Shows
Beyond the Peloton PodcastMatthew Riccitello on His Vuelta Breakout, Trading NBA Dreams for Cycling Stardom, Leaving IPT for a French Super Team & Taking on Tadej PogačarSpencer 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 linkBeyond t...
2025-11-2958 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastEl Tour de Tucson Post-Race ThoughtsSpencer 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 linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 3: Who Were 2025’s Top Riders?
2025-11-2354 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastRouleur Live Dispatch & Off-Season RumorsIn 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 linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 3: Who Were 2025’s Top Riders?Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter...
2025-11-1551 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastDoes Premier Tech's Sudden Withdrawal Suggest Pro Cycling is Heading for a Financial Sustainability Crisis?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...
2025-11-0857 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastBenji Naesen on the Best & Worst of the 2025 Pro Cycling SeasonIn 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 linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter...
2025-10-311h 28
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTdF 2026 Route Details, Gravel's Future & What the NBA's Gambling Scandal Could Mean for Pro CyclingIn 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...
2025-10-251h 12
Beyond the Peloton PodcastAre Big Money Transfers Actually Worth It in Pro Cycling?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 wa...
2025-10-181h 21
Choose the Hard Way15 Minutes Is Enough to Train – Spencer Martin (Beyond the Peloton / WEDU) x Andrew Vontz (Choose the Hard Way / One Real Voice))Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton / WEDU / Peacock's Tour de France team & Andrew Vontz, co-host of the Beyond the Peloton podcast & creator of the Choose the Hard Way podcast & newsletter talk about why 15 minute training sessions count and how we get it done on the road, at the playground with the kids or at home. We're both dads, bike racers and recovering perfectionists who have found 15 minutes is plenty of time to get in an impactful workout. Marketing might persuade you to think you need an hour, a $20,000 bike, and a $12 recovery shake to stay fit.
2025-10-1721 minChoose the Hard Way15 Minutes Is Enough to Train – Spencer Martin (Beyond the Peloton / WEDU) x Andrew Vontz (Choose the Hard Way / One Real Voice))Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton / WEDU / Peacock's Tour de France team & Andrew Vontz, co-host of the Beyond the Peloton podcast & creator of the Choose the Hard Way podcast & newsletter talk about why 15 minute training sessions count and how we get it done on the road, at the playground with the kids or at home. We're both dads, bike racers and recovering perfectionists who have found 15 minutes is plenty of time to get in an impactful workout. Marketing might persuade you to think you need an hour, a $20,000 bike, and a $12 recovery shake to stay fit.
2025-10-1721 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastPogačar’s Dominance Rolls On & Derek Gee Gets SuedIn 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 Champions...
2025-10-111h 13
Beyond the Peloton PodcastCan Remco Beat Tadej Again? | World Championship Road Race PreviewSpencer 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 DebriefAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss th...
2025-09-271h 07
Beyond the Peloton PodcastMinisode: Grass is the New Gravel, Remco vs Tadej at World TT Champs & MoreSpencer 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 DebriefAndrew’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...
2025-09-2031 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastLa Vuelta GC Battle Heats Up: Vingegaard vs. Almeida, Pidcock Delivers, Remco’s Role at Red Bull & MoreSpencer 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 BreakdownsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss...
2025-09-131h 00
Beyond the Peloton PodcastLa Vuelta Week 2 Check-In: Can João Almeida Take Down Jonas Vingegaard?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 BreakdownsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If yo...
2025-09-061h 07
Beyond the Peloton PodcastLa Vuelta First Week Check-In: Is Juan Ayuso Leaving UAE?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 BreakdownsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter
2025-08-301h 02
Beyond the Peloton PodcastLa Vuelta a España Preview: Can Jonas Vingegaard Save His Season?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 BreakdownAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way NewsletterJonathan’s Riding With Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this...
2025-08-221h 03
Beyond the Peloton PodcastDid the Tour Kill the Climbing Bike & Does Remco Evenepoel Fit in at Red Bull?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 BreakdownAndrew’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/subscr
2025-08-1524 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs the Tour’s Green Jersey Battle Shaping up to Be the Best of All-Time?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 ReflectionsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers o...
2025-07-2249 min
Choose the Hard WayOne Hour to Train - What do you do? w/ Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton / WEDU x Andrew Vontz of Choose the Hard WayYou've got an hour or less to train, what do you do? Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton newsletter & podcast + WEDU's Outcomes / The Move takes a break from the Tour de France to join Choose the Hard Way creator Andrew Vontz to talk about what they do when life and work are at max stress and you have little time to workout. Is Zone 2 really the right move if you have a few hours a week to train and you're a cyclist, runner or triathlete with a long training history and navigating highly stressful mom...
2025-07-1619 minChoose the Hard WayOne Hour to Train - What do you do? w/ Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton / WEDU x Andrew Vontz of Choose the Hard WayYou've got an hour or less to train, what do you do? Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton newsletter & podcast + WEDU's Outcomes / The Move takes a break from the Tour de France to join Choose the Hard Way creator Andrew Vontz to talk about what they do when life and work are at max stress and you have little time to workout. Is Zone 2 really the right move if you have a few hours a week to train and you're a cyclist, runner or triathlete with a long training history and navigating highly stressful mom...
2025-07-1619 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTour de France Rest Day Recap: Do Time Trials Belong in Grand Tours?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 ReflectionsAndrew’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
2025-07-1636 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTour de France Preview & Unchained Season 3 ThoughtsSpencer 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 SheetAndrew’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.su
2025-07-041h 00
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs Visma-Lease a Bike's Resistance Futile Against Tadej Pogačar?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 News...
2025-06-271h 01
Beyond the Peloton PodcastUnbound Winner Cameron Jones on His Big Ride & Unpacking the Wild Giro FinishSpencer 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 Peloto...
2025-06-051h 11
Beyond the Peloton PodcastGiro Final Weekend Check-In & Unbound Gravel PredictionsSpencer 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 SheetAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acc...
2025-05-3053 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastGiro d'Italia Predictions w/Jonathan KaplanSpencer 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 linkSign up for JOIN's BEAT x JOIN promo to gain a tryout w...
2025-05-091h 17
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs Media Pressure Behind Remco Evenepoel's Consistency Issues?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 lin...
2025-05-031h 11
Beyond the Peloton PodcastCould More Restraint From Pogačar Make Him Even More Dominant?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 thr...
2025-04-251h 08
Beyond the Peloton PodcastDid Tadej Pogacar's $250K Watch Cost Him a Paris-Roubaix Win?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 linkBeyond the Peloton newsletter's Tour of Flanders Preview...
2025-04-1750 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastPreviewing a Looming Galáctico Rematch at Paris-RoubaixSpencer 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 linkBeyond the Peloton newsletter's Tour of Flanders Preview...
2025-04-1149 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastCan Anyone Challenge Tadej Pogačar & Mathieu van der Poel at the Tour of Flanders?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-pelotonBeyond the Peloton newsletter's Tour of Flanders PreviewChoose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a pub...
2025-04-0555 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastClassics Check-In & a Thrilling GC Duel at CatalunyaSpencer 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 2025Choose 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.c
2025-03-2949 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastMilan-Sanremo Preview & Matteo Jorgenson's FutureSpencer 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 2025Choose 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/su
2025-03-211h 06
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs True Rider Safety Possible in Pro Cycling?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 2025Choose the Hard Way NewsletterTry The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscrib
2025-03-1557 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastWhat Has Gone Wrong With Visma & Wout Van Aert’s Underwhelming Classics Campaign?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 2025Choose the Hard Way NewsletterTry The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd l...
2025-03-071h 00
Beyond the Peloton PodcastCobbled Classics Opening Weekend & Explaining the Growing Tiny Cranks TrendSpencer 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 2025Choose the Hard Way NewsletterTry The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subsc...
2025-03-0136 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastWhy It Is Getting More & More Expensive to Watch Pro CyclingSpencer 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 2025Choose the Hard Way NewsletterTry The Be...
2025-02-1455 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastUCI Crackdown on Legal Doping, Early-Season Racing & Pro Cyclists on YouTubeSpencer 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 racingBeyond the Peloton NewsletterTry The Better Lab todayChoose 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
2025-02-081h 05
Beyond the Peloton PodcastBonus Episode: BTP Live From TucsonSpencer 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 NewsletterTry The Better Lab todayChoose the Hard Way Podcast & Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discu...
2025-02-0542 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastJack Burke on Taking Famous Strava KOMs, the Struggle for a Pro Contract & His Future PlansSpencer 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...
2025-01-241h 29
Beyond the Peloton PodcastAre Mathematical Models & Simulations Changing Pro Cycling Tactics?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 2025Try 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 beyo
2025-01-1649 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastWhy Are So Many Cyclists Suddenly Running?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 BreakdownTry The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss...
2025-01-111h 06
Beyond the Peloton PodcastReinventing the Festive 500 & How Off-Season Training Has ChangedSpencer 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 BreakdownTry 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
2024-12-211h 01
Beyond the Peloton PodcastWhy Tom Pidcock is Leaving Ineos for Q36.5Spencer 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 BreakdownTry The Better Lab todayThis 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 beyond
2024-12-0758 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs Modern Training Extending Riders' Careers?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 TiersTry The Better Lab todayThis 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 subsc...
2024-11-291h 08
Beyond the Peloton PodcastHow a Speed Skater Hacked Cycling TrainingSpencer 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 TiersTry The Better Lab todayThis episode is supported by buycycle, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a spe...
2024-11-2358 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastOn the Ground at Rouleur Live: Pidcock's Unexpected Comments & MoreSpencer 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 RankingsTry The Better Lab todayThis 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...
2024-11-1641 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastRemco Rumors & More Pidcock/Ineos DramaSpencer 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 RankingsTry The Better Lab todayThis 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...
2024-11-0839 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastSvein Tuft on the Absurdities of Modern Cycling & His Unusual Path to the TopSpencer 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 hereGet in-depth pro cycling analysis with the Beyond the Peloton newsletterTry The Better Lab todayThis episode is supported by buycycle, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast f...
2024-11-011h 21
Beyond the Peloton PodcastHow LTGP & SBT GRVL's 2025 Changes Will Affect the American Race SceneSpencer 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 BreakdownsListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic T...
2024-10-2649 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastGravel Racing's Future & Tom Pidcock's Public Spat With IneosSpencer 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 BreakdownListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de F...
2024-10-111h 07
Beyond the Peloton PodcastBreaking Down Tadej Pogačar's WC RR Performance & WC Gravel PredictionsSpencer 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 BreakdownListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP 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 y...
2024-10-0443 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastWC Road Race Preview & Highlights from Pogačar's Recent InterviewSpencer 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 BreakdownsListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP 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, opinio...
2024-09-281h 26
Beyond the Peloton PodcastVuelta a España Recap & Canadian One-Days PreviewSpencer 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 BreakdownsListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web...
2024-09-1355 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastVuelta a España Check-In: How is Equipo Kern Pharma Outperforming WorldTour Teams?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 BreakdownsListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP 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 & Sp...
2024-09-0748 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastSBT GRVL Debrief & Vuelta Check-InSpencer 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 BreakdownsListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tra...
2024-08-2351 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastSBT GRVL Live Show!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 BreakdownsListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/W...
2024-08-171h 09
Beyond the Peloton PodcastOlympics Wrap-Up & Vuelta a España PredictionsSpencer 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 BreakdownsListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is se...
2024-08-1457 min
Choose the Hard WayRewind: Olympic Gold Medalist Kristen Faulkner - The Power of Positive Risk Taking, Why She Walked Away from Her Dream Job & the Path to Pro Cycling SuccessKristen Faulkner is an American pro cyclist who won the gold medal in the women's cycling road race at the Paris Olympics in truly stunning fashion, surpassing two of the most dominant racers in the sport with a bold attack that left them looking at each other while she drilled it to victory. It's one of my favorite bike races I've ever watched. If you want to know what it took for Kristen to get to her gold medal moment, this episode is for you. Remember in life and sport, everything changes. No risks, no champagne. This episode is...
2024-08-0858 minChoose the Hard WayRewind: Olympic Gold Medalist Kristen Faulkner - The Power of Positive Risk Taking, Why She Walked Away from Her Dream Job & the Path to Pro Cycling SuccessKristen Faulkner is an American pro cyclist who won the gold medal in the women's cycling road race at the Paris Olympics in truly stunning fashion, surpassing two of the most dominant racers in the sport with a bold attack that left them looking at each other while she drilled it to victory. It's one of my favorite bike races I've ever watched. If you want to know what it took for Kristen to get to her gold medal moment, this episode is for you. Remember in life and sport, everything changes. No risks, no champagne. This episode is...
2024-08-0858 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTdF Final Stage Reaction & Jayco-Alula’s Matt WhiteSpencer 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 BreakdownsLis...
2024-07-2135 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTdF Check-In: Tadej Pogačar Is Here to Make History, Not FriendsSpencer 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 b...
2024-07-191h 21
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTdF Check-In: Breaking Down Tadej Pogačar's Historic Climbing PerformancesSpencer 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 BreakdownsGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscriptionListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/An...
2024-07-1859 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTdF Check-In: GC Speculation & Gravel Stage DebateSpencer 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 BreakdownsGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscriptionListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way...
2024-07-101h 19
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTour de France Check-In: Is Tadej Pogačar Getting Enough Respect for His Early Time Gains?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 BreakdownsGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscriptionListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every t...
2024-07-0453 min
Beyond the Peloton Podcast2024 Tour de France Preview: Is the GC Already Over?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 NewsletterGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscriptionListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app (iPhone/Android/Web)Hit...
2024-06-2857 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTour de France Unchained Episodes 4-8 & UAE DominanceSpencer 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 NewsletterGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscriptionListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic Tour Tracker app...
2024-06-211h 07
Beyond the Peloton PodcastRecent Racing Updates & Tour de France Unchained Episodes 1-3Spencer 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 NewsletterGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscriptionListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is...
2024-06-141h 25
Beyond the Peloton PodcastUnbound Breakdown & Dauphiné Check-InSpencer 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 NewsletterGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscriptionListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Crit...
2024-06-081h 21
Beyond the Peloton PodcastGiro Reflections, TdF Predictions & Unbound Thoughts w/Benji NaesenSpencer 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 BreakdownGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription
2024-05-311h 47
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTadej's Giro Domination, USA Road Nationals & Unbound PredictionsSpencer 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 s...
2024-05-231h 23
Beyond the Peloton PodcastGiro d'Italia Check-In w/Scott McGillSpencer 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 BreakdownsGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium...
2024-05-141h 19
Beyond the Peloton PodcastGiro d'Italia 2024: Why Has the Racing Been so Good In the Opening Few Stages?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 subscriptionListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every...
2024-05-0945 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastGiro d'Italia 2024 Preview w/Jonathan KaplanSpencer 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 NewsletterGet in-depth race breakdowns with the BTP newsletterListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way Podcast
2024-05-0343 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastHas Superstar Dominance Made Pro Cycling Boring?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 bat...
2024-04-2250 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastRiley Sheehan on the Spring Classics, Altitude Camps & Goals for the Rest of His 2024 SeasonWith 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 BreakdownGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription This is...
2024-04-181h 07
Beyond the Peloton PodcastRiley Sheehan on the spring Classics, altitude camps & goals for the rest of his 2024 seasonWith 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 BreakdownGet access to ad-free episodes with a BTP premium subscription This is a public episode. If...
2024-04-181h 07
Beyond the Peloton PodcastMathieu van der Poel & Alpecin Dominate the Classics While Crashes Alter the Rest of the SeasonEnjoy this ad-free premium subscriber-only edition of the most recent post-Roubaix Beyond the Peloton PodcastSpencer 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...
2024-04-101h 08
Beyond the Peloton PodcastMathieu van der Poel & Alpecin Dominate the Classics While Crashes Alter the Rest of the SeasonSpencer 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...
2024-04-101h 08
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs Mathieu van der Poel Already an All-Time Great?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 su...
2024-04-0240 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastCan Anyone Beat Mathieu van der Poel at Flanders?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...
2024-03-301h 05
Beyond the Peloton PodcastCan Anyone Beat Mathieu van der Poel at Flanders?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...
2024-03-301h 05
Beyond the Peloton PodcastCould Tadej Pogačar & UAE Have Won MSR? Plus, Volta Catalunya Thoughts & Cobbled Classics PredictionsSpencer 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 newsletterListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastHit up Andrew (@vontz) on Twitter/X & S...
2024-03-211h 02
Beyond the Peloton PodcastRiley Sheehan on His Breakout 2023 Season & Future GoalsSpencer 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 newsletterListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way...
2023-11-281h 21
RIDING WITH PodcastThe Analysts with Spencer Martin and Andrew VontzOn the penultimate day of the 2023 Tour de France, Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz, the co-hosts of the Beyond the Peloton podcast and the two most astute analysts of professional cycling discuss how the race was covered and the future of cycling media.Subscribe to the RIDING WITH substackConnect with Jonathan on Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Follow on Apple Podcast | Spotify - - - - - RIDING WITH is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co. Get full access to RIDING WITH at ridingwithkaplan...
2023-07-2240 min
Choose the Hard WayPt. 2 - Paris-Roubaix Winner Alison Jackson on the Tour de France Femmes, the Psychology of Winning, Bison Farming & MoreParis-Roubaix Femmes winner, Olympian and current Canadian national road race champion Alison Jackson is back for her second appearance on Choose the Hard Way to talk about Tour de France Femmes and more. Alison is a major favorite for a stage win and her EF Education Tibco-SVB team is expected to animate the race. Alison is well known for her work as a creator and storyteller and you can find her on Instagram @aliactionjackson. This episode is a collab with Spencer Martin, the sheriff of Valmont bike park, a co-host of several cycling podcasts on the WEDŪ n...
2023-07-191h 09Choose the Hard WayPt. 2 - Paris-Roubaix Winner Alison Jackson on the Tour de France Femmes, the Psychology of Winning, Bison Farming & MoreParis-Roubaix Femmes winner, Olympian and current Canadian national road race champion Alison Jackson is back for her second appearance on Choose the Hard Way to talk about Tour de France Femmes and more. Alison is a major favorite for a stage win and her EF Education Tibco-SVB team is expected to animate the race. Alison is well known for her work as a creator and storyteller and you can find her on Instagram @aliactionjackson. This episode is a collab with Spencer Martin, the sheriff of Valmont bike park, a co-host of several cycling podcasts on the WEDŪ n...
2023-07-191h 09
Choose the Hard WayCameron Mason: Pro Cyclist + FilmmakerLong before Cameron Mason made it to the podium, he was filming and creating content about racing. Cameron is a Scottish professional cyclist and filmmaker who has amassed over 2.5 million views on YouTube documenting his experiences in cyclocross, road racing and mountain bike racing. His distinctive style on the bike and behind the lens caught the attention of Tom Pidcock and he now competes for UCI team Trinity Racing. Last season, he was a British national cyclocross champion, scored top five finishes in Belgium and had a 9th place finish at the World Championships. Cameron...
2023-04-1259 minChoose the Hard WayCameron Mason: Pro Cyclist + FilmmakerLong before Cameron Mason made it to the podium, he was filming and creating content about racing. Cameron is a Scottish professional cyclist and filmmaker who has amassed over 2.5 million views on YouTube documenting his experiences in cyclocross, road racing and mountain bike racing. His distinctive style on the bike and behind the lens caught the attention of Tom Pidcock and he now competes for UCI team Trinity Racing. Last season, he was a British national cyclocross champion, scored top five finishes in Belgium and had a 9th place finish at the World Championships. Cameron...
2023-04-1259 min
Choose the Hard WayKristen Faulkner: Journey from Venture Capitalist to Pro CyclistWhen Kristen Faulkner gave cycling a try in 2017, she was already excelling in a venture capital career and had eyes on making partner. Three years later, she turned pro while working at Threshold Ventures and quickly started crushing European stages. Now she's a pro cyclist for the UCI Women's Continental Team, Team Jayco–AlUla. The Harvard grad joins host Andrew Vontz and Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton for a conversation about the life experiences that have shaped her. Kristen talks about stress management, downregulation, becoming an expert learner and how growing up in the Alaskan wilderness wit...
2023-04-0559 minChoose the Hard WayKristen Faulkner: Journey from Venture Capitalist to Pro CyclistWhen Kristen Faulkner gave cycling a try in 2017, she was already excelling in a venture capital career and had eyes on making partner. Three years later, she turned pro while working at Threshold Ventures and quickly started crushing European stages. Now she's a pro cyclist for the UCI Women's Continental Team, Team Jayco–AlUla. The Harvard grad joins host Andrew Vontz and Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton for a conversation about the life experiences that have shaped her. Kristen talks about stress management, downregulation, becoming an expert learner and how growing up in the Alaskan wilderness wit...
2023-04-0559 min
Choose the Hard WayBenji Naesen: Lanterne Rouge co-host, Gamer, YouTuber Benji Naesen is a Belgian YouTuber who makes videos about gaming, cycling and his personal fitness journey. He's also the co-host of the Lanterne Rouge cycling podcast, one of the most popular pro cycling podcasts in the world. Benji went from streaming and creating content about the video game Pro Cycling Manager to working as an analyst for Jumbo-Visma, the best cycling team in the world. Andrew and Benji talk about his experience living life in a public way as an online creator, the sacrifices he has had to make to do it, why he walked away...
2023-03-011h 15Choose the Hard WayBenji Naesen: Lanterne Rouge co-host, Gamer, YouTuber Benji Naesen is a Belgian YouTuber who makes videos about gaming, cycling and his personal fitness journey. He's also the co-host of the Lanterne Rouge cycling podcast, one of the most popular pro cycling podcasts in the world. Benji went from streaming and creating content about the video game Pro Cycling Manager to working as an analyst for Jumbo-Visma, the best cycling team in the world. Andrew and Benji talk about his experience living life in a public way as an online creator, the sacrifices he has had to make to do it, why he walked away...
2023-03-011h 15
Choose the Hard WayPatrick Broe founder of Lanterne Rouge on Pro Cycling and Data-Driven Performance | Beyond the Peloton X Choose the Hard WayAndrew Vontz of Choose the Hard Way and Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton talk with Patrick Broe about high performance, team dynamics and race strategy inside the professional peloton. This episode is part of the Choose the Hard Way Life Cycles series that explores how bikes shape people and the world. To learn more about Lanterne Rouge, check out the show notes at ChoosetheHardWay.com. Beyond the Peloton is a podcast with in-depth pro cycling race previews, analysis, and rankings, hosted by Spencer Martin. You can find the podcast and subscribe to Spencer's newsletter...
2023-01-041h 49Choose the Hard WayPatrick Broe founder of Lanterne Rouge on Pro Cycling and Data-Driven Performance | Beyond the Peloton X Choose the Hard WayAndrew Vontz of Choose the Hard Way and Spencer Martin of Beyond the Peloton talk with Patrick Broe about high performance, team dynamics and race strategy inside the professional peloton. This episode is part of the Choose the Hard Way Life Cycles series that explores how bikes shape people and the world. To learn more about Lanterne Rouge, check out the show notes at ChoosetheHardWay.com. Beyond the Peloton is a podcast with in-depth pro cycling race previews, analysis, and rankings, hosted by Spencer Martin. You can find the podcast and subscribe to Spencer's newsletter...
2023-01-041h 49
Choose the Hard WayChoose the Hard Way X Beyond the Peloton: Worlds and Peak Performance with Cyclist Scott McGillAmerican professional cyclist Scott McGill seemingly came out of nowhere to win not only two stages, but also the points jersey at the Volta a Portugal this summer. On this special collaboration episode with Andrew Vontz and Beyond the Peloton host Spencer Martin, Scott talks about the framework that has enabled him to produce breakthrough performances around the world. Currently riding for Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling, Scott's uniquely adaptive approach to racing won him a spot on the American World Championship squad and a leadership role of the USA Cycling Team at the Maryland Cycling Classic. As...
2022-11-091h 03Choose the Hard WayChoose the Hard Way X Beyond the Peloton: Worlds and Peak Performance with Cyclist Scott McGillAmerican professional cyclist Scott McGill seemingly came out of nowhere to win not only two stages, but also the points jersey at the Volta a Portugal this summer. On this special collaboration episode with Andrew Vontz and Beyond the Peloton host Spencer Martin, Scott talks about the framework that has enabled him to produce breakthrough performances around the world. Currently riding for Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling, Scott's uniquely adaptive approach to racing won him a spot on the American World Championship squad and a leadership role of the USA Cycling Team at the Maryland Cycling Classic. As...
2022-11-091h 03