The TT Podcast

Tadej Pogačar was across the headlines again in April, a month that brought the world champion's Paris-Roubaix debut, and his bid for an Ardennes treble. Still, as they reflect on this year’s Spring Classics, the Toms turn to shout about other names. Among them are Kim Le Court, Africa’s first Monument winner, the unexpected Mattias Skjelmose, and everybody’s favourite jogger, Mark Cavendish. It is also explained why Julian Alaphilippe is cycling’s Michael Owen, before suspense builds towards an exciting upcoming Italian meet-up. 

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

The world champion has dominated the headlines over the past month – crashing, winning, finishing third at Milan-San Remo and signing up for his debut Paris-Roubaix. The Toms look back on all the cycling in March, asking whether the Classics have become more dangerous, if Lorena Wiebes deserves more credit as one of the all-time greats, and if Matthew Brennan's nickname really is the 'Binman' (spoiler: it's not). They then cast their predictions for the upcoming cobbled Monuments – the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix – where Tom 2 believes Mathieu van der Poel will fire blanks.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

The first few months of the year are meant to be calm in the cycling world, but we’ve had cancelled races, dramatic wrong turns, and some shock winners at big races. The Toms dissect the breakaway's success at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, before pondering the prospect of Tadej Pogačar riding Paris-Roubaix, and the positive trend of riders taking a stance for their own safety. They then look ahead to this weekend's Strade Bianche, and give their rogue predictions for who could upset the two favourites. 

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

After a decent success rate last year, the Toms are back gazing into the crystal ball with some bold predictions for 2025. Among the clairvoyance, a French pocket rocket is slated for big success, the stars align for a historic one-two at the Giro d'Italia, and Lotte Kopecky is tipped to achieve greatness. Plus, might we see a British Monument winner this April? Tom 1 thinks so, and is even happy to go as far as calling the rider-race combo he envisages in his mind.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

There will be a Mark Cavendish-shaped hole in the peloton this season for the first time in two decades. In homage to the sprint legend, the Toms reminisce with an in-depth dive into his career, with insight from two of his former leadout men: Mark Renshaw and Michael Mørkøv. Tom 2 is put through his paces in a Mastermind-style Cav quiz, before the legacy of the Tour de France stage win record holder is discussed. Is he really the cycling GOAT, as Virgil van Dijk dubbed him?

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Image: Hugo LUC via Wikimedia Commons

After four years, the Toms sit down to reminisce and celebrate their 100th episode of the podcast. Attention then turns to the review of the season, with the best rider, ride and moment crowned, and Tom 1 revealing the two races that made him cry in 2024. Finally, there are changes afoot for 2025.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

A few days on from the race's finish, the Toms sit down to discuss a history-filled edition Tour de France. They reminisce about their get-together in Turin, question whether Tadej Pogačar should have gifted any of his six stage wins (spoiler alert: he shouldn't have), and Tom 1 gives his roadside account of watching Mark Cavendish take his record-breaking 35th stage victory. All that, before naming the race's unsung hero.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

The biggest three weeks of the calendar have arrived. It's time for the Tour de France. As they prepare to head out to Italy for the Grand Départ, the Toms discuss the key stages, make their GC picks, and envisage the scene of Mark Cavendish breaking the all-time stage win record. Spoiler alert: He's going to do it and then some.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Ahead of the first Grand Tour of the season, the Toms take a moment to reflect on this year's Spring Classics and pick out their favourite races of the season so far. There's time for a game of 'Who Came Second?' before finally, a brief look ahead to the Giro d'Italia, and the narratives to look out for in Italy. Will Tadej Pogačar storm his way to the pink jersey? Or will a certain Colombian pip him to it for a 10-year anniversary win? Let's be real, probably the former.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Wedged between the two biggest cobbled races in the calendar, the Toms look back on a wet Tour of Flanders and ahead to Paris-Roubaix. Having visited northern France last month, Tom 1 offers his intel on the state of the cobbles. Spoiler: they're not looking good.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

On the bill this Sunday is De Ronde, one of the most prized Monuments there is. The Toms rattle through the route, delve into the history of the Paterberg, and pick out a handful of riders who might challenge the rainbow-clad favourites, Mathieu van der Poel and Lotte Kopecky. Plus, Tom 1 foreshadows a major crash.

Note: This episode was recorded before Wout van Aert crashed out of Dwars door Vlaanderen and broke half the bones in his body.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

After a series of disasters at TT Podcast HQ - a broken face for Tom 1 and a burnt laptop for Tom 2 - we're back to talk about the Italian Spring Classics. Strade Bianche offered two distinct races, both of which ended with two serial winners on the top step. What will San Remo bring? Who knows, we'd rather talk about the town's recent song contest.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Here it is, the cycling world's official Team of the Season. The Toms pick 2023's best GC leader, sprinter, domestique and classics rider from both the men's and women's pelotons. They then sing the praises of a few unsung heroes, and award the race of the year.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

It’s been a while. The Toms return after a 10-week absence to reminisce about the biggest races in cycling over the summer. They chose their WTF moment, as well as their hero, villain and star rider. There’s even time for a lengthy digression on Bryan Coquard.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod

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License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

There's plenty to discuss as we head into the first rest day of this year's Giro d'Italia. The Toms dissect Remco Evenepoel's time trial dominance, explain the art of Mark Cavendish's crashing technique and cast predictions on who will be in the pink jersey come the second week.

Note: This episode was recorded before it was announced that Remco Evenepoel had pulled out of the race with Covid.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

It’s time for the first Grand Tour of the year, the Giro d’Italia. From Julius Cesar to Saint Bernard dogs and the Orient Express, Tom 2 takes us on an exhaustive historical tour of this year’s route, before the contenders’ chances are weighed up. Will Mark Cavendish get his first win of the season? Not unless he likes climbing. 

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

At this year’s Ardennes Classics, Demi Vollering signed a clean sweep of victories, winning Amstel Gold, Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Tadej Pogačar very almost did the same. The Toms go back over the races, critiquing the taste of a certain sponsor’s lager and the fashion choices of Remco Evenepoel.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Over two days in Hell, Alison Jackson and Mathieu van der Poel emerged as the latest riders to conquer Paris-Roubaix. Tom 1 shares his on-the-ground experience at the races, before both Toms analyse what went wrong for SD Worx and Jumbo-Visma and question the ritual of the shower shoots. 

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Mathieu van der Poel walked away as the winner of Milan-San Remo, but it’s time to talk about the man who came second - Filippo Ganna. The Toms marvel at the final quartet, dissect the race-winning move and learn more about the peloton’s newest Monument contender with a quiz dedicated to Ineos Grenadiers' Italian.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

It’s time for the first Monument of the season, Milan-San Remo, and one half of the podcast is on the ground to soak it up live. The Toms hark back to the snow-afflicted 2013 edition of the race, before the quiz returns and they both agree on which rider will win (hint: his name doesn’t contain the word ‘van’). Still, could Bryan Coquard spring a surprise?

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
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Finally, the peloton has been dealt some Belgian cobbles. The Toms discuss the weekend's solo victories at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, ask whether drones will be safe on Dutch corner, and marvel in the early-season dominance of Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. They then turn to Strade Bianche, with Tom 2 rating the contenders for this year’s editions.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

A new road season is upon us, and with it comes the chance to look like fools with some bold predictions. The Toms mull over the big-name signings of 2023, questioning whether Astana Qazaqstan is the right fit for Mark Cavendish and if SD Worx are now the complete package. Attention then turns to the predictions. Has Annemiek van Vleuten had her time in the spotlight? Will Primož Roglič look pretty in pink? And is it finally time a British man won a Monument?

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

It's quiz time. The Toms go head-to-head in a painstakingly researched quiz of the 2023 road cycling season. Is Arnaud de Lie actually one of the best riders in the world? Which Grand Tour climbed the highest? And why can we never remember who came second?

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
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License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

It might be eight months out, but it’s time to get excited about the 2023 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The Toms pour over the newly unveiled race routes, honing in on a dormant lava dome, Mark Cavendish’s chances of number 35 and the mighty Tourmalet. Tom 2 then gives a history lesson on former race director Jacques Goddet and his troubled role in French history.

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License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Tom 2 dials in from Italy to discuss the weekend’s road races at the World Championships. It was trademark wins for Annemiek van Vleuten and Remco Evenepoel, who both gave viewers masterclasses in bike racing. The Toms go on to ask if Wout van Aert will one day win the Worlds and whether Luke Rowe has ever actually finished the elite road race.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

The first two rainbow jerseys went to Ellen van Dijk and Tobias Foss in Wollongong. The Toms discuss the big surprises from the elite individual time trials before turning their attention to the weekend's road races. Is the course a bit dull? Will the swooping birds wreak havoc? Can Romain Bardet pull off the unthinkable? 

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
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License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Remco Evenepoel has won the Vuelta a España, the final Grand Tour of the season. The Toms go through what was a fairly routine win, discussing why Belgians don’t win three-week races and why Primož Roglič was definitely wrong. They then give their picks on who will win the individual time trials at the World Championships in Wollongong.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In the end, it was Annemiek van Vleuten who took home the yellow jersey at the first Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift, proving that hard work does pay off and age is but a number. The Toms discuss Dutch dominance and Marianne Vos’s legacy, while Tom 2 is put through his paces in a tough five-question quiz. We also hear from Pfeiffer Georgi, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and Joss Lowden at the first stage in Paris.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

After a gruelling three-week lap of France, Jonas Vingegaard and his Jumbo-Visma teammates have come away with the yellow jersey. The Toms discuss the dominance of Wout van Aert, L’Équipe’s brutal team ratings and whether this year’s Tour de France is the greatest in living memory. Tom 1 also catches up with Bahrain-Victorious rider Fred Wright on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
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License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

After an absence spanning decades, a women’s Tour de France is back on the calendar. The Toms preview the 2022 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, stumbling over French place names and marvelling in the riches of Champagne country. Will anyone beat Lorena Wiebes to the first yellow jersey in Paris? And can anyone stop Annemiek van Vleuten taking it home on the Super Planche des Belles Filles?

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
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License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Nine stages in to this year’s Tour de France and the usual suspect is wearing the yellow jersey. With Tom 1 now on the ground in the Alps, the Toms run through the drama so far at the race, disagreeing about the safety of cobbles and, once again, manifesting a Thibaut Pinot win on Alpe d’Huez.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In fair Verona, it was Jai Hindley who became the new King of Italy. The Toms talk through the final week of the Giro d’Italia, where the breakaway ruled supreme and Bora-Hansgrohe showed their class. We also hear about Tom 1’s day out at the RideLondon Classique, the latest instalment of this year’s Women’s WorldTour.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

With one week to go in this year’s Giro d’Italia, the Toms take a look back at all the action so far. Biniam Girmay has made history, Romain Bardet has left our hearts aching and Simon Philip Yates has unveiled his triumphant chest hair. The maglia rosa might well belong to Richard Carapaz on rest day two, but will he hold it to the line in Verona?

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
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License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

We’re nine stages into the Giro d’Italia and the cream is starting to rise to the top. The Toms talk about Arnaud Démare’s exploits in the sprints, Juanpe López’s favourite film and the GC chances of everyone’s favourite Frenchman.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

After a brutal day out on the cobbles, it was Mathieu van der Poel and Lotte Kopecky who took the glory at the Tour of Flanders. The Toms analyse the two action-packed races, discussing a long-awaited Belgian victory and how Tadej Pogačar came fourth in a two-up sprint.

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
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License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

It’s cobbles galore on the cycling calendar right now. The Toms discuss Biniam Girmay’s historic win at Gent-Wevelgem before going on to preview the Ronde. Will Mathieu van der Poel emerge victorious again or could it be time for a Belgian to break the curse?

Music: Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpet
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0