Future Directions

In Episode 2 we continue straight on from our first episode on season planning, and dig deeper into how we plan out training phases, and the importance of doing so.

Using real world examples, we run through the science and art of mapping out training at different times of the year for different types of athletes.

Leave us a comment, or get in touch!

Reach us at: @wattmatterspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskLdbGVbscqcJSb_s1fQowhttps://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/https://nocsportsscience.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:09 Current Events

04:25 The Importance of Training Phases

07:21 Structuring Training Blocks

11:12 General Preparation Phase Insights

15:30 Monitoring Training Load and Adaptation

20:40 Empowering Athletes with Knowledge

26:26 Transitioning to Build Phase Training

28:09 Race Preparation Strategies

32:19 The Importance of Training Phases

33:38 Heat and Altitude Training

40:10 Real-World Training Examples

47:36 Balancing Training and Racing

53:25 Key Takeaways and Future Directions

In our first episode, we kick off Watt Matters with a chat about who we are, how this podcast came together, and what we’re trying to bring to the world of cycling performance and coaching.

Nick, Jack, and Dylan talk through how 2025 has unfolded - and the evolving demands of coaching in this modern era.

For topic number one, we then dive into how we’re thinking about 2026, and the importance of designing an annual plan based on our athletes' goals. It’s a mix of honest reflections, sport science insight, and the kind of conversation we usually have behind the scenes - this time with mics on.

We are super excited to bring this project together.

Reach us at -

@wattmatterspodcast

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskLdbGVbscqcJSb_s1fQow

https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/

https://nocsportsscience.com/

00:00 - Introduction to Watt Matters Podcast

01:36 - Meet the Coaches

04:33 - Changing Dynamics of Coaching: Experiences and Insights

09:14 - 2025 Coaching Highlights and Achievements

17:29 - Planning for 2026: Annual Training Plans and Goals

25:18 - Setting Goals: Performance vs. Process Goals

28:37 - Understanding Athlete Physiology and Performance

30:04 - Athlete Profiling

36:39 - Goal Setting and Performance Modelling

42:09 - Realistic Goal Setting and Training Phases

47:43 - Navigating the Australian Cycling Season

52:59 - The Importance of Communication in Coaching

57:19 - Wrap Up and What's To Come