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Dot Comms is the audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. This episode is supported by the ultra-cycling specifc coaching service Acier.cc. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier.cc (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Amanda Wishart, Managing Editor at DotWatcher In this episode we are joined by DotWatcher’s Substack Editor, Conor McKenzie, to preview in detail the highly anticipated inaugural edition of Taurus Mountain Race. Niel Copeland also drops by to tell us what went down at the recent Alps Divide. We also review the recent action at The Trans Pyrenees Race & The North Race, and look ahead to Peninsular Divide, Arizona Trail Race and other October events. Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier.cc website: https://www.acier.cc/

Dot Comms is the audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Nicky Shaw, Fastest Known Times Timekeeper at DotWatcher In this episode’s Roundtable we discuss how ultra-cycling is going to have to adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events with guests: Lisa Pfeiffer: Race director of La Péripherie which introduced the concept of Pic & Mix segments. Veteran of events such as the Hope 1000, Two Volcano Sprint and the Transcontinental Race.Liam O’Keeffe: Founder and curator of the Solstice Series which includes five events in the UK celebrating the celestial calendar.Justyna Jarczok: Kona Test Team member who was winner of Further Merry England 2026 and 1st Female / 16th overall at Dales Divide 2026. Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

On the Dot 004. Previewing Silk Road Mountain Race and Badlands with Nathalie Baillon. Plus Colorado Trail Race, Via Chapter III & more! On the Dot is Dot Comms’ race-dedicated show where we review the recent action and look ahead at dots to watch in the near future.For this episode Samuel Thompson is joined by Nicky Shaw and Nathalie Baillon to provide some expert analysis, hot takes, inside info and occasional wild speculation. With Nathalie we look forward to the action at the upcoming Silk Road Mountain Race and Badlands, including her experience of riding both.Further races that are recapped include:Colorado Trail RaceVia Chapter IIIAnd there are dots to watch at:GBDUROTransiberiaPain au ChocolatMountains of the MerfynionGet in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

Dot Comms is the audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Millie Gibbons, Web Developer at DotWatcher In this episode’s Roundtable we talk through some of the highlights from Transcontinental Race No12 with guests : Esther Lloyd: Contributor to the DotWatcher commentary of TCRNo12, finisher of TCRNo11 and TPRNo4.Conor McKenzie: Editor of the DotWatcher Substack and ultra-cyclist who was winner of The Capitals in 2025.Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

On the Dot is Dot Comms’ race-dedicated show where we review the recent action and look ahead at dots to watch in the near future. For this episode Samuel Thompson is joined by Nicky Shaw and Jana Kesenheimer to provide some expert analysis, hot takes, inside info and occasional wild speculation.Races that are recapped include:Three Peaks Bike RaceBright MidnightAnd there are dots to watch at:Transcontinental Race No12Via Chapter IIIGet in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

In this special episode, originally featured on the Seek Travel Ride Podcast in August 2025, host of Dot Comms, Samuel Thompson (@touriste.routier), recounts his experience of completing the Tour de France Randonner, as well as his cycling journey to this point and the philosophy behind his approach. Established in 1958, the Tour de France Randonneur is essentially a permanent Randonnée demarcated by 61 control points (often in emblematic locations such as Omaha Beach, Carrefour de l’Arbre, and the Col du Tourmalet) that leads riders on a roughly 4,800km true tour of France. Thank you to Bella Molloy for allowing us to share this episode with you and check out the Seek Travel Ride podcast for other inspiring recollections of journeys by bicycle. For more information on Samuel’s Tour de France Randonneur, see: https://www.acier.cc/tdfrhttps://dotwatcher.cc/race/the-touriste-routier https://dotwatcher.cc/feature/touriste-routier https://www.hauteprovenceinfo.com/actualite-47770-manosque-samuel-thompson-tour-de-france-randonneur-en-12-jours-et-13h https://www.usmetrocyclotourisme.fr/tdf-2025/thompson-samuel-2073-gb-finisher

Dot Comms is the audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Amanda Wishart, Web Editor at DotWatcher In this episode’s Roundtable we we review the Tour Divide with guests from the Old Man Mountain Experimental Bikepacking Team : Paola (Poli) Berber: adventure cyclist, environmental manager, and community organiser born and raised in Mexico City.Susie Douglas: Mountain biker of all formats, Director of Operations for Wildfire International, and ultimately Jill of All Trades: living a life filled with remote adventure and unconventional career pursuits with bikepacking the thread that ties it all together. Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

On the Dot 002 - June 2026. Recapping Trans Balkan Race & Kromvojoj. Previewing Tour Divide, La Peripherie and Transpyrenees (Transiberica). And much more. With Nicky Shaw & Meaghan Hackinen. On the Dot is Dot Comms’ race-dedicated show where we review the recent action and look ahead at dots to watch in the near future. For this episode Samuel Thompson is joined by Nicky Shaw and Meaghan Hackinen to provide some expert analysis, hot takes, inside info and occasional wild speculation. Races that are recapped include:Trans Balkan RaceKromvojojNordic ChaseAnd there are dots to watch at:Tour DivideLa PeripherieTranspyrenees (Transiberica)Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: - DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ - Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

Dot Comms is the audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Kitty Dennis, Managing Editor at DotWatcher In this episode’s Roundtable we discuss the crossover space where gravel and ultra meet with: Angus Young: One of the most accomplished riders in the ultra scene. FKT holder for the Eastern Divide (9,575km) and European Divide (7,600km), winner of HT550 and Dales Divide and now organiser of ÆthelredUltra.Adam Jordan: Ex-pro road racer who turned to gravel and has participated in the Gravel World and European Championships. In ultra cycling he was winner of Basajaun in 2025, first pair at Badlands 2025 and second at Seven Serpents Quick Bite in 2026.Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspod or via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

On The Dot is Dot Comms’ brand new race-dedicated show where we review the recent ultra-cycling action and look ahead at dots to watch in the near future. For this first episode Samuel Thompson is joined by Nicky Shaw and Rob Gardiner to provide some expert analysis, hot takes, inside info and occasional wild speculation. Races that are recapped include: Highland Trail 550Lost Dot 101Mittelgebirge ClassiqueWild West CountryAnd there are dots to watch at: Hellenic Mountain RaceTrans Balkan RaceRace Through PolandKromvojojUtrecht UltraAethelred UltraGet in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

Dot Comms is the audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Kirsten Cluley, Race Coordinator at DotWatcher In this episode’s Roundtable we ask how hard is too hard in ultra-cycling events with guests: Hélène Fromenty: First female finisher at the Trans Pyrenees Race, finisher of Silk Road Mountain race as a pair, and women’s podium finishes at Desertus Bikus and French Road 66, all in 2025.Jenny Tough: Adventurer, storyteller and mountain lover. Twice first female finisher at Silk Road Mountain Race (2018, 2021) and first woman in the inaugural Atlas Mountain Race (2020). Author of Solo, chronicling her 2021 challenge to run, solo and unsupported, across a mountain range on every continent.Nelson Trees: Founder of the Mountain Races series, renowned as some of the most prestigious and challenging ultra-cycling races in the world. Including this year’s new addition, the Taurus Mountain Race in Turkey. On the bike he has finished twice in the Top 10 at TCR and finished 4th in the Highland Trail 550 in 2018.Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Amanda Wishart, Web Editor at DotWatcher In this episode’s Roundtable we ask how many ultra-cycling races are too many with guests: Rich Rothwell - One of the most experienced endurance riders there is, at times accompanied by his teenage son, James. He is also a coach with Advance Cycling Coaching and organises The Land Between, a 320 mile self-support ultra-distance bikepacking event from Northumberland, UK.Chris Mehlman - Endurance MTB and gravel rider who has gradually shifted towards longer events, achieving impressive results such as 4th in Unbound XL, 3rd at Badlands 2025 and 4th at AMR 2026.Gail Brown - A physio who works with the GB Olympic team and accomplished ultra-distance rider having completed events such as the Transcontinental Race, Tour Divide and was 3rd overall in the fully self-sufficient 2020 version of GBDURO in 2020.Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspod or via email: [email protected] DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Nicky Shaw, Contributing Editor at DotWatcher (@nicky_._shaw) In this episode’s Roundtable we ask whether there is a requirement for mandatory sleep periods in self-supported ultra-distance events with guests: Rémy Hurdiel: PhD in Sports Science and researcher at the Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale in Dunkirk, France with more than 15 years experience in the field of sleep and fatigue risk management for ultra-endurance athletes.Juliana Buhring: Organiser of Two Volcano Sprint, Guinness World Record breaker as the fastest woman to circumnavigate the globe in 2012 and bestselling author.Ana Orenz: Experienced ultra-distance rider with an impressive palmares including Top 10 overall finishes at 2VS, Transiberia and Transpyrenees. Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

Dot Comms is the audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Millie Gibbons, Web Editor at DotWatcher In this episode’s Roundtable we ask whether sponsored riders receive an advantage in ultra-distance events with guests: Jana Kesenheimer - Two time fastest women at The Transcontinental Race (6th overall in 2025), brand ambassador for Specialized, Rapha and others.Jack Howker - Co-founder of Albion and veteran of events such as HT550 and Fat Viking.Jan-Willem Bobbink - Organiser of The Unknown Race and experienced ultra-distance rider.Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher. This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more. Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport. Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc) Co-hosted by: Kitty Dennis, Managing Editor at DotWatcher In this special episode we bring you the Dot Comms Alternative Awards, highlighting those who may not get the attention they merit, giving recognition for performances and gestures that don’t fit into the typical awards boxes and just recalling some amusing anecdotes. Bringing their dotwatching expertise to assist with handing out the awards are: Niel Copeland - coach with Turn Cycling, athlete who has done pretty much every ultra-distance event out there, bike fitter, race reporter and recipient of the DotWatcher Best DotWatcher award in 2024.Mel Webb - Host of the Detours podcast, official roving race reporter for the Mountain Races, previous participant at SRMR, AMR & HMR and winner of the DotWatcher 2025 Documentation Award.Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: [email protected] Links: DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/ Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/ Acier article on Chewing the Fat: https://www.acier.cc/savoir-faire/fat-the-ultra-distance-fuel-part-three-c