22h ago
Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz are joined by Riding With’s Jonathan Kaplan to break down their annual end-of-year challenge, the Abandon Your Family 500, where they ride 500 kilometers before Christmas Day. BTP Newsletter: UAE’s Performance Duo Jeroen Swart & Javier Sola on the Training Philosophy Behind Their Team’s Success Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Follow Spencer & Andrew on Strava (and comment on a recent ride) to join the challenge This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
5d ago
In this bonus minisode, Tadej Pogačar speaks in front of the gathered press at UAE Team Emirates' media day in Benidorm, Spain, during his UAE team’s training camp. The featured audio includes Pogačar’s press conference, where he outlines his early-season plans and reveals key details of his upcoming schedule, his priorities for the year ahead, what’s motivating him right now, and how he’s approaching the next phase of his career. *This audio was captured in live press conference, so please excuse the lower quality relative to other episodes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 13
Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz check in from the epicenter of pre-season training camps, Spain’s Costa Blanca, where the stars are preparing for their 2026 campaigns, releasing their race schedules, and the transfer rumors are flying. They discuss Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe’s decision to have Remco Evenepoel target the GC at the 2026 Tour de France, Lidl-Trek leaving Jonathan Milan off their Tour roster, and where in the world Oscar Onley will race next season. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Season in Review Part 5: Just How Far is Tadej Pogačar From Matching Eddy Merckx? Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Follow Spencer & Andrew on Strava to join the challenge Important note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms , you must be a paying BTP subscriber . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 6
After announcing and outlining their Abandon Your Family 500 challenge, Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz discuss how the recently revealed Giro d’Italia route could lure top stars to the race, debate who will win in a potential matchup between Isaac del Toro, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard, and go through the recently-released 2026 Lifetime Grand Prix schedule. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Season in Review Part 5: Just How Far is Tadej Pogačar From Matching Eddy Merckx? Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Follow Spencer & Andrew on Strava to join the challenge Important note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms , you must be a paying BTP subscriber . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 29
Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz sat down with Tucson local/American GC star Matthew Riccitello live at the El Tour de Tucson to discuss his breakout ride at the Vuelta a España, his development from aspiring NBA star, to novice cyclist, to finishing 5th place overall at the Vuelta in just a few years, his decision to leave Israel Premier-Tech for the French superteam Decathlon-CMA CGM for 2026, and how he sees his career developing in the near future. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review #4: Most Improved & Regressed Stars of 2025 Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Important note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms , you must be a paying BTP subscriber . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 23
Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz report back on their experience racing at the El Tour de Tucson, which saw them race 102 miles at a scorching pace alongside George Hincapie, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Quinn Simmons, and 11,000 of their closest friends. Before they wrap, they have Steve Morganstern, board chairman for Perimeter Bicycling of America, including El Tour de Tucson, on to discuss the event and its charitable goals. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 3: Who Were 2025’s Top Riders? Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Important note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms , you must be a paying BTP subscriber . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 15
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz check in from London’s Rouleur Live event, discuss their recent travel drama and the unfolding drama around the IPT team, and the rumor that their former sponsor, Premier Tech, is looking to partner with Mathieu van der Poel and his Alpecin team in 2026. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 3: Who Were 2025’s Top Riders? Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Important note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms , you must be a paying BTP subscriber . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 8
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz discuss Los Angeles’ rise as a global hub for off-season pro-cycling training, why Premier Tech’s sudden and shocking departure from the IPT team is happening, and what it signals about the future of the sport. They also break down what top gravel stars might be earning, why that makes it difficult for them to attempt a jump to high-level road racing, Visma’s commitment to quality coffee while on the road, and how private jet travel could be a simple solution to the travel headaches caused by the government shutdown. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 2: Four Key Team Metrics From 2025 Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Important note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms , you must be a paying BTP subscriber . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 31
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz are joined by Benji Naesen of the Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast to dive deep into his favorite and least favorite things about the 2025 season, as well as how Benji would devise a strategy to compete against dominant riders like Tadej Pogacar, reflections on the greatest eras in cycling, and why Milan-Sanremo is now the sport's best race. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: 2025 Season in Review Part 1: Deciphering the UCI Promotion/Relegation Rankings Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 25
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz break down the LTGP’s season finale at the weather-shortened Big Sugar event, including what the future holds for Cinderella series winner Cam Jones and the evolving landscape of gravel racing. They also dive into a few key details of the 2026 Tour de France route, how the NBA’s recent mafia-driven gambling scandal could affect cycling, the thinking behind the new extremely short cycling off-seasons, and much, much more. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: 2026 Tour de France Route Breakdown Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 18
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz dive into the wild mix of late-season gravel and road racing—from the Scratch Labs Café bike rack scene in North Boulder to Cam Jones shaking up Little Sugar, to how Isaac del Toro is reshaping UAE’s hierarchy alongside Tadej Pogačar. They debate whether teams are truly getting value after paying massive sums for top stars, unpack Mattias Skjelmose’s frustrations with Juan Ayuso’s arrival at Lidl-Trek, and consider whether pro cycling’s calendar needs a complete reset. Along the way, they share their vision for what the sport could look like, rather than the current disorganized mess. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: In-Depth Il Lombardia Breakdown Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 11
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, Andrew Vontz and BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin break down what Tadej Pogačar’s presumed dominance in the season finale means, explore what other riders could do to stop him, and marvel at Tom Pidcock’s private jet dash from the finish line of Lombardia on Saturday to the start of Gravel Worlds on Sunday. They also dive into the unfolding legal drama between Derek Gee and his IPT team, and Andrew unpacks the brewing dispute between Garmin and Strava. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: In-Depth European Championships Breakdown Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 3
In our latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, Andrew Vontz and I discuss a few major takeaways from Tadej Pogačar’s dominant World Championship win in Kigali, Rwanda, including the staggering watt numbers behind his solo attack, and the cracks apparent in Remco Evenepoel’s armor after his costly mid-race bike swaps. We discuss whether rising stars like 21-year-old Isaac Del Toro and 18-year-old Paul Seixas are already knocking on Pogačar’s door, preview this weekend’s European Championships showdown between Pogačar, Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard, dig into transfer news with Uijtdebroeks and Carapaz, as well as Mathieu Van der Poel’s interesting appearance on an LA group ride. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: In-Depth World Championships Breakdown Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 27
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz preview this weekend’s World Championship road race in Kigali, Rwanda, going through the expected duel between Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel, and wondering if any darkhorses could upset the favorites at the high-altitude clash of the titans. They also discuss where Evenepoel’s dominant time trial championship puts him amongst the all-time greats against the clock, and debate if it affects his future viability as a GC contender. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: In-Depth Vuelta Debrief Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 20
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz get through a quiet week in bike racing by catching up, and revealing that the long-awaited BTP luxury experience camp may be coming to existence, before wondering if the grass-based LTGP Chequamegon MTB race will ring in an era of grass-only racing, how Remco Evenepoel will fare on the difficult Rwandan time trial course against Tadej Pogačar, and much, much more. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: In-Depth Vuelta Debrief Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 13
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz break down the final week of the 2025 Vuelta a España, going through the extremely tight GC battle between UAE’s João Almeida and Visma-Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard, discussing why UAE seems to struggle with matching Visma’s level of professionalism and coordination, Tom Pidcock’s impressive and unexpected ride, and what Giulio Pellizzari’s rise and Jai Hindley’s resurgence mean for Remco Evenepoel’s status at Red Bull-bora-Hansgrohe. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Daily Vuelta Stage Breakdowns Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 6
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz break down the second week of the 2025 Vuelta a España, mainly the GC battle that played out between UAE’s João Almeida and Visma-Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard on the hardest climb in pro cycling, Alto de l'Angliru, and if Almeida can realistically challenge Vingegaard for the overall win. They also discuss the continuing chaos at the UAE and how Juan Ayuso would fit in at his likely new destination of Lidl-Trek. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Daily Vuelta Stage Breakdowns Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Aug 30
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz break down the opening week of the 2025 Vuelta a España, highlighting a few standout moments from the race so far before discussing how the GC battle between UAE’s João Almeida and Visma-Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard is, or isn’t, shaping up as they expected. They also debate the reasons for Juan Ayuso's up-and-down performances and whether there is any truth to the rumors of his imminent departure from the crowded GC leadership lineup at UAE. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Daily Vuelta Stage Breakdowns Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Aug 22
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz invite Riding With’s Jonathan Kaplan to preview the 2025 Vuelta a España, including whether the race is a must-win endeavor for Visma and Jonas Vingegaard after a disappointing Tour de France, if UAE’s wave of young prospects can finally emerge as Grand Tour winners, and how the stage win battles between Mads Pedersen and Jasper Philipsen could play out. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Final Breakdown Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Jonathan’s Riding With Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Aug 15
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz give their final thoughts on the 2025 Tour de France, including whether the race marked the rise of the aero bike and the death of the lightweight climbing bike, before diving into Remco Evenepoel’s blockbuster transfer to RedBull-Bora-hansgrohe and what it means for the team’s chemistry in the upcoming season. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Final Breakdown Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 22
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz discuss the action so far at the 2025 Tour de France, from the moto controversy between Tim Wellens and Quinn Simmons on Stage 15 to Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel and Jonathan Milan being locked in one of the best three-way Green Jersey battles of all-time, before breaking down which future star might eventually be able to take down Pogačar. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Final Rest Day Reflections Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 16
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz discuss the action so far at the 2025 Tour de France, from the stage win battles between Jonthan Milan and Tim Merlier, the GC battle between Tadej Pogačar andJonas Vingegaard, to EF's Ben Healy taking an unexpected Yellow Jersey, before Andrew unleashes his hot take that individual time trials have no place in modern Grand Tours. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Rest Day #1 Reflections Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 4
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz give their thoughts on the latest season of Netflix’s Tour de France Unchained before discussing the 2025 Tour de France, which kicks off tomorrow in Lille and features a GC battle between Tadej Pogačar/Jonas Vingegaard, and plenty of stage wins battles between a historically stacked field of sprinters and Classics stars. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Cheat Sheet Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 27
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz fill up cycling’s mini pre-Tour de France off-season with a bit of chatter about Tadej Pogačar’s dominant performance at the recent Critérium du Dauphiné, and debate if any amount of tactical retooling from Jonas Vingegaard’s Visma team can make a difference. They also discuss the prospect of Geraint Thomas stepping into a director role at Ineos, the value and significance of João Almeida’s win at the Tour de Suisse, how the carbohydrate revolution continues to supercharge racing speeds, and much more. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Critérium du Dauphiné Final Weekend Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 5
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz sit down with The Stable Cyclist’s John Peter to unpack the wild, unexpected and exciting finale to the Giro d’Italia, which saw Simon Yates storm back with an incredible ride up the Finestre to take the overall lead from UAE’s Isaac del Toro on the same climb that cost him the win back in 2018. Then (22:00), they invite on recent Unbound winner Cameron Jones to talk about his incredible ride to win the biggest Gravel event on the calendar, and where he sees his career going from here. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter : Giro d'Italia Final Debrief Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter John Peter’s The Stable Cyclist This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 30
Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz give their thoughts on the final week of the Giro d’Italia, including 21-year-old Isaac del Toro’s shocking ride to hold the race lead into the final weekend, and touch on American success at recent mountain bike World Cups, including how Mathieu van der Poel’s broken wrist will affect his season, before giving their predictions for tomorrow’s Unbound Gravel event. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Giro d'Italia Cheat Sheet Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 23
Spencer and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast discuss the recent action at the Giro d’Italia before stting down with Gravel and YouTube star Dylan Johnson (33:00) to discuss his recent training crash, which left him with a fractured tibia and out of the upcoming Unbound Gravel race, where he finished 10th last year amdist a star-studded field. Dylan talks about the massive training blocks needed to prepare for the event, how equipment and fueling choices can be critical to success, and how he sees Gravel evolving as it becomes more popular and professionalized. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Sign up for our Beyond the Peloton JOIN Group Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Giro d'Italia Rest Day Recap Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 16
Spencer and Andrew break down the first week of the Giro d’Italia, including Juan Ayuso’s stage win atop the race’s first summit finish and Primož Roglič going into the overall race lead. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Sign up for our Beyond the Peloton JOIN Group Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Giro d'Italia Cheat Sheet Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 8
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast sit down with Jonathan Kaplan from the Riding With newsletter to preview the upcoming Giro d'Italia, which kicks off tomorrow in Albania, and give their predictions on who will ultimately win the race, before diving into a range of topics, including Turkish hair transplants, Tom Pidcock's poor attitude and much, much more. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Sign up for JOIN's BEAT x JOIN promo to gain a tryout with the Beat Pro Cycling Team Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Giro d'Italia Cheat Sheet Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Jonathan's Riding With Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 3
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast give their final thoughts on the end of the spring Classics, reflecting on Tadej Pogačar's dominance and dive into the potential reasons behind Remco Evenepoel's deflation by the time Liège ended last Sunday. They discuss the unique pressure facing Evenepoel, and how he is potentially affected by the massive amount of social media pressure he is under as a Belgian GC superstar. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Sign up for JOIN's BEAT x JOIN promo to gain a tryout with the Beat Pro Cycling Team Get Detailed Pro Cycling Analysis with the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 25
Spencer and Andrew discuss how Tadej Pogačar's overly-aggressive racing allowed Mattias Skjelmose to pull off a shocking upset at Amstel Gold, and how his re-emergence at the mid-week Flèche Wallonne with far more conservative, and effective, tactics, potentially lays out a blueprint for even more dominance from him in the future, and tells us who will win Sunday's final spring Monument, Liège-Bastogne-Liège. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Get Detailed Pro Cycling Analysis with the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 25
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss how Tadej Pogačar's overly-aggressive racing allowed Mattias Skjelmose to pull off a shocking upset at Amstel Gold, and how his re-emergence at the mid-week Flèche Wallonne with far more conservative, and effective, tactics, potentially lays out a blueprint for even more dominance from him in the future, and tells us who will win Sunday's final spring Monument, Liège-Bastogne-Liège. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Get Detailed Pro Cycling Analysis with the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 17
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down the thrilling duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar at last weekend's Paris-Roubaix, debating if Pogačar's Richard Mille watch cost him the race and if there was anything the Tour de France favorite could have done to defeat Van der Poel, before previewing this weekend's Amstel Gold race. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Tour of Flanders Preview Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 11
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss Tadej Pogačar's recent domination at the Tour of Flanders, before previewing this weekend's edition of Paris-Roubaix, which will see Pogačar's rivals, like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Filippo Ganna and Mads Pedersen, attempt to topple the red-hot World Champion over the brutal cobblestones of Northern France. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this link Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Tour of Flanders Preview Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 5
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down the recent Visma-LAB disasterclass at Dwars door Vlaanderen, before getting into Mads Pedersen's strange relationship with his Lild-Trek team, and the looming Tadej Pogačar/Mathieu van der Poel clash at Sunday's Tour of Flanders. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free with the link: https://join.cc/campaigns/beyond-the-peloton Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Tour of Flanders Preview Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 29
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab give their thoughts on the state of the Mathieu van der Poel/Tadej Pogačar Classics battle, the strange absence of Wout van Aert & how the veteran Primož Roglič is taking on the wunderkind Juan Ayuso at Volta Catalunya. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 21
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss and debate what Matteo Jorgenson's second-consecutive Paris-Nice wins mean for his and Visma's future in the Tour de France before diving deep into how this weekend's Milan-Sanremo, the first Monument of the season, will be won. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 15
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab debate the issue of rider safety, including if true rider safety is even possible in pro cycling, before diving into the racing action at Paris-Nice, where defending champion Matteo Jorgenson has been shadow-boxing his Visma teammate, and what the racing at Tirreno-Adriatico can tell us about the upcoming Spring Classics. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Try The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 7
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab go through their key takeaways from the start of Classics season, what they think is going on with Visma-LAB and Wout van Aert's underperformance, if Mathieu van der Poel and Alpecin will steamroll through the classics, as well as some background on the recent developments and rumors from the One Cycling project. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Try The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 1
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down why Jonas Vingegaard is riding tiny 150mm cranks, and break down the pros and cons of doing so, before giving their thoughts on the opening weekend of the Cobbled Classics and which riders to watch out for when the 'real' cycling season kicks off. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Try The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Feb 14
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss the highlights from early-season racing, the ever-growing trend of running amongst elite cyclists and dive deep into how WBD's decision to increase the cost to view cycling in the UK by over 300% shows that it will only get more and more expensive to watch live sports as the cost to buy sports rights continues to rise. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Choose the Hard Way Newsletter Try The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Feb 8
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better dive deep into the world of pro cyclists on YouTube, a crackdown on 'legal' doping, and break down the early-season racing Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Try The Better Lab today Choose the Hard Way Podcast & Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Feb 5
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better invite Kip Taylor (of Colorado and Nex Mexico cycling fame) and Jonathan Kaplan of the Riding With Newsletter to discuss their recent training camp/2025 planning retreat in Tucson, Arizona, and how modern the shifting trends in modern top-level training and racing have shifted the historic winter cycling destination. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter Try The Better Lab today Choose the Hard Way Podcast & Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jan 24
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better sit down with Jack Burke, a Canadian cyclist, podcaster, and author, who made headlines earlier this year when he took the Strava KOMs (aka fastest recorded times) on some of the hardest climbs in professional cycling (Alpe d'Huez, Stelvio & Mortirolo) a year after stepping away from a career in the lower ranks of professional cycling. They discuss Jack's racing background, his journey through the brutal world of third-division European racing, how he came to record some of the fastest times up the most famous climbs in the world, why he is struggling to get a contract with a pro team, and his plans for 2025. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Try The Better Lab today Buy Jack's Book Here (How to Become a Professional Cyclist) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jan 16
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better discuss Sepp Kuss' decision to revert to his super-domestique role in 2025 and how superteams could be using modeling and complex simulations to refine their in-race strategies before getting Andrew's on-the-ground report from Arizona before BTP's Tucson summit next week. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Try The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jan 11
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better discuss the on-going Zwift challenges they are participating in order to prepare for the upcoming Beyond the Peloton summit in Tucson (Jan 20-23) before debating why so many pro cyclists are currently posting on social media about their newfound love for running, and, most importantly, if running actually makes you a faster cyclist. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's In-Depth Riders Tier Breakdown Try The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 20, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better talk festive 500km, modern training camps, nutrition and the upcoming Mathieu van der Peel vs Wout van Aert Cyclocross clash. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's In-Depth Riders Tier Breakdown Try The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 7, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better break down Tom Pidcock's decision to leave Ineos for the small Q36.5 team. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's In-Depth Tom Pidcock Breakdown Try The Better Lab today This episode is supported by buycycle , the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a special offer from our friends at buycycle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 29, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better go through what they were thankful for during the 2024 season, and what they want to see in 2025, over the holiday week. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's 2025 GC Contender Tiers Try The Better Lab today This episode is supported by buycycle , the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a special offer from our friends at buycycle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 22, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better break down how a speed skater exposed a lot of assumptions made in modern cycling training, and discuss how Jack Burke, a Canadian amateur who keeps taking some of cycling's toughest Strava KOMs, could present a money-ball acquisition for a struggling WorldTour squad. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's 2025 GC Contender Tiers Try The Better Lab today This episode is supported by buycycle , the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a special offer from our friends at buycycle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 15, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better check in from the Rouleur Live event in London, breaking down Tom Pidcock's surprising comments about his Ineos team from his recent interview, and much more. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's 2024 Rider Rankings Try The Better Lab today This episode is supported by buycycle , the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a special offer from our friends at buycycle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 8, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab sit down to catch up on some of the latest news in pro cycling, including the on-going drama at Ineos, rumors that Remco Evenepoel turned down at 10 million euro contract at RedBull-Bora, and much more. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's 2024 Rider Rankings Try The Better Lab today This episode is supported by buycycle , the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a special offer from our friends at buycycle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 1, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab sit down with former WorldTour professional rider Svein Tuft (6:02) to discuss his highly unusual path to the top of the sport and his opinion on the state of modern cycling. Buy Svein's book here Get in-depth pro cycling analysis with the Beyond the Peloton newsletter Try The Better Lab today This episode is supported by buycycle , the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a special offer from our friends at buycycle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 26, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss what the recent changes to the LifeTime Grand Prix series and SBT GRVLs could mean for America's gravel racing scene before attempting to understand the Ineos/Tom Pidcock/Q36.5 love triangle and touching on a few other recent news items. BTP Newsletter In-Depth Breakdowns Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app ( iPhone / Android / Web ) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 11, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss last weekend's World Gravel Championships and what Mathieu van der Poel's victory on the fast course tells us about the future of the discipline before breaking down the end of the road season with Saturday's Il Lombardia and the quickly unraveling relationship between Tom Pidcock and his Ineos team. BTP In-Depth World RR Championship Breakdown Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 4, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down Tadej Pogačar's stunning ride to win the World Road Race Championships in Zürich, Switzerland, before previewing the upcoming World Gravel Championships in Leuven, Belgium. BTP In-Depth World RR Championship Breakdown Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 28, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss a few enlightening details Tadej Pogačar revealed in his recent interview with Dr. Peter Attia before previewing the upcoming World Championships. BTP In-Depth Daily Vuelta a España Breakdowns Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 13, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss Primož Roglič's impressive record-tying overall victory at the Vuelta a España and the future of Grand Tour GC racing before touching on the upcoming Canadian one-day races and the latest from the world of gravel racing. BTP In-Depth Daily Vuelta a España Breakdowns Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 7, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down the ongoing Vuelta a España, how a small second-division team is better at finding talent than Ineos, and if Primož Roglič will win his fourth career overall title. BTP In-Depth Daily Vuelta a España Breakdowns Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Aug 23, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss Andrew's weekend on the ground at SBT GRVL before checking in on the Vuelta a España, which has been turned on its head after Ben O'Connor's long-range raid on Stage 6 has him in the race lead with a sizable five-minute margin. BTP In-Depth Daily Vuelta a España Breakdowns Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Aug 17, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab call in from the ground at the SBT GRVL event in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. They break down the event's impact and design before taking a Q&A from the crowd and tackling a few topical racing and training topics. BTP In-Depth Daily Vuelta a España Breakdowns Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Aug 15, 2024
Join Us for a Ride-Along and Live Podcast in Steamboat Springs! Andrew and I are excited to invite you to a special event in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, today, Thursday, August 15th. With Andrew in town from his remote lair in Hope, Maine, for the SBT GRVL this coming weekend, we want to invite any listeners who may be in town to an easy, 90-minute shakeout ride starting at 2 p.m. from Little Toots Park in downtown Steamboat Springs. After the ride, around 3:30 or 4 p.m., we'll host a Q&A session and a brief live podcast recording at the Howelsen Ski Hill. Feel free to bring your questions, thoughts, and hot takes. We hope to see you there! Shakeout Ride: 2pm at Little Toots Park Q&A & Live Recording Session: 3:45pm at Howelsen Ski Hill This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Aug 13, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down a few takeaways from recent Olympic road race and track events before looking at the key contenders and course details from the upcoming Vuelta a España. At the end of the show, they unveil the podcast's first meet-and-greet/Q&A event, which will happen on Thursday in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, before the SBT GRVL event. BTP In-Depth Daily Vuelta a España Breakdowns Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 21, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab call in from the finish line of the Tour de France’s final stage in Nice to break down Tadej Pogačar’s sixth stage victory that capped off his overwhelmingly dominant overall Tour title before Spencer sits down with Jayco-AlUla Director of High Performance & Racing Matt White (25:15) to discuss his team’s Tour and how they continue to punch above their weight in an era of ballooning team budgets. BTP In-Depth Daily Tour de France Stage Breakdowns Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 19, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss Tadej Pogačar dominant performance to win Stage 19 of the Tour de France, where he dropped his major GC rivals and mowed down Matteo Jorgenson on a stage where Visma-Lease a Bike thought they could turn the tables on him. Before signing off, Spencer gives his first-hand account of the final time trial after a recon ride, and they break down the remaining two stages and debate if the time trial finish in Nice is a good or bad change of pace for the race. BTP In-Depth Daily Tour de France Breakdowns Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 17, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down last weekend's scorching climbing performances in the Pyrenees and take stock of where things stand at the Tour de France as things heat up in the third week. BTP In-Depth Daily Tour de France Breakdowns Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 10, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab welcome on Jonathan Kaplan of the RIDING WITH podcast and newsletter to discuss the past week at the Tour de France, including how the GC is shaping up and debating if gravel stages belong at the Tour de France, as well as the impact Stage 9’s trip off-road has had on the race. BTP In-Depth Daily Tour de France Breakdowns Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 3, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down the opening few stages of the Tour de France before diving deep into the emergence of a few interesting stage-winning tactics and asking if Tadej Pogačar is being underrated and disrespected as a potential overall winner after some impressive early time gains. BTP In-Depth Daily Tour de France Breakdowns Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 27, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down the route and contenders for the upcoming Tour de France before diving deep on a few recent news topics on the eve of the sport's biggest race. BTP In-Depth Tour de France Preview Newsletter Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 22, 2024
This week, joined by my co-host Andrew Vontz (of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/ The Better Lab ), I call in from a carpark-adjacent Ibis patio in the Alsace region of France to go over my plans to have an in-person footprint at the upcoming Tour de France before breaking down UAE's dominance at last week's Tour de Suisse and what it could mean for the upcoming Tour de France, (26:25) before discussing the last half of the Netflix Tour de France Unchained documentary. Relevant Recent pre-Tour de France Posts: Tour de Suisse Final Weekend Breakdown Tour de Suisse Check-In: Stages 1-6 Critérium du Dauphiné Final Weekend Breakdown Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 4-6 Critérium du Dauphiné Stages 1-3 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 21, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down UAE's dominance at last week's Tour de Suisse and what it could mean for the upcoming Tour de France (26:25) before discussing the last half of the Netflix Tour de France Unchained documentary. BTP In-Depth Tour de Suisse Breakdown Newsletter Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 13, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down the recent racing action, from last weekend's Tulsa Tough Critériums to what the Critérium du Dauphiné told us about the Tour de France, before getting into some of the major takeaways at the Tour de Suisse and (38:00) unpacking the first three Episodes of the Netflix Tour de France Unchained show. BTP In-Depth Race Breakdown Newsletter Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 8, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast unpack the action and bigger-picture questions from the recent Unbound Gravel race before digging into the ongoing Critérium du Dauphiné (48:03) and what it can tell us about the current status and viability of Tour de France GC hopefuls like Remco Evenepoel and Primož Roglič. BTP In-Depth Race Breakdown Newsletter Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 3, 2024
Spencer and Andrew welcome back Lanterne Rouge podcast co-host/YouTuber Benji Naesen to get his thoughts on the European invasion at the upcoming Unbound Gravel race, Tadej Pogačar's dominance at the Giro d'Italia and how and if anyone can challenge him at the Tour de France, before diving deep on theoretical race tactics and differing views on the best way to challenge a stronger GC rival. BTP In-Depth Giro d'Italia Big Picture Breakdown Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine with the fantastic Tour Tracker app ( iPhone / Android / Web ) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 31, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast welcome back Lanterne Rouge podcast co-host/YouTuber Benji Naesen to get his thoughts on the European invasion at the upcoming Unbound Gravel race, Tadej Pogačar's dominance at the Giro d'Italia and how and if anyone can challenge him at the Tour de France, before diving deep on theoretical race tactics and differing views on the best way to challenge a stronger GC rival. BTP In-Depth Giro d'Italia Breakdown Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 23, 2024
Enjoy this ad-lite premium subscriber-only edition of the most recent post-Roubaix Beyond the Peloton Podcast Spencer and Andrew break down the recent USA National Road Race and Time Trial Championships, including the amazing performance of recent BTP guest Scott McGill and the drama surrounding the Olympic Road Race team selection, before breaking down Tadej Pogačar's domination at the Giro d'Italia (24:20) and if we've seen anything like this in the modern era. Before wrapping up, they discuss this weekend's Unbound Gravel event and whether they expect the European road professionals to destroy the American gravel specialists or if they will struggle on the difficult and unfamiliar terrain. BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Giro d’Italia with the fantastic Tour Tracker app ( iPhone / Android / Web ) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 23, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down the recent USA National Road Race and Time Trial Championships, including the amazing performance of recent BTP guest Scott McGill and the drama surrounding the Olympic Road Race team selection, before breaking down Tadej Pogačar's domination at the Giro d'Italia (24:20) and if we've seen anything like this in the modern era. Before wrapping up, they discuss this weekend's Unbound Gravel event and whether they expect the European road professionals to destroy the American gravel specialists or if they will struggle on the difficult and unfamiliar terrain. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 15, 2024
Enjoy this ad-free premium subscriber-only edition of the most recent post-Roubaix Beyond the Peloton Podcast Spencer and Andrew welcome back pro cyclist Scott McGill of the Project Echelon Racing project to catch up on his last two seasons, discuss his success at racing a rare mixed US-European schedule, his preferred hoagie packing method for long-haul flight fueling, as well as his thoughts on the ongoing Giro d'Italia (22:00), and his goals for the upcoming US road nationals and the remainder of the season. BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Giro d’Italia with the fantastic Tour Tracker app ( iPhone / Android / Web ) Catch Up With In-Depth Daily Giro d'Italia Breakdowns Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Stage 7 Stage 8 Stage 9 Stage 10 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 14, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast welcome back pro cyclist Scott McGill of the Project Echelon Racing project to catch up on his last two seasons, discuss his success at racing a rare mixed US-European schedule, his preferred hoagie packing method for long-haul flight fueling, as well as his thoughts on the ongoing Giro d'Italia (22:00), and his goals for the upcoming US road nationals and the remainder of the season. BTP In-Depth Daily Giro d'Italia Breakdowns Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Giro d’Italia with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 9, 2024
Enjoy this ad-free premium subscriber-only edition of the most recent post-Roubaix Beyond the Peloton Podcast Spencer and Andrew break down the opening five stages of the Giro d'Italia and why the racing has been so unusually exciting. They discuss whether Tadej Pogačar already has the GC competition won, how Geraint Thomas continues to improve as he ages, and whether pure sprinting is dead in modern cycling. BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Giro d’Italia with the fantastic Tour Tracker app ( iPhone / Android / Web ) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 9, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down the opening five stages of the Giro d'Italia and why the racing has been so unusually exciting. They discuss whether Tadej Pogačar already has the GC competition won, how Geraint Thomas continues to improve as he ages, and whether pure sprinting is dead in modern cycling. BTP In-Depth Liège-Bastogne-Liège Breakdown Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast BTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Giro d’Italia with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web) Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
May 2, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast are joined by the RIDING WITH newsletter/podcast creator Jonathan Kaplan to preview the start list and course for this weekend's upcoming Giro d'Italia, and go into the main storylines, including whether anyone can possibly beat Tadej Pogačar, how the GC battle will play out, and which currently low-profile riders could breakout during the race. Read Jonathan's RIDING WITH Newsletter Get in-depth race breakdowns with the BTP newsletter Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 22, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter & Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down Tadej Pogačar's dominant Liège-Bastogne-Liège victory, what it means for his place in the pantheon of all-time greats and his Giro d'Italia/Tour de France double ambitions, before reflecting on if the trend of a few ultra-talented riders steamrolling their way through the sport's top races is compelling for viewers. They also get into a wide range of topics, from the future of Gravel racing in the US and the potential for a Tom Pidcock/Wout van Aert GC battle at this summer's Tour de France. BTP In-Depth Liège-Bastogne-Liège Breakdown Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 18, 2024
With regular co-host Andrew Vontz away on an in-depth investigative assignment, Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter sits down with Israel-Premier Tech rider Riley Sheehan (12:40) to discuss his breakout Classics season, his current tenure at a high altitude camp, how pro riders and teams optimize their training and nutrition, why his IPT team is having such a strong start to 2024 and what he wants to accomplish during the rest of his neo-pro season. BTP In-Depth 2024 Amstel Gold Breakdown Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 18, 2024
With regular co-host Andrew Vontz away on an in-depth investigative assignment, Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter sits down with Israel-Premier Tech rider Riley Sheehan (12:40) to discuss his breakout Classics season, his current tenure at a high altitude camp, how pro riders and teams optimize their training and nutrition, why his IPT team is having such a strong start to 2024 and what he wants to accomplish during the rest of his neo-pro season. BTP In-Depth 2024 Amstel Gold Breakdown Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 10, 2024
Enjoy this ad-free premium subscriber-only edition of the most recent post-Roubaix Beyond the Peloton Podcast Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter & Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down Mathieu van der Poel's dominant ride at Sunday's Paris-Roubaix to win his second straight Roubaix title, complete the coveted Flanders/Roubaix back-to-back and sixth career Monument, as well as dissect how the Alpecin team has become the sport's premier one-day force and how Van der Poel has matured from a talented, yet mistake-prone prospect into an unshakeable Monument-winning machine who rarely puts a foot wrong. In addition, they discuss how the recent spate of high-speed crashes will affect the rest of the season and what, if anything, can be done to improve rider safety. BTP In-Depth Paris-Roubaix Breakdown Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 10, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter & Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down Mathieu van der Poel's dominant ride at Sunday's Paris-Roubaix to win his second straight Roubaix title, complete the coveted Flanders/Roubaix back-to-back and sixth career Monument, as well as dissect how the Alpecin team has become the sport's premier one-day force and how Van der Poel has matured from a talented, yet mistake-prone prospect into an unshakeable Monument-winning machine who rarely puts a foot wrong. In addition, they discuss how the recent spate of high-speed crashes will affect the rest of the season and what, if anything, can be done to improve rider safety. BTP In-Depth Paris-Roubaix Breakdown Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 2, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter & Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down Mathieu van der Poel's dominant ride at Sunday's Tour of Flanders to win his fifth career Monument, what it means in the context of his career-long rivalry with Wout van Aert, and what the race would have been like with Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel present before they get into the ongoing Itzulia Basque Country and the upcoming cobbled showdown at this Sunday's Paris-Roubaix. BTP In-Depth Flanders Breakdown Get access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 30, 2024
As a premium subscriber to Beyond the Peloton, please enjoy this ad-free feed of our latest podcast episode (this new feed through Substack is in its beta phase, so please let me know if you are hearing ads in it). Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter & Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down how Wednesday’s massive crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen, which has sidelined Wout van Aert and Jasper Stuyven, and injured pre-race favorite Mads Pedersen, will affect one of the biggest one-day races of the season, Sunday’s Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders). They briefly discuss what the recent cobbled races, like E3, Gent-Wevelgem and Dwars, could tell us about Flanders, and if any of the recently crowned winners, like Visma’s Matteo Jorgenson, could potentially challenge Mathieu van der Poel, which is an extremely tall task considering he appears to be in great form and is one of the most consistent Tour of Flanders competitors of all-time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 30, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter & Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast break down how Wednesday’s massive crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen, which has sidelined Wout van Aert and Jasper Stuyven, and injured pre-race favorite Mads Pedersen, will affect one of the biggest one-day races of the season, Sunday’s Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders). They briefly discuss what the recent cobbled races, like E3, Gent-Wevelgem and Dwars, could tell us about Flanders, and if any of the recently crowned winners, like Visma’s Matteo Jorgenson, could potentially challenge Mathieu van der Poel, which is an extremely tall task considering he appears to be in great form and is one of the most consistent Tour of Flanders competitors of all-time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 21, 2024
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter & Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast discuss how Jasper Philipsen and an incredibly cohesive Alpecin-Deceuninck team defeated the much stronger Tadej Pogačar at Milano-Sanremo before breaking going into Pogačar's training numbers, his ongoing dominance at Volta Catalunya and their thoughts on the return on the superstars to the cobbled Classics this Friday at E3. Get in-depth race breakdowns with the BTP newsletter Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast Hit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & Spencer (@spencersoward) on Threads with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 28, 2023
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter & Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast sit down with recent Paris-Tours winner Riley Sheehan to discuss his breakout 2023 season, which saw him rise from a US-based criterium racer to winning a major professional European race. They also talk about his newly signed three-year deal with the Israel-Premier Tech team, how his life has changed over the last few months, and his goals for the 2024 season and beyond. Get in-depth race breakdowns with the BTP newsletter Listen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast Hit up Andrew (@vontz) & Spencer (@btpcycling) on Twitter/X with your questions, opinions, and anything else cycling-related. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 2, 2020
Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab give their thoughts on the state of the Mathieu van der Poel/Tadej Pogačar Classics battle, the strange absence of Wout van Aert & how the veteran Primož Roglič is taking on the wunderkind Juan Ayuso at Volta Catalunya. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025 Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe