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CASTELLI Cycling Podcast

Castelli Cycling

Welcome to the Castelli Podcast — your inside access to one of cycling’s most iconic brands.


For over 150 years, Castelli has pushed the limits of performance, aerodynamics, and innovation in professional cycling apparel. 


In each episode, we sit down with pro and amateur riders, engineers, designers, and industry experts to explore everything from aero gains and fabric technology to training, racing, nutrition, and behind-the-scenes product stories.


From road to gravel, time trial to triathlon, this is where performance, innovation, and cycling culture come together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 47 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • S4 · E9
    May 28 · 24 min

    ROB BRITTON | Record-Breaking Unbound XL | Gravel Aero Suit, Tech & Nutrition

    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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S4 · E6
    April 7 · 54 min

    Ride Faster With Smarter Fueling | Dani Hofstetter | Train. Eat. Repeat, Part 2

    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 ride The critical first hour post-training (and why most athletes waste it) Simple, repeatable habits that outperform complex strategies The risks of underfueling, RED-S, and chasing weight loss too aggressively How 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.

  • S4 · E4
    February 24 · 1 hr 16 min

    MÉRIDA MILLER | Claiming Your Space, Taking Risks & Letting Go of Self-Doubt

    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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 25, 2025 · 48 min

    JOE LAVERICK | Privateer’s Life, Marginal Gains & Having Fun!

    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 2025 Balancing being a rider, writer, team owner, sponsor-hunter, soigneur and logistics manager How he uses products like the Castelli Gabba R and new gravel kit – and why honest feedback matters The 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 balance Why enjoyment is the ultimate performance metric, and his advice for young riders choosing between the pro pathway and privateer life We 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.

  • #2
    Nov 12, 2025 · 44 min

    PAUL MAGNIER | Inside the Flamme Rouge, Sprint Craft, Marginal Gains (Part 2)

    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.

  • #1
    Nov 7, 2025 · 50 min

    PAUL MAGNIER | The Rise of the French Powerhouse (Part 1)

    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.

  • Oct 7, 2025 · 47 min

    DAVIDE BRAMATI | From Rider to Sports Director — Life Inside the WorldTour & the Wolfpack

    Have you ever wondered what life is really like for a directeur sportif? Here’s your chance. Davide “Brama” Bramati—ex-pro and longtime Quick-Step DS—is one of the WorldTour’s most passionate and entertaining voices. From his racing days in the ‘90s and 2000s to becoming one of Quick-Step’s longest-serving directeurs sportifs, Brama opens the doors to life inside the race car and the team bus. We dive into his transition from rider to DS, how race strategy has evolved with modern tech, the triumphs and heartbreaks of Classics and Grand Tours, and the passion that still fuels him after decades in the sport. You’ll also hear what makes the Wolfpack’s family culture so unique, how Brama handles the toughest post-race moments, and which races he’s still hungry to win. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:27 Brama’s career highlights 05:02 Quick-fire questions: style, kit, radios & tech 10:12 From rider to directeur sportif 17:27 Life in the team car: pressure, emotions & family 22:12 Race preparation & technology in modern cycling 27:53 Tactics, breakaways & the Wolfpack mentality 30:04 Dream races: Flanders, Roubaix, Liège 34:51 Young riders, careers & today’s superstars 42:12 Best career moments 43:22 Advice for new sports directors 45:26 Contest: win 2026 Flanders tickets 46:34 Outro CONTEST RULES We’ll randomly draw two winners on December 7, 2025 — each gets two (2) hospitality tickets to the 2026 Tour of Flanders Hotond Festival, including all food & drinks. Travel and accommodation are not included. Open to participants 18+. One entry per person. 📅 Contest Ends: Dec 7, 2025 – 23:59 CET Questions: podcast@castelli-cycling.com Good luck! LINKS Brama: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidebramati/ SQS https://www.instagram.com/soudalquickstepteam/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 8, 2025 · 54 min

    Polartec® AirCore™ | Inside the Future of Breathable, Sustainable Cycling Performance Gear

    Discover Polartec® AirCore™ — the revolutionary fabric that’s lightweight, breathable, PFAS-free, and made from recycled materials, designed to keep you dry from the inside out. Watch interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-EFOAr534V4 As the industry’s first advanced air-permeable laminate, AirCore™ combines stretch, windproofing, and water repellency with nanofiber technology that actively vents sweat without sacrificing protection from the elements. In this episode, Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President at Milliken & Company and Business Manager at Polartec, joins Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager, to share how this breakthrough came to life, and why it could redefine winter cycling gear for years to come. Together, they unpack the science, the challenges, and why Castelli’s new winter collection — launching September 9, 2025 — marks a turning point in performance cycling apparel. From lab testing to real-world rides, discover why AirCore™ is set to become the new benchmark in cycling performance. – LINKS – Castelli www.castelli-cycling.com/polartec-aircore https://www.castelli-cycling.com/II/en/custom/full Polartec®: www.polartec.com/fabrics/weather-protection/aircore – GUESTS – Ramesh Kesh https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshkesh Steve Smith ⁠www.instagram.com/smittystuff/⁠ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 03:56 Quick-Fire Round 07:16 Why New Fabric Was Needed 13:26 Engineering Breathability 19:41 Inside the AirCore™ Fabric 25:20 How Movement Activates Performance 28:03 Removing PFAS chemicals, 30:33 Real-World Performance 33:26 Breathability & Numbers 37:50 Waterproofness & Water Column Explained 40:04 Soudal Quick-Step 41:27 Product Collection 45:52 Sustainability & The Future 49:03 AirCore Setting a New Standard 52:11 Looking Ahead 52:54 Sum up AirCore 53:36 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 24, 2025 · 36 min

    VALENTIN PARET-PEINTRE | The Heart of a Climber: Favorite Climbs, Training Tips, and the Transition to SQS

    In this episode, we sit down with one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling — Valentin Paret-Peintre. At just 24, he’s already claimed stage victories at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour of Oman, and made history as the fifth Frenchman ever to win atop Mont Ventoux during his maiden Tour de France. Join us for a relaxed and insightful conversation recorded during pre-season camp, as Valentin opens up about life with Soudal Quick-Step, his favorite alpine climbs, his power-to-weight secrets, and how growing up in a cycling-obsessed family shaped his journey. If you're a fan of the high mountains, French alpine gems, and the inner mindset of a pure climber – this one's for you! The interview was recorded as a friendly chat at the beginning of the season, following a product feedback session. – LINKS – Valentin Paret-Peintre Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Climbs: Col de l'Arpettaz (Ugine) Col de la Colombiere (Cluses) Col des Aravis (Flumet) Mont-Salève – CHAPTERS – 00:00 – Quickfire intro 00:39 – Welcome & Valentin’s rise: Giro stage win to Ventoux glory 01:45 – Riding with the Wolfpack: New chapter with Soudal Quick-Step 03:13 – Settling in with the team & first impressions from training camp 04:35 – Why the Giro d’Italia is his favorite Grand Tour 05:39 – Growing up in Haute-Savoie & descending skills 06:49 – Favorite local climb: Col de la Colombière 08:08 – Riding for joy, peace & scenery — not always for coffee 09:40 – Reflections on mountain solitude & wild landscapes 10:51 – Hidden gem climbs: Col de l’Arpettaz and others 11:49 – What makes a world-class climber: More than just numbers 13:27 – Beating personal records at the Giro & Tour de Suisse 15:21 – In-the-saddle vs out-of-saddle: His climbing technique 16:09 – Bodyweight, gym work & nutrition 18:06 – Training efforts: Torque work, over/unders, and VO2 sets 20:32 – Training solo vs in groups & life in Chambéry 22:11 – Annual New Year's ride around Lac Léman tradition 22:58 – Aero obsession: Race suits vs jersey/shorts 24:23 – Castelli product insights & racing with innovation 25:21 – First impressions of the Sanremo S8 race suit 26:16 – Why he joined Soudal Quick-Step & learning from Remco & Landa 29:51 – Not ready to lead just yet — embracing a support role 31:51 – Eyeing the Tour de France debut in 2025 33:02 – On racing the Tour as a French rider: Personal dream 34:06 – Favorite Tour climb: Col du Galibier and its magic 36:08 – Favorite off-season meal? Spaghetti alla bolognese 🍝 36:41 – Outro & thanks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 18, 2025 · 39 min

    TIM MERLIER & BERT VAN LERBERGHE | The Friendship Behind the Sprinter Duo!

    They were just two kids from Wortegem, riding bikes after school, never dreaming they’d one day end up in the pro peloton together. In this episode of the Castelli Podcast, we sit down with Belgian sprint sensation Tim Merlier and his lifelong friend and trusted lead-out man Bert Van Lerberghe, a duo bonded by years of shared rides, muddy cyclocross circuits, and quiet ambition. From their humble beginnings to the world’s biggest races, Tim and Bert take us inside their journey—through the chaos of sprint stages, the grit of gravel racing, and the deep trust that powers their performance in the pro peloton. They open up about what it means to represent Belgium, the Castelli gear that gets them through the toughest days, and the unspoken connection that only two decades of friendship can build. This is more than a story about speed. It’s a story about growing up together, daring to dream late, and discovering that the best victories are the ones you chase side by side. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:38 Tim Merlier’s Journey 06:26 Bert Van Lerberghe’s Journey 09:02 Amateur Belgian Cycling 13:20 Gravel Racing 16:40 Bert’s Strengths and Weaknesses 19:22 Tim’s Strengths and Weaknesses 20:37 Rapid Fire Round of Questions 20:45 First Castelli Memory 21:49 Favorite Castelli Winter Product 23:39 Dream Races to Win One Day 27:32 Rapid Fire 36:10 The Wolfpack Team Dynamics 36:43 Ending – LINKS – ⁠⁠Tim Merlier⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bert Van Lerberghe⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 10, 2025 · 20 min

    TOUR DE FRANCE | Chasing Speed with Soudal Quick-Step

    In this special Tour de France episode, we're joined by two of the sharpest minds in performance cycling: Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step, and Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager and driving force behind the Scorpion’s aero innovation. Recorded just ahead of the Tour’s Grand Départ, the episode dives deep into the world of wind tunnel testing and the relentless pursuit of marginal gains. From Tim Merlier’s Tour stage-winning Sanremo S Speed Suit to Remco Evenepoel’s time trial suits—including the one he wore while storming to victory in stage five’s Tour de France time trial. Koen and Steve pull back the curtain on testing protocols, fabric breakthroughs, rider-specific positions, and the surprising results that prove: what looks fast isn’t always fastest. Whether you're a marginal gainer, tech nerd, or just obsessed with the Tour like we are—this one’s for you. Enjoy! CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 03:18 Behind the Scenes of Wind Tunnel Testing 03:55 Tim Merlier's Sprint Suit 11:27 Fast Feet Aero Socks 12:09 Refining Remco's Time Trial Suit 14:50 Remco's New Time Trial Position 17:03 Aero Suit Testing with Soudal Quick-Step 18:08 Adapting Suits for Different Cyclists 20:17 Different TT Suits for the Uphill Time Trial 20:48 Ending LINKS Castelli Speed Shop https://www.castelli-cycling.com/Speed-Shop/c/Speed-Shop Castelli Pro Shop https://www.castelli-cycling.com/PRO-SHOP/c/Pro-Shop GUESTS ⁠Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step⁠ ⁠Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager ⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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