CASTELLI Cycling Podcast

• ANTOINE HUBY | How Cyclocross Shapes Champions!

  Whether you’re a passionate cyclocross fan or just curious about the sport, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and everything that makes bike racing such a dynamic and evolving discipline.Today, we’re joined by Antoine Huby, a rising talent in cycling from the Brittany region of France. Antoine made a name for himself in cyclocross, winning the U23 French Championship in 2021, before making waves on the road in 2023 with standout performances, including a win at the U23 Course de la Paix, a second-place finish at Liège–Bastogne–Liège U23, and a top-five at the Tour Alsace. His rapid rise caught the attention of Soudal Quick-Step, where he is now in his second season.With the Cyclocross World Championships happening this weekend in Liévin, northern France—just a short drive from his home—it’s the perfect time to hear from Antoine about his training, race strategies, and technical skills that make cyclocross such an essential foundation for top road racers. We’ll also dive into his admiration for Julian Alaphilippe, his aspirations for Strade Bianche, and his thoughts on the crossover between CX and road racing.So, buckle up and get ready for an inside look at the world of cyclocross and its influence on road racing. Let’s dive in! CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:07 Antoine's Journey to Professional Cycling06:02 The Transition from Cyclocross to Road Cycling08:56 The Influence of Julien Alaphilippe11:52 The Importance of Cyclocross in Training15:13 The World Championships and French Cyclocross17:49 Technical Skills Gained from Cyclocross21:13 Antoine's Early Days in Cycling24:08 Understanding Cyclocross Racing Dynamics29:04 Tire Pressure and Setup for Cyclocross32:54 The Importance of a Fast Start35:54 Gear Choices and Techniques for Cyclocross39:48 Techniques for Barriers and Dismounting45:30 Training Intensity and Race Preparation51:45 Running in Cyclocross Training53:40 Dream Races and Future Aspirations LINKS –⁠Velon – Quick Bike Swap⁠ – GUEST –French cyclist Antoine Huby made his mark in cyclocross, winning the U23 French Championship in 2021, before excelling on the road. His rapid rise earned him a spot on Soudal Quick-Step, where he continues to impress in his second season. CONNECT⁠Instagram⁠– 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. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACKIf 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.

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• URŠKA ŽIGART | Unfiltered: Life with Tadej, Challenges, Season Goals, Team Pika, Empowering Women

  📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube, and don’t miss your chance to win a VIP experience for the Giro d’Italia Women this July with a chance to meet the ladies of AG Insurance Soudal. Share your favorite moment or quote from this episode in the comments to enter! The winner will be announced in a pinned comment on March 4, 2025, and contacted directly.YouTube: https://youtu.be/dMgIjZLu2xQ___In this episode, we sit down with Urška Žigart, an extraordinary Slovenian cyclist carving her path in the women’s professional cycling world.From her rise to becoming a five-time national champion, achieving top placements at the Giro d’Italia Women, Tour de Suisse, and Giro dell’Emilia, to her new chapter with AG Insurance-Soudal, and balancing life with cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar, Urška shares an inspiring journey filled with triumphs, aspirations, and the challenges of competing at the highest level.From Slovenia to Monaco, Urška reflects on the importance of mental resilience, the evolution of women’s cycling, and a peek into her life with Tadej, including who does the cooking at home and other fun moments that come with being in a relationship with a fellow athlete. She also shares her vision for supporting the next generation of cyclists. and offers insights on teamwork and the ongoing growth of women’s cycling.Join us for this heartfelt and insightful conversation about life, cycling, and the power of perseverance.Sit back, relax, and be inspired by Urška Žigart’s incredible story.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro02:41 Contest Rules04:53 Gabba R06:24 2025 Race Program12:12 Building a Stronger Future for Women's Cycling19:10 Žigart and Pogačar: The power couple of Slovenian cycling23:11 Tadej’s Pink jersey, Barbie Story Goes Viral on Social Media24:55 The ‘Fluffy’ Scones Story with Matt Stephens28:22 Who’s in Charge of Tadej’s Wardrobe?29:47 Pogi’s Glorious Tufts of Hair in the Wind (Spoiler!)30:16 How Did Urška and Tadej First Meet?33:10 Who's Always the First One to Be Ready for Training?33:48 Who Changes the Flat Tire?35:53 Who’s the One Half-Wheeling the Other?36:28 Who’s Doing the Cooking at Home?37:07 Can You Tell from Tadej’s Body Language When He’s About to Attack?38:19 Slovenia's Cycling Success Story40:46 Urška’s Journey into Cycling44:13 How Cycling Has Changed Over the Past Years45:46 Talking Cycling at Home with Tadej, Improving Technically48:15 A Hard, Steep Learning Curve52:28 2024 Breakthrough Year55:05 Signing with AG Insurance-Soudal01:01:48 Ending– LINKS –⁠Matt Stephens The Cafe Ride - Tadej Pogačar⁠– GUEST –Urška Žigart is a Slovenian professional cyclist known for her climbing and time-trialing skills. Off the bike, she is passionate about sustainability, empowering women's cycling, and the outdoors, inspiring fans with her talent and determination. Urška is also known for her relationship with Tadej Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France winner.CONNECT⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠AG Insurance Soudal⁠⁠– HOST –Søren Jensen, Castelli Global Marketing Manager.SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• ETHAN HAYTER | Britain's Cycling Ace - New Team, New Goals

  Join us for an inspiring conversation with one of Britain’s most versatile and exciting cyclists—Ethan Hayter.In this episode, Ethan reflects on his journey from turning pro with Team INEOS in 2020 to signing with Soudal Quick-Step for the next two seasons—a team with Grand Tour and Classics ambitions, while also working to help Ethan rediscover his best form. With past victories, including the GC at the Tour de Pologne and the Tour of Norway, along with 15 wins across 2021 and 2022, Ethan shares insights on season goals, adapting to his new team, balancing road and track disciplines, and the role of marginal gains in professional cycling.We delve into how his track racing roots have shaped his road career, the mental preparation required for major events like the Olympics, and the importance of patience and joy in overcoming setbacks. Ethan also discusses how he got into cycling through the track community and offers valuable advice for young cyclists, emphasizing the role of community and passion in achieving sustained success.Packed with insights and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the world of cycling.Chapters00:00 Intro 02:50 Rapid Fire Round of Questions03:49 Transitioning to Soudal Quick-Step 08:08 Reflecting on Past Achievements and Future Goals13:35 Journey Into Track Cycling 19:29 Balancing Road and Track Training21:44 Mental Preparation for Major Races22:39 Dealing with Setbacks and Staying Motivated25:46 Race Recon and Todays technology28:21 Castelli Windtunnel Testing29:43 Sanremo Speed Suit, Idea to Reality 31:57 Advice for Young Cyclists: Community & Enjoyment37:19 Ending – GUEST –Ethan Hayter is known for his success both on the road and on the track, with a long list of medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and other major events. He turned pro with Team INEOS in 2020 and now rides for Soudal Quick-Step.CONNECThttps://www.instagram.com/ethanhayter/https://www.strava.com/pros/601041– 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/SEND US YOUR QUESTIONSIf 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.

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• NATHAN HAAS | Ep. 2: Eye-Catching Jersey Designs, Journey into Pro Cycling

  In this second episode, Nathan Haas shares his inspiring journey from being a young, talented athlete in Australia to racing for some of the sport's biggest World Tour teams.He discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from downhill mountainbiking to road racing, the importance of team dynamics, and the evolution of Girona as a cycling hub. Nathan also delves into his collaborations with architect and designer Richard Pearce, exploring the creative design process behind Castelli’s exclusive R-A/D Collection and the significance of gravel racing in today’s cycling culture.We sat down with him in his hometown of Girona to talk about his entry into cycling and the lessons he’s learned as a pro that can inspire others.Chapters00:00 Intro01:08 Overview03:25 The Journey Begins: Nathan Haas' Early Days02:44 From Downhill to World Tour: The Transition06:09 Navigating the World Tour: Challenges and Triumphs08:57 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Cycling12:14 The Evolution of Girona as a Cycling Hub14:58 Cultural Insights: Riding for French Teams18:11 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Professional Cycling21:03 Designing the Future: Collaborations with Richard Pérez23:51 The Full Circle Journey: From Dirt to Road to Gravel27:10 The Science of Gravel: DNA and Design30:05 The Art of Cycling Apparel: A Deep Dive into Jerseys32:56 Reflections and Future Aspirations37:29 Ending – LINKS –Richard Pearce, R–A/D Collectionhttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/highlights/r-ad-collectionDesigning the R—AD Collection: A history of passionNathan: https://youtu.be/XnBd7oeEggURichard Paerce: https://youtu.be/5NobK1ER4MY– GUEST –Born in Australia, Nathan Haas was originally a mountain biker and represented Australia at two UCI World Championships. In 2009, he switched to road racing, competing in the World Tour for a decade before transitioning to gravel racing in 2021. He has lived in Girona, Spain, since 2012.CONNECT⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠STRAVA– 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 ⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• NATHAN HAAS | Future of Gravel Racing, Girona’s Cycling Culture, Gabba R

  Nathan is a household name in cycling, having raced at the World Tour level for 10 years, participated in all Grand Tours, and sparked many conversations about the present and future of gravel cycling—all while achieving top results and inspiring others.In this action-packed episode, we sit down with Nathan to explore gravel riding, the best routes around Girona, its coffee culture, cycling community, and why Girona has become a cycling mecca.We also discuss the spirit of gravel, where camaraderie and competition create a passionate, welcoming community, and why events like the Iceland Rift are gaining attention. Other topics include athlete branding on social media, the rising competitiveness in gravel racing, advancements in equipment, biomechanics, and other factors driving increased speed and performance, as well as empowering women in the sport, and more.Tune in for an episode full of insights, inspiration, and everything that makes gravel cycling unique.Chapters00:00 Intro03:58 The Girona Coffee Culture06:07 Favorite Castelli Product10:07 Why Gravel is Better than World Tour Racing10:40 Best Jersey Design13:22 Best Girona Gravel Ride16:13 Why Girona is a Cyclist's Paradise19:25 Advice for Aspiring Gravel Racers21:33 The Best Part of Gravel Racing26:18 Race Coverage and Athlete Branding34:50 The Spirit of Gravel45:23 Empowering Women47:33 Outro– LINKS – Girona Coffee Shops: https://www.instagram.com/oniriacafe/ https://www.instagram.com/tramuntana_girona Nathan’s Favorite Ride From Girona https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/269428651 Richard Pearce, R–A/D Collection https://www.castelli-cycling.com/highlights/r-ad-collection – GUEST –Born in Australia, Nathan Haas was originally a mountain biker and represented Australia at two UCI World Championships. In 2009, he switched to road racing, competing in the World Tour for a decade before transitioning to gravel racing in 2021. He has lived in Girona, Spain, since 2012.CONNECThttps://www.instagram.com/nathanpeterhaas/ https://www.strava.com/pros/12924172 – 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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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