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5,000 metres of climbing. 120 kilometres. Steep gravel tracks, hidden roads and one very simple idea: how much climbing can you possibly pack into the shortest ride? This time, we head deep into Alta Badia to uncover the story behind YOLOmites 5000 — one of cycling’s most unique and unofficial adventures. What started as a slightly crazy idea between Igor Tavella and Jered Gruber has become an annual pilgrimage for a small group of riders drawn to the same unlikely combination: brutal climbs, beautiful roads, good friends and absolutely no rush.The number 5,000 was chosen simply because it sounded good. The first calculation suggested it would take around 120 kilometres to reach it. Somehow, the idea stuck.In this episode, Igor and Jered take us back to the beginning of YOLOmites — from road bikes, rim brakes and 25mm tyres to modern gravel bikes, huge cassettes and mountain-bike gearing. They explain how the routes have evolved, why the ride remains deliberately small and invitation-only, and what makes the hidden roads of the Dolomites such an extraordinary playground for cycling. We talk about surviving 5,000 metres of climbing, pacing yourself, the infamous YOLO Mini, nutrition, weather, the ultimate YOLOmites bike setup, and what happens when the ride gets really, really hard. But YOLOmites was never meant to be a race. It’s about riding slowly enough to stay together. Looking up from the handlebars. Discovering roads you might otherwise never find. Laughing when things get difficult. And discovering that sometimes the hardest days on a bike can also be the most rewarding. Because there’s something about the Dolomites that makes the suffering worth it. Recorded shortly after the 10th edition in 2025. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 02:58 – Random Round of Questions 14:40 – What Exactly Is YOLOmites 5000? 16:35 – The Crazy Idea That Started It All 19:13 – Discovering the Hidden Roads of the Dolomites 20:30 – Road Bikes, Rim Brakes & 25mm Tyres 23:38 – How the Bikes Changed the Ride 25:35 – Why People Keep Coming Back 26:16 – What Makes the Dolomites So Special? 29:31 – How to Survive 5,000 Metres of Climbing 32:26 – Designing the Route: 120km, 5,000m & Counting 34:51 – The YOLO Mini: The Escape Route 36:34 – Food, Lunch Stops & Fueling the Ride 40:37 – What Happens When the Ride Gets Really Hard? 44:22 – Riding, Shooting & Surviving: A Photographer's Perspective 48:02 – Why Riding Together Makes the Impossible Possible 52:18 – Who Is YOLOmites Really For? 53:17 – Why Is It Still Invitation-Only? 58:15 – How Can You Get Into YOLOmites ? 1:00:30 – The Ultimate Bike Setup 1:05:31 – What to Wear in the Dolomites in September 1:08:37 – Bags, Pockets & Carrying Everything You Need LINKS ⁠2026 Route⁠ 2025 Route ⁠2025 Anniversary Video Recap⁠⁠ Castelli Story and Gallery⁠ ⁠Pralongià Route⁠⁠ Hotel Ustaria Posta ⁠ CONNECT ⁠Jered Gruber ⁠⁠Igor Tavella⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We caught up with Paul Magnier at Soudal Quick-Step’s altitude camp in Tignes at the end of July to go behind the scenes of his sprinting, training and the technology helping him find another level. We talk aero testing and wind-tunnel development, the Castelli Sanremo 8S Veloce speed suit, lead-out trains, sprint positioning, gym work and explosive power, as well as the technology being developed to improve rider safety, including airbag systems. At just 22, Paul has already racked up 32 professional victories, including three Giro d’Italia stage wins, the Ciclamino jersey and a WorldTour one-day victory. But he’s not stopping there – his ambition is to reach 100 career wins and, one day, become world champion. We also look back at his breakthrough Giro experience, what it’s like going head-to-head with the fastest sprinters in the world, and how his confidence, instinct and understanding of the sprint have evolved. Because at this level, winning isn’t just about producing more watts. It’s about finding speed everywhere. You don’t want to miss this one. It’s a great conversation about speed, confidence, technology and the relentless pursuit of the perfect sprint. We hope you'll enjoy this one! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 05:21 Quick-fire: Paul Magnier on sprinting, instinct and speed 08:36 Beating some of the world’s fastest sprinters 10:00 Recon, Finding the fastest line, Race instinct vs. data 11:26 The dream lead-out: Jasper, Dries & Fabio 16:10 Building more explosive power for 2026 17:00 Box jumps, gym work and the sprint “kick” 17:59 The Giro’s special 150-year Castelli jersey 19:01 Developing Paul’s prototype sprint aero suit 22:17 Why Tim Merlier raced in "Paul’s" suit 23:14 Sprint position, handlebars and aerodynamics 25:02 The surprising science of aero fabrics 27:40 What could the future of cycling technology look like? 28:16 Inside the new cycling airbag safety project 31:15 WorldTour wins, the Classics and 100 career victories 33:33 Pure sprinter or future Classics rider? 34:57 Growing up in Grenoble, MTB 38:24 Seven hours and 5,000m of climbing… tomorrow?!? 40:00 The Sanremo 8S Veloce: built and made with pros! 41:50 Post-recording update: Paul’s race program – LINKS – Other podcast episode with Paul Magnier: Sprint Power & Classic Dreams (2024) https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000699990338 The Rise of the French Powerhouse (2025) https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000735689566 Sprint Secrets (2025) https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000736461228 CONNECT ⁠ ⁠Paul Magnier Instagram⁠ – HOST – Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Video and Photo credits: Ashley & Jered Gruber: https://www.instagram.com/jeredgruber https://www.instagram.com/ashleygruber Sam Bauget: https://www.instagram.com/sam_has_a_camera Wout Beel: https://www.instagram.com/wout.beeld Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim joins us to discuss the incredible highs and difficult setbacks that followed her breakthrough 2025 season. From winning Liège–Bastogne–Liège and becoming the first rider representing an African nation to wear the yellow jersey at the Tour de France Femmes, to recovering from a fractured wrist after a devastating spring of crashes, Kim opens up about pressure, self-doubt, resilience, and returning to the biggest race of the season with even bigger ambitions. Whether you're a cyclist, an athlete, or simply someone fascinated by resilience and high performance, this is an honest conversation about what happens after success, and what it takes to come back even stronger. – LINKS – Previous episode: ⁠Kim's Journey into cycling, Chasing Dreams⁠ ⁠Kim's Instagram⁠ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:58 Catching up in Tignes before the TdFF 02:03 From promising talent to breakthrough season 04:48 Steep Learning curve, winning Liège & becoming the first African rider in yellow 08:11 Hunger of winning, Living with pressure, expectations & self-doubt 11:49 Representing Mauritius on the world stage 14:10 The crashes that changed everything & Recovering from injury 21:44 TdFF ambitions: yellow, stages & GC 23:50 Why teamwork matters more than results 26:05 Looking beyond the Tour: World Championships & the future 28:25 Final thoughts ________ After a breakthrough 2025 season that saw her win Liège–Bastogne–Liège and become the first rider representing an African nation to wear the yellow jersey at the Tour de France Femmes, Kim Le Court Pinaar returns to the Castelli Podcast for an honest conversation about what came next. Recorded during AG Insurance–Soudal's altitude camp in Tignes, just two weeks before the Tour de France Femmes, Kim reflects on the pressure that follows success, recovering from a fractured wrist after a difficult spring of crashes, and the resilience needed to return to the sport's biggest stage. We also discuss representing Mauritius, overcoming self-doubt, the importance of the team's "Wolfpack" mentality, and why true success is about far more than results. As Kim prepares to chase yellow once again, she shares the mindset that's driving her into the biggest race of the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to win the toughest ultra gravel race in the world? Rob Britton takes us inside his record-breaking victory at the 2025 Unbound XL, the brutal 350-mile self-supported gravel race across Kansas. Rob breaks down the key decisions that helped him average over 20 mph for nearly 18 hours and smash the previous course record by more than two hours.  From aerodynamics and nutrition strategy to hydration systems, gravel race tactics, and bike setup optimization, this episode explores how small performance gains compound over ultra-distance racing. We also dive into the development of Castelli’s first Unlimited Gravel Suit, featuring integrated hydration storage, aerodynamic cargo pockets, and real-world testing at the highest level of gravel racing. Topics covered in this episode: •Winning the 2025 Unbound XL •Gravel racing aerodynamics explained •Ultra-endurance nutrition and hydration strategy •Integrated hydration systems in cycling apparel •Aero gains over 18 hours of racing •Gravel bike setup for ultra racing •Racing through the night against Lachlan Morton •Comfort vs speed in endurance cycling •The future of gravel race apparel and technology If you’re into gravel racing, bikepacking, endurance sports, cycling tech, or performance optimization, this episode is packed with insights from one of the fastest ultra-gravel performances ever recorded. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on cycling performance, innovation, aerodynamics, and elite racing. – IMPORTANT LINKS – Rob Britton Castelli SOG CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 02:38 Quickfire Round 04:05 Chasing Lachlan Morton Through the Night 06:21 Racing History with Lachlan & The Final Catch 07:05 Tactics, Fatigue & Managing the Lead 07:50 Bike Setup, Aerobars & Carrying Nutrition 10:38 Why the Speed Suit Could Have Decided the Race 11:58 How Ultra Racing Has Changed in Recent Years 13:32 First Ride in Castelli's Prototype Gravel Aero Suit 15:25 Nutrition Storage, Hydration & Self-Supported Racing 17:31 Why Ditching the Hydration Pack Was a Huge Advantage 19:35 Aero Performance & Suit Design Details 21:21 Castelli's Aero Heritage & Innovation Story 23:12 Marginal Gains, Ryder Hesjedal & Performance History 23:48 Winter Riding, Future Testing & What's Next 24:18 “The Netflix of Cycling Clothing” 24:28 Outro – HOST – Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate 150 years of innovation, Castelli unveils a special edition Giro d’Italia kit—blending heritage, performance, and cutting-edge design. In this episode, we sit down with Castelli Global Brand Manager Steve Smith to unpack the story behind the anniversary jersey worn by Soudal Quick-Step. From silk jerseys and the first-ever speed suit to aerodynamic breakthroughs and modern race-day technology, this conversation dives deep into the moments that reshaped cycling apparel. You’ll hear the untold stories behind iconic innovations, the thinking behind the 150th anniversary design, and what it takes to keep pushing the limits of speed—decade after decade. This isn’t just a look back. It’s a glimpse into the future of performance. LINKS ⁠STRAVA Challenge ⁠ ⁠Social Ride, May 9⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Gabba R White Paper⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Gabba Story ⁠⁠🎧 ⁠Gabba Wind Tunnel Testing⁠ 🎧 CHAPTERS 00:00 — 150 Years of Castelli 00:57 — From Silk to Speed 02:00 — Giro Anniversary Kit 03:29 — Design & Scorpion Timeline 05:50 — 1967: First Speed Suit 07:20 — 1977: Lycra Shorts 09:40 — Colored Shorts Break Rules 11:45 — 1982: Sublimation 12:50 — 2007: Aero Race 16:20 — Aero Adoption 17:05 — Gabba & Sanremo 17:56 — Today’s Fastest Kit 20:29 — Marginal Gains 20:56 — Wind Tunnel Life 21:23 — Peak Aero? 23:39 — Innovation Pressure 24:41 — Future Materials 25:22 — Where to Buy 26:09 — Closing Thoughts – HOST – Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full-time school teacher by day, ultra gravel powerhouse by night — Svenja Betz is redefining what’s possible in endurance sport. She didn’t just take on the biggest races in ultra gravel — she won them all. First Unbound XL, then The Traka Adventure, and Badlands. Her rise has been anything but conventional. She doesn’t train full-time. She doesn’t follow the typical pro playbook. And she doesn’t sleep during races. Instead, she relies on instinct, resilience, and a deep love for the process. In this conversation, we dive into what really matters when the distances get serious: how to fuel properly without falling into energy deficits, how to pace when sleep isn’t an option, and how to stay mentally strong when everything starts to fall apart. Svenja also opens up about balancing elite performance with a demanding career, navigating the pressure of social media, and why being “skinny” isn’t the key to going faster. If you’re curious about ultra cycling or wondering how far you could really go, this episode might just challenge your assumptions and inspire you to push your own limits. – IMPORTANT LINKS – Follow Svenja Betz: https://www.instagram.com/svenja__betz/ Castelli SOG: https://www.instagram.com/castelli_sog/ – CHAPTERS – 00:00 – Intro 02:18 – Balancing teaching + ultra racing 05:25 – Training with limited time 09:41 – 52 hours, zero sleep 13:45 – Intervals vs endurance 18:36 – Nutrition, RED-S & weight myths 22:51 – Fueling strategy in ultras 25:31 – Heat, hydration & survival 32:12 – Are you ready for 500km+? 40:14 – Mental toughness & self-talk 43:05 – Winning move at Badlands 47:34 – Social media vs reality 54:47 – Castelli kit, mindset & identity 59:33 – What’s next: new goals – HOST – Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of our conversation with sports performance nutritionist Dani Hofstetter, we go beyond theory and into the real-world habits that actually improve endurance performance. From properly fueling long and double training days to understanding why most athletes underestimate their glycogen needs, this episode breaks down what really matters when it comes to carbohydrate intake, recovery, and metabolic efficiency. We dive into: Why you can’t fix bad fueling during the rideThe critical first hour post-training (and why most athletes waste it)Simple, repeatable habits that outperform complex strategiesThe risks of underfueling, RED-S, and chasing weight loss too aggressivelyHow to stay consistent when juggling training, work, and life Fresh off his new book Train, Eat, Repeat, Dani shares a clear, no-nonsense approach to nutrition—cutting through trends, supplements, and overcomplication to focus on what actually works. Whether you’re chasing performance gains or just want to feel better on the bike, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately. 👉 If you haven’t listened to part one, start there first: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000758776017 CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 3:05 Why you can’t fuel hard training during the ride 4:03 The missing habit: building consistent fueling routines 5:25 Why post-ride nutrition gets neglected 7:53 The ideal recovery shake formula 8:59 Hydration: how much you actually need to replace 9:24 Planning vs reality: why logistics kill recovery 10:48 Train less, recover better? The real performance gain 11:00 Weight loss & performance: a risky trade-off 13:09 RED-S explained: warning signs athletes ignore 18:37 Nutrition mistakes when traveling 24:03 Probiotics, supplements & gut health 25:49 3 race nutrition rules for hotel stays 28:27 Why there are no shortcuts in nutrition 29:44 Biohacking, social media & performance myths 31:32 Study: social media can reduce performance by 9% 37:18 A perfect fueling day for a long ride 41:11 Protein, carbs & fiber: simple daily guidelines 44:11 The idea behind Train, Eat, Repeat 51:25 Favorite Castelli winter kit 54:27 Outro – LINKS – TRAIN EAT REPEAT - The Endurance Cookbook https://www.dorlingkindersley.de/buch/marlene-low-feride-dogum-dani-hofstetter-fabian-haefeli-train-eat-repeat-9783831050734 PREVIOUS EPISODES Smart Nutrition for Hot Weather Riding https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000722138953 RED-S Ep. 1 https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000671492861 RED-S Ep. 2 https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000672166132 Sports Nutrition: Winter Training, Indoor Riding https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000639782748 Sports Nutrition: Race Day Fueling, Hydration Strategy https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000638271631 Sports Nutrition: What is the Optimal Diet for Cycling Performance https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000636862451 Sports Nutrition: Carbs, Fruits, Veggies for Everyday Performance https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000635636881 – CONNECT – Dani Hofstetter ⁠Website⁠: ⁠ https://danihofstetter.ch⁠ Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/dh_performance_nutrition/ Host: Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carbs, fueling, and metabolic efficiency – few topics create more confusion in endurance sports. Sports performance nutritionist Dani Hofstetter joins us to clear it up. Fresh off the release of his new book Train, Eat, Repeat, Dani shares a practical, no-BS approach to nutrition – cutting through the noise of extreme diets, high-carb trends, and supplement hype. You’ll learn why most amateur athletes don’t need 120g of carbs per hour, how pros actually fuel differently, and why training intensity, not just nutrition, determines your metabolism. This conversation goes beyond gels and grams per hour. It’s about building a sustainable system that supports performance, recovery, and long-term health – without obsession or perfectionism. Whether you’re an elite cyclist, racing ultras or Gran Fondos, or simply want to feel better on the bike, this episode will change how you think about fueling. What You’ll Learn Why most cyclists are undereating—not overeatingThe real difference between pro and amateur fueling needsHow training too hard kills fat metabolismWhy carbs are still misunderstood in endurance sportsThe truth about 90g vs 120g carbs per hourHow to structure nutrition for training days vs rest daysWhy perfectionism in nutrition can backfireThe biggest fueling mistakes causing GI issues and poor performance CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 03:30 – Rapid fire: myths, carbs, and recovery 05:30 – Hydration mistakes and GI issues 06:20 – Why high performers often eat too little 10:00 – Use it or lose it metabolism explained 12:00 – Low-carb training and why it can backfire 13:30 – Perfectionism in endurance athletes 16:00 – Emotional + social role of food in performance 18:30 – Why carbs are still misunderstood 21:30 – Pro vs amateur fueling 23:30 – Why amateurs shouldn’t copy pro carb intake 25:00 – The engine analogy: amateur vs pro physiology 27:30 – How many carbs you actually need 28:30 – Gut training and fueling strategy 29:30 – Fat vs carbs: what really fuels performance 31:00 – The athlete who tolerates more fuel wins 33:00 – Why everyday nutrition matters more than supplements 34:30 – Why low-carb training is outdated 36:00 – Training zones mistakes (most athletes train too hard) 37:30 – Why fat burning depends on intensity 39:00 – Fasting: helpful or harmful for athletes? 42:30 – Structuring nutrition: rest days vs hard days 44:30 – Glycogen depletion and why recovery takes longer than you think 47:00 – Why most athletes underfuel their week 48:30 – The importance of planning nutrition 49:00 – Post-ride mistakes 50:00 – The real recovery window explained 51:10 – Outro – LINKS – TRAIN EAT REPEAT - The Endurance Cookbook https://www.dorlingkindersley.de/buch/marlene-low-feride-dogum-dani-hofstetter-fabian-haefeli-train-eat-repeat-9783831050734 PREVIOUS EPISODES Smart Nutrition for Hot Weather Riding https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000722138953 RED-S Ep. 1 https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000671492861 RED-S Ep. 2 https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000672166132 Sports Nutrition: Winter Training, Indoor Riding https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000639782748 Sports Nutrition: Race Day Fueling, Hydration Strategy https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000638271631 Sports Nutrition: What is the Optimal Diet for Cycling Performance https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000636862451 Sports Nutrition: Carbs, Fruits, Veggies for Everyday Performance https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000635636881 – CONNECT – Dani Hofstetter ⁠Website⁠: ⁠ https://danihofstetter.ch⁠ Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/dh_performance_nutrition/ Host: Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Merida Miller – founder of Project Fearless, community builder with No Ordinary Women, TEDx speaker, gravel athlete, and self-described professional hype girl. Mérida has made it her life’s work to empower young girls and gender-fluid youth to try new things, fall, and get back up again. From skateparks and classrooms, she has spent the past seven years helping girls and athletes build confidence through action – not by waiting to feel ready. In this deeply honest conversation, Mérida opens up about training courage one brave step at a time, redefining confidence, and leaning on community and hype-crew through panic attacks, long gravel race battles, and life’s in-between chapters. In this episode: ​Why being an amateur is something to be proud of​Racing for joy instead of podiums​Anxiety, ADHD, and “mental mechanicals”​The power of gratitude mid-race​Redefining leadership as listening​Designing a cycling jersey that sees you​And why finding your hype crew might be the most important training of all This episode isn’t about being fearless. It’s about showing up anyway — and cheering others while you do. 🎧 Whether you race gravel, ride for fun, or are navigating your own next chapter, this one will stay with you. – IMPORTANT LINKS – Follow Merida Miller → https://www.instagram.com/mercatmiller/ Project Fearless → https://www.instagram.com/project.fearless/ No Ordinary Women → https://www.instagram.com/noordinarywomen.cc/ Cycling Culture Club - https://www.cyclingcultureclub.cc/ Cycling Culture Club IG – https://www.instagram.com/cyclingcultureclub/?hl=en Castelli SOG → https://www.instagram.com/castelli_sog/ TEDx → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOYlSI99Xog – CHAPTERS – 00:00 – You don’t have to race for the podium to be brave 02:37 – Meet Merida Miller: courage over confidence 05:03 – Quickfire round: fear, confidence & gravel reality checks 07:21 – Mental breakdowns, panic attacks & coaching yourself mid-race 09:07 – Turning the page: a new chapter as an athlete & leader 10:55 – From fashion design to founding Project Fearless 13:19 – Creating space for all girls — not just “sporty” ones 15:06 – Cheering as fuel: why hype culture matters 16:17 – What confidence really looks like at 12 years old 18:58 – Kids, social media & why offline time is essential 21:17 – Leadership lessons from team sports (even if you hate sports) 25:36 – “Confidence has a branding problem” explained 29:16 – Comfort zone vs growth zone vs panic zone 33:39 – Find your hype crew (and why it changes everything) 35:36 – Gratitude as an endurance superpower 37:29 – Comparison, confidence & mental mechanicals 38:43 – How Merida found gravel (and why road racing terrifies her) 40:30 – Feeling welcomed — and when cycling spaces fail 45:09 – Is gravel really inclusive? 46:57 – Anxiety, ADHD & endurance sport 51:47 – Redefining success: finishing happy 53:11 – Cycling Culture Club & building global communities 58:22 – Fail early, fail often: starting something from scratch 1:02:44 – Designing the ultimate SOG race jersey 1:08:19 – Racing with your heart on your sleeve 1:12:08 – Why visibility and joy matter in racing 1:14:00 – What success looks like in 20 years 1:15:37 – Final thoughts: courage, kindness & showing up – HOST – Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/ SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stick around for the final moments of the interview. You won’t regret it. A must-listen for photographers, creatives, cyclists, and anyone curious about what happens beyond the barriers.  In this final chapter with Ashley and Jered Gruber, we go fully inside the work. What does it really take to create meaningful images in professional cycling — when conditions aren’t perfect, expectations are sky-high, and every decision happens at race speed? From recalibrating a “five-out-of-ten day” into something publishable, to the unique pressure of iconic climbs like Mont Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez, Ashley and Jered break down the invisible labor behind race photography; stage research kilometre by kilometre, fighting logistics, editing in the car, uploading from hotel rooms late at night, and still finding the energy to tell the story on social media. We talk about roadside encounters with fans, unexpected human moments, and the strange contrast between riders fighting for their careers and crowds treating race day like a party.  The conversation also turns deeply personal — covering burnout, injury, recovery, insecurity, creativity, and the long-term sustainability of a freelance career in modern cycling media. From shooting the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes, to rebuilding after a devastating crash at the Tour of Flanders, to finding grounding at home after months on the road — this episode is about process, endurance, passion, and finding beauty where no one else is looking. A must-listen for photographers, creatives, cyclists, and anyone curious about what happens beyond the barriers. ________ 🇮🇹 Uno sguardo autentico dietro le quinte della fotografia nel ciclismo professionistico. Ashley e Jered Gruber raccontano pressione, processo creativo, infortuni, burnout e perché, nonostante tutto, continuano a tornare sulle corse. 🇩🇪 Ein ehrlicher Blick hinter die Kulissen der Profi-Radsportfotografie. Ashley & Jered Gruber über Entscheidungsdruck, kreative Prozesse, Verletzungen, Erschöpfung und warum sie trotz allem immer wieder zurückkommen. ________ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 03:07 The Five Out of Ten Day Mindset 06:30 Mont Ventoux 09:06 Alpe d Huez and Race Day Chaos 11:05 Roadside Fans and Human Moments 16:27 Familiar Places and Returning Each Year 20:03 Planning a Grand Tour Stage 27:26 Editing Uploading and Long Nights 34:01 Giro vs Tour vs Vuelta 36:20 Mens and Womens Racing 39:48 Tour of Flanders Crash 2024 46:29 Shooting the Giro from the TV 52:46 Riding Bikes and Staying Human 58:37 Freelance Insecurity and the Future 1:03:24 Advice for Aspiring Photographers 1:08:27 Legacy and Closing Thoughts 1:13:04 Outro CONNECT ⁠ Ashley Norris Gruber https://www.instagram.com/ashleygruber/ Jered Gruber https://www.instagram.com/jeredgruber/ – HOST – Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out our new collection: Castelli-cycling.com SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two with Ashley and Jered Gruber we unpack how their journey into cycling photography truly began. From a chance meeting sparked by a flat tire in Athens, Georgia, to moving to Europe with no real plan, a €1,500 car, and a pocket-sized camera, this episode traces the early years that shaped their visual language. Jered and Ashley share how racing dreams shifted into storytelling, why landscapes and atmosphere mattered more than finish-line shots, and how shooting differently helped them find space in a crowded world of race photography. The conversation dives into their first Castelli shoots, the Koppenberg with Andreas Klier, the iconic Passo Giau image with Peter Stetina, and the unexpected chain of events that led them to shoot the Giro d’Italia. Along the way, they reflect on learning by doing, working without moto access, and building trust as a creative duo within the chaos of professional cycling. This episode explores cycling photography from the inside out — not just how images are made, but why they’re made that way. ________ 🇮🇹 Nel secondo episodio con Jered e Ashley Gruber torniamo all’inizio di tutto: un incontro casuale, una foratura e una decisione che ha cambiato il loro percorso. Dalle prime foto scattate quasi per necessità ai grandi giri, raccontiamo come hanno costruito una carriera nella fotografia ciclistica seguendo istinto, curiosità e uno sguardo diverso sul ciclismo. 🇩🇪 In der zweiten Episode mit Jered und Ashley Gruber blicken wir zurück auf die Anfänge ihrer Reise. Von einer zufälligen Begegnung und den ersten Fotos bis hin zu den großen Rundfahrten sprechen wir darüber, wie sie sich ihren Platz in der Radsportfotografie erarbeitet haben – mit Geduld, Neugier und einer ganz eigenen Perspektive. ________ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 03:07 How Ashley and Jered First Met 05:22 From Racing to Photography 08:33 Moving to Europe 09:34 Discovering the Camera 11:23 First Breaks 12:24 Life on the Road 14:01 Meeting Castelli & First Commercial Shoot 16:17 Koppenberg & Giau 20:25 Becoming Photographers 23:46 Creative Duo 27:52 Finding Their Style 31:32 The Photo That Changed Everything 33:13 Giro Opportunity 36:27 First Grand Tour 41:24 Evolving the Vision 45:46 Milano-Sanremo 49:40 Race Day Workflow 52:14 Creative Pressure 55:00 Ending CONNECT ⁠ Ashley Norris Gruber https://www.instagram.com/ashleygruber/ Jered Gruber https://www.instagram.com/jeredgruber/ – HOST – Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out our new collection: Castelli-cycling.com SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of you have watched their work evolve over the years, shaping how modern cycling is seen and remembered. I’ve been lucky enough to have a front-row seat to that journey. Today, I’m joined by Ashley and Jered Gruber — a husband-and-wife photography duo and two of the most influential visual storytellers in the world of cycling. From their early years to the biggest races on the calendar, I’ve watched them quietly shape how the sport looks, feels, and is remembered. This conversation is an honest look into life inside the peloton. We talk about instinct versus technique, creative doubt, missed shots, and the pressure of making split-second decisions when there are no second chances. Jered and Ashley open up about working together under extreme stress, following the Tour de France for weeks on end, navigating chaos at Flanders and Roubaix, and why even after all these years, they still feel the urge to try something different. This isn’t just a conversation about photography. It’s about trust, partnership, curiosity, and earning your place — not by being loud, but by consistently doing the work at the highest level. This is Part 1 of a three-part series. In the episodes to come, we’ll go deeper into how they met, their early years in cycling, full race-day workflows, and what still inspires them today. Hope you enjoy this one. ________________ 🇮🇹 Breve introduzione Due dei più importanti narratori visivi del ciclismo moderno si raccontano in una conversazione intima e senza filtri. Ashley e Jered Gruber parlano di istinto, pressione, fiducia e di cosa significa lavorare insieme dentro il caos del gruppo, dalle Classiche al Tour de France. ________________ 🇩🇪 Kurze Zusammenfassung Ashley und Jered Gruber gehören zu den einflussreichsten visuellen Geschichtenerzählern im Radsport. In dieser Episode sprechen sie über Intuition versus Technik, kreative Zweifel, Entscheidungsdruck im Rennen und darüber, wie es ist, Woche für Woche im Peloton zu arbeiten. ________________ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 05:34 – First Dolomites memories & meeting Igor Tavella   08:45 – Most crazy expensive place they’ve slept in the Tour 10:36 – Their favorite photo   11:37 – The shot they still regret missing   15:27 – Cycling’s most underrated roads   18:06 – Post-Tour exhaustion & recovery   20:25 – Favorite races to shoot 23:09 – Technique vs instinct   27:46 – Koppenberg vs Paterberg vs Kwaremont   32:24 – Gear, lenses & race-day survival   37:38 – Planning locations with moto pilots   40:44 – Graham Watson & early inspiration   44:32 – Explaining their job outside cycling   46:05 – Why documentary photography still matters   47:07 – Ending CONNECT ⁠ Ashley Norris Gruber https://www.instagram.com/ashleygruber/ Jered Gruber https://www.instagram.com/jeredgruber/ Igor Tavella https://www.instagram.com/igortavella/ Ustaria Posta Hotel https://www.instagram.com/ustariaposta/ https://www.ustariaposta.it/ – HOST – Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/ Check out our new collection: Castelli-cycling.com SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Laverick was one of the standout British talents through his junior years and earned a place on one of the top development teams in cycling: Hagens Berman Axeon. He spent two seasons there under the guidance of the world-renowned Axel Merckx. Joe had hoped to make the jump to the WorldTour, but things didn’t fall into place, and he found himself without a contract at the end of 2022 — facing an uncertain future. Instead of walking away, Joe built something completely different: a one-man privateer project that blends road racing, time trialling and gravel, fuelled by spreadsheets, sponsors, side clients and a serious obsession with marginal gains. Joe lifts the curtain on: What it actually costs to race as a privateer (race budget, travel, equipment)Why you need to be more than “just a bike racer” in 2025Balancing being a rider, writer, team owner, sponsor-hunter, soigneur and logistics managerHow he uses products like the Castelli Gabba R and new gravel kit – and why honest feedback mattersThe learning curve of gravel: tyre pressure, technical skills and why it’s an “untapped jigsaw of performance”200+ days on the road in the US gravel scene, host housing, burnout, and finding balanceWhy enjoyment is the ultimate performance metric, and his advice for young riders choosing between the pro pathway and privateer lifeWe wrap up with Joe’s dream Girona loop over Sant Hilari and Montseny – a 6.5-hour, 180–200 km that he still calls one of the best rides in the world. – LINKS – Joe Laverick https://www.instagram.com/joe.laverick/ https://www.strava.com/athletes/7026027 Sant Hilari Ride https://www.strava.com/activities/10469253051 Castelli SOG https://www.castelli-cycling.com/spirit-of-gravel Men’s Unlimited Gravel Collection: ⁠https://www.castelli-cycling.com/IT/en/Men/Collection/Unlimited/c/Man-Col-Unl⁠ Women’s Unlimited Gravel Collection: ⁠https://www.castelli-cycling.com/IT/en/Woman/Collection/Unlimited/c/Wom-Col-Unl⁠ Castelli's Xmas Ride, Nov 29: Overview | ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/66959⁠ Italy | Signup form: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/castelli-unlimited-christmas-ride-2025 CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro, Castelli Christmas Gravel Ride & Spirit of Gravel Cabal 02:00 – Who is Joe Laverick? Beating Remco & Girona life 04:00 – Quickfire round: fashion crimes, coldest rides & junior chaos in Belgium 09:10 – Contracts dry up: Tour of Alsace, injuries & the decision to go privateer 14:30 – Building “Joe Laverick the brand”: writing, sponsors, and race budget reality 18:30 – Gear geek: equipment choices, spreadsheets, and why the Gabba R blew his mind 22:00 – Influencer vs athlete: social media, honesty and choosing the right partners 27:20 – 200 days on the road: US gravel, burnout and learning to say “no” 32:30 – Gravel as an “untapped jigsaw”: tyre pressure, skills and doing more with less budget 44:40 – Joe’s favourite Girona mega-loop & how not to bonk 47:00 – Advice to young riders: pro vs privateer, happiness and why fun has to come first Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of our conversation with French powerhouse Paul Magnier of Soudal–Quick-Step — one of the brightest young stars in professional cycling — we dive deep into the art of sprinting. Paul pulls back the curtain on the final 1,000 meters: how to read chaos, trust the lead-out, and time the winning move. We dig into aero gains — from wind-tunnel insights and bar-width experiments to 56×11 gearing and 105–110 rpm cadence — and why he practices seated accelerations at 800–1,000 watts. He also unpacks the Wolfpack mentality that trades pressure for confidence. Paul shares how he mentally reset after a heavy crash, what separates good from great sprinters, and his race-day routine. Plus: his go-to Castelli kit — the Sanremo S8 speed suit, Perfetto, Gabba, and Gavia jackets for rough weather — and why Castelli’s no-logo Pro Shop pieces have become a peloton secret. If you’re chasing faster finishes in crits or road races, you’ll love Paul’s practical sprint training cues and energy-saving tactics. 🎧 Listen now to get smarter — and faster! – LINKS – Podcast episode with Paul ahead of the 2025 season: https://youtu.be/ClivP8jdPlE CONNECT ⁠ ⁠Paul Magnier: https://www.instagram.com/paul_magnier_/ CHAPTERS 0:00 — Intro 2:21 — Big goals: Monuments, Worlds & green jersey 3:30 — Finding rider type with the coach 4:19 — Handling pressure when the team backs you 5:20 — Wolfpack culture: confidence over pressure 7:18 — Resetting after crash & Omloop near-miss 13:12 — Inside a sprint: feel vs pain; favorite race kit 14:31 — Aero gains: position, wind tunnel & bar width tests 16:20 — Full aero system & no-logo Pro Shop gear 19:06 — Recon & visualizing the last 3 km 22:16 — Race-day routine & playlist 23:16 — Training to sprint: torque, short efforts, seated kicks 25:26 — Five-minute power & saving energy to the line 28:24 — Stage-race survival: fueling, grupetto, recovery 29:28 — Gearing & cadence: 56×11 today, 58T tomorrow? 30:12 — Marginal gains vs mental load; knowing your body 34:09 — Cold-weather kit essentials & layering 38:18 — Cooking, bus food & home life 41:05 — Paddle board, jet-ski dreams & Grenoble roots 44:00 — Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strap in — because today’s episode is an absolute sprint-finish thriller! We’re joined by one of the most exciting young riders in world cycling: Paul Magnier of Soudal–Quick-Step — a 21-year-old French powerhouse already rewriting what’s possible in the pro peloton. In just two seasons, Magnier has exploded to the top tier of world cycling with 24 victories, making him statistically the most successful rider of his generation, ahead of Evenepoel, Pogačar, van der Poel, and Sagan at the same age. Fresh off five straight wins at the Tour of Guangxi and a breakout year featuring 19 victories, a podium at Omloop, and his first Giro d’Italia, Paul sits down with us to reveal: - How he stays calm in the chaos of 70km/h bunch sprints - The mental toughness needed to perform under WorldTour pressure - Lead-out strategy secrets and Wolfpack sprint dynamics - Life as cycling’s next superstar — and staying humble along the way - Off-season life in Grenoble, MTB roots & why the Gabba is a winter essential Whether you're a sprinter chasing speed, a cycling fan hungry for behind-the-scenes insight, or just fascinated by the next generation shaking up the sport—this episode is packed with firepower. If you’re obsessed with sprint finishes, race psychology, or want actionable tips to get faster, this episode is packed with firepower for you. 🎧 Plus: this is Part 1 of a two-episode deep-dive—next week we go all-in on sprint technique, training, gym work, and how YOU can become faster! Hit follow, leave a rating, and join the Castelli community! – LINKS – Podcast episode with Paul ahead of the 2025 season: https://youtu.be/ClivP8jdPlE CONNECT ⁠ ⁠Paul Magnier: https://www.instagram.com/paul_magnier_/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 04:33 – 2025 wrap: 19 wins & GT debut 05:42 – China recap: team bonding 06:23 – Race load: 90 days, 11,685 km 07:06 – 24 wins by 21; Wolfpack support 08:15 – From WC XC bronze medal to Soudal Quick-Step 12:58 – Quick-fire 10 questions 15:11 – Sprint mindset: instinct vs plan 17:18 – Lead-out roles 19:08 – Sprint power & Merlier comparison 20:05 – Fighting for the wheel & positioning 21:03 – Building the perfect lead-out; inside the Flamme Rouge 25:01 – Training lead-outs: races vs camps; staying calm 29:07 – Reading rival trains 30:44 – Final 200 m: speed, aero, seated sprint 34:47 – Strength work: in-season gym & velocity focus 38:20 – Life off the bike: friends, balance, humility 40:48 – The French wave: peers & momentum 42:15 – Role-model mindset & clean racing 43:46 – Home life: Grenoble → Nice; travel perks & weather 48:38 – Big goals: Monuments, Worlds, Tour green 50:13 – Outro Credits: Play Sports Network / Eurosport, GettyImages Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.