CASTELLI Cycling Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

At just 22, Gaia Masetti is already making waves in the women’s WorldTour. With a deep passion for cycling that began in childhood, Gaia has raced in some of the biggest events on the calendar as part of the AG Insurance Soudal team.

In this episode, Gaia reflects on her journey from winning her first race at the age of six to turning pro at just 21. She discusses the challenges she faced along the way, the unwavering support of her family, and how cyclocross helped shape her technical skills on the bike. She shares insights into her favorite Castelli gear, the races she’d like to win one day, what it’s like to race for the national team, and reveals her love for Italian ice cream, pizza, and what's on her curated Spotify playlist.

Join us for an inspiring chat with this rising Italian star!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

03:12 The Role of Castelli in Professional Cycling

06:04 Training Regimen and Coaching Dynamics

08:58 Racing Preferences: Stage vs. One-Day Races

11:51 Experiences in Major Races and Atmosphere

15:09 Cyclocross and Its Influence on Road Cycling

18:03 Representing Italy: The National Team Experience

20:54 Personal Preferences and Lifestyle as a Cyclist

24:11 Cultural Insights: Food and Music in Gaia's Life

27:01 Family Influence and Support in Cycling

30:06 Future Aspirations

– GUEST –

Gaia Masetti is an Italian professional cyclist riding for AG Insurance–Soudal She has gained recognition for her performances, including a victory at the La Classique Morbihan in 2023. Additionally, she won a gold medal in the mixed team relay at the 2024 European Road Championships and has competed in prestigious events like the Tour de France Femmes and Giro d’Italia Women.

CONNECT

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠AG Insurance Soudal⁠

– HOST –

Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.

CONNECT ⁠

⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

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If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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The pressure to achieve ideal weight in cycling and triathlon, hit competitive power-to-weight ratios, and meet physical expectations drives a surprising number of male and female elite athletes into a state of low energy availability. In this series, we explore RED-S, what it entails, and why diagnosing it is so complex.

If you missed the first episode, we strongly recommend starting there as these two episodes serve as a comprehensive guide for athletes at all levels looking to enhance their performance through proper nutrition and hydration, with a focus on both physical and mental well-being.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

02:57 Best Practices for Treating RED-S

05:46 The Importance of Mental Health in Sports Nutrition

09:07 Educating Young Athletes on Nutrition and Health

11:56 The Counterintuitive Benefits of Increased Energy Intake

14:47 Shifting Mindsets Around Nutrition and Eating Behaviors

18:01 Tailoring Nutrition to Training Demands

20:52 Fluid and Electrolyte Management for Athletes

23:47 The Role of Sodium in Hydration and Performance

26:57 Nutrient Density and Whole Foods in Athletic Diets

29:50 Practical Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Athletes

33:03 The Importance of Training the Gut for Endurance Events

35:48 Emerging Research and Trends in Sports Nutrition

56:00 Ending

IMPORTANT LINKS

RED-S Study: Escape Collective

Researchgate Study

Full Paper, click here. 

RED-S Symptoms Overview 

– GUEST –

Dani Hofstetter has been fueling champions for over 20 years. He holds the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition, awarded by the International Olympic Committee as part of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission program. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of athletes, from World Tour cyclists to mountaineers and amateur cyclists.

CONNECT

⁠⁠Dani Hofstetter bio⁠⁠

⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Strava⁠⁠ 

– HOST –

Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.

CONNECT ⁠

⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this 'petite' episode, we’re giving you a speedy introduction to La Grande Boucle and its history, along with some fun and incredible facts. We explore its iconic climbs, the introduction of different leader jerseys, and the thrill of watching the race.

We also highlight some of the early champions and pioneers, discuss the evolution of team sponsorship over the years, and much more.

Hope you’ll enjoy this one! 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:54 2024 Overview and Firsts

03:30 History and Present of La Grand Boucle 

06:47 First Iconic Climbs  

08:00 Champs’Elysee

08:37 The Leader Jerseys and most winners

13:28 Roadside fans and spectators

14:45 Ending 

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In our series profiling the team behind the riders, it’s all about communication activations, social media, partner marketing campaigns, and mental health awareness.

You might have caught a glimpse of today’s guest in the background during rider interviews at races and Grand Tours. His name is Phil Lowe, Press Officer for one of the sport’s biggest and most historical WorldTour cycling teams, Soudal Quick-Step.

I brought Phil on to the show because I believe many of us often find ourselves sitting on our couches, watching cycling races, Grand Tours, Classics, and Monuments, and wondering: what really happens behind the scenes at a WorldTour team? How do they handle the pressure from the outside world, especially in today’s always-on social media environment, where a PR disaster can strike at any moment?

Not to mention, they’ve got to plan, execute, and coordinate communication activations, social media, partner marketing campaigns, and more.

We also talk about the team’s mental health awareness campaign and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in sports and daily life. We conclude the interview by discussing the future of professional cycling and the changes we would like to see in the sport.

I hope you’ll enjoy the episode.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:11 Phil Lowe's Journey

11:45 Remco Evenepoel

13:30 Wolfpack Mentality

16:03 Park of the Pack Mental Health Awareness

22:12 Most Difficult Decision

25:32 The Future of Pro-Cycling

27:32 Ending 

– LINKS –

Phil Lowe

Mental Health Campaign

Soudal Quick-Step

Host: ⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS

If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠

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Born just 31 days apart in the autumn of 1992, Soudal Quick-Step's Tim Merlier and Bert Van Lerberghe are a duo whose fates have long been connected.

In the first bunch sprint of the 2024 Giro d'Italia, Tim Merlier made history by becoming the first Belgian in 46 years to win three stages in a single edition of the Giro d’Italia. With help from his childhood friend Bert Van Lerberghe, who ramped up the speed under the flamme rouge to guide Tim to the final meters.

Less than a week after their unforgettable Giro d’Italia, the Belgian duo triumphed again at the Danish Gravel Challenge Blaavandshuk. They stayed in the lead group all day, with Bert closing down attacks in the final kilometers before Tim broke away near the finish to win and Van Lerberghe finished third, making it another perfect day for Soudal Quick-Step.

In this interview, we’ll go behind the scenes to get to know Tim and Bert better, from their first pedal stroke to succeeding in the pro ranks of the WorldTour. We’ll also gain deeper insight into their personal lives, passion for cyclocross and gravel racing, favorite Castelli products, and more.

So, sit back and enjoy my conversation with Tim and Bert. I promise you, it's packed with insights and excitement.

🏆 We have TWO signed Soudal Quick-Step jerseys of for grabs. To participate, simply comment on your favorite moment or quote from this podcast episode on YouTube or in our pinned Instagram post. 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome 

03:10 Tim’s Journey into Pro Cycling 

11:04 Bert’s Journey into Pro Cycling 

18:50 Gravel Racing 

24:07 Bert’s Strengths and Weakness

26:55 Tim’s Strengths and Weakness

28:29 First Castelli Memory 

29:41 Favorite Castelli Products 

31:30 Favorite Race to Win one Day Tim

32:42 Winning Gesture when Crossing the Line Tim

33:32 Favorite Race to Win one Day Bert

34:52 Favorite Paris-Roubaix sectore?!?

35:25 Quick Fire Round of Questions

37:40 Perfetto or Gabba?

43:44 Should Cobble and Gravel Stages be Part of a Grand Tour 

45:35 Ending

45:50 Giveaway

(Recorded on December 13, 2023)

– LINKS –

Tim Merlier

Bert Van Lerberghe

Host: ⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS

If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠

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The 107th Giro d’Italia kicks off on Saturday, promising three weeks of breathtaking climbs, scenic views, and, above all, great racing. In this episode, we'll delve into some iconic moments in Giro history; the first Maglia Rosa, Marco Pantani's legendary attack to Oropa in 1999, Andy Hampsten's epic day on Passo Gavia in 1988, and Castelli's innovations and marketing stunts during the Giro, such as introducing turquoise Lycra shorts and the evolution of cycling jerseys.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome 

01:22 Castelli STRAVA Challenge

02:34 Marco Pantani's Legendary Attack To Oropa 1999

05:57 Passo Gavia 1988, Andy Hampsten's Epic Day

08:49 Castelli innovations, First Colored Lycra Shorts 

09:42 Castelli innovations, Evolution of Cycling Jersey

14:09 Ending 

– LINKS –

Castelli STRAVA Challenge

Castelli Giro d’Italia Collection

Host: ⁠Soren Jensen⁠

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠

________

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In this episode, I caught up with multiple South African champion Ashleigh Moolman Pasio. We talked about how she ended up in Banyoles near Girona, the Rocacorba Cycling business, her QOM Strava record on the famous Rocacorba climb near Girona, and the challenge she set herself to get the best women's time below 30 minutes.

Ashleigh will share her advice on how to pace yourself when aiming for your PR because pushing just a little over your limit for half of the climb will ultimately cost you later. 

The Rocacorba will never attain the status of an Alpe d'Huez, Stelvio, or Tre Cime di Lavaredo, but thanks to a lucky combination of geography, local patronage, and technology, It has already become much more than a footnote in cycling folklore.

We hope you’ll enjoy this fully packed and insightful episode with Ashleigh Moolman Pascio of AG Insurance - Soudal cycling team

Watch the interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aSg4d5oRQHY

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome 

05:20 Live From Columbia 

09:31 Rocacorba Cycling, How It All Started

20:23 Rocacorba

21:45 A Bucket List Climb, the Pros Test Climb

29:29 Strava Segment, Mastering the Pacing Strategy

36:20 When Getting to the Top 

38:49 Tips for Descending Rocacorba Safely

41:16 Training Intervals and Efforts 

48:41 The Benefits of Riding with Local Guides in Girona

52:08 Rocacorba Strava QOM

56:25 Ending 

– LINKS –

⁠Rocacorba Cycling⁠

⁠Rocacorba Strava Segment⁠

⁠Ashleigh Moolman Pascio⁠

Host:⁠ ⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠

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There’s a great deal of excitement surrounding the young US talent Luke Lamperti, but no one – not even himself – knows quite what sort of rider he is or will become as he embarks on his first World Tour season with Soudal Quick-Step.

Originally from California, Lamperti began riding dirt bikes at the age of three. Over the recent seasons, he has emerged as one of the most sought-after young riders, showcasing his prowess with numerous victories and promising potential in sprints and one-day races.

Packing an impressive speed, the 21-year-old is keen to show what he is capable of, not just in bunch sprints but also in the Classics, which he is very fond of.

In this podcast episode, Luke Lamperti shares his experiences and insights on crit and kermesse racing and his career. He discusses his training, favorite race courses, and the importance of comfort and trust in the pack. Luke also talks about his transition from US racing to European racing and his goals for the future.From his affinity for Castelli gear to his race-day nutrition strategies, Lamperti provides a comprehensive glimpse into the life of a professional cyclist, offering invaluable insights for both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals keen on crit racing.

We hope you’ll enjoy this fully packed and insightful episode with Luke Lamperti of @soudalquickstep 

TOPICS DISCUSSED

00:00 Introduction

03:06 Luke's Background and Journey into Cycling

4:51 Return to Castelli

7:56 Transition from US Racing to European Racing

9:21 Move to Girona and Signing with Soudal Quickstep

21:17 Crit and Kermesse Racing

27:18 Training for Crit Racing

31:36 Tire Size, Pressure, and Nutrition for Crit Racing

34:00 Ending

– LINKS –

Luke Lamperti

Host: ⁠Soren Jensen⁠

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS

If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠

________

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Join us for a gripping journey into the heart of professional cycling as we delve into the last three decades of pro racing and the world of sports directing.

From Tom’s excitement of joining the number one Classics team when racing pro to later becoming DS for the same team, discover the evolution of cycling, the challenges young athletes face, and the importance of mental toughness in this captivating conversation.

From the chaos of the Tour of Flanders to the relentless battlefields of Roubaix, we uncover the strategies, challenges, and split-second decisions that shape the outcome of these monumental races, the intense pressure, camaraderie, and occasional controversies that unfold behind the scenes.

Discover the untold stories of mechanics scrambling to find the riders' foul-weather clothing in the rain bag, spare wheels, the strategic game of supplying riders during crucial moments, and the delicate balance between following the rules and prioritizing rider safety and performance.

Gain insight into the human side of professional cycling as Tom reflects on the joys of victory, the frustrations of defeat, and the unwavering dedication to supporting riders through triumph and adversity.

Get ready to experience the thrill, tension, and exhilaration of cycling races like never before.

Take a seat inside the Soudal Quick-Step team car as we explore the dynamics during some of the most iconic races in cycling history.

Welcome inside the team car and the unseen drama of cycling races.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

00:00 Introduction

04:43 The Early Years, Tom’s Journey Into Cycling

13:59 Transforming Young Talented Riders into Champions

18:04 The Transition to DS

21:50 Studying the Race Course

24:59 Race Radio vs Moving on Instinct

26:11 Racing, Communication, Post-Race Briefing

39:02 Race Rain Bag Logistics

48:43 UCI Rules and Fines

59:29 Eddy Merckx

01:10:15 Ending

It's a fully packed and insightful episode with Tom Steels of Soudal Quick-Step. 

– LINKS –

Tom Steels

Host: ⁠Soren Jensen⁠

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In the world of professional cycling, where the spotlight often shines on the riders conquering the grueling races, there exists a group of individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every pedal stroke is supported by a perfectly tuned machine. These unsung heroes are the mechanics, the wizards of the workshop who transform bikes into race-ready steeds capable of enduring the harshest conditions and most demanding terrains.

We chatted with Nicolas Coosemans, technical and development manager of Soudal Quick-Step to find out more about the life of a World Tour mechanic, his wildest fixes of all time, the evolution of bike equipment over the last decade, which riders are interested in bike maintenance, how quickly their mechanics can set up a bike, and more. 

(Recorded in Calpe, Spain, December 14, 2023)

TOPICS DISCUSSED

00:00 Introduction

01:50 Nico’s Journey

07:19 What makes a good mechanic? 

10:01 A Day In The Life Of A Pro-Mechanic

20:02 Tubes, Tubular or Tubeless? 

21:16 Tire inserts and Extra Sealant for RBX

24:55 Grand Tour Custom Paint Job and Bar Wrap

26:48 Transition To Disc Brakes

28:58 Maintenance and Evolution of Bike Tech 

38:32 Crashes, Broken Parts

39:48 UCI Safety Rules

43:18 Ending

– LINKS –

⁠Nicolas Coosemans⁠

Host: ⁠Soren Jensen⁠

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If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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