CASTELLI Cycling Podcast

Joe Laverick was one of the standout British talents through his junior years and earned a place on one of the top development teams in cycling: Hagens Berman Axeon. He spent two seasons there under the guidance of the world-renowned Axel Merckx.Joe had hoped to make the jump to the WorldTour, but things didn’t fall into place, and he found himself without a contract at the end of 2022 — facing an uncertain future.Instead of walking away, Joe built something completely different: a one-man privateer project that blends road racing, time trialling and gravel, fuelled by spreadsheets, sponsors, side clients and a serious obsession with marginal gains.Joe lifts the curtain on:What it actually costs to race as a privateer (race budget, travel, equipment)Why you need to be more than “just a bike racer” in 2025Balancing being a rider, writer, team owner, sponsor-hunter, soigneur and logistics managerHow he uses products like the Castelli Gabba R and new gravel kit – and why honest feedback mattersThe learning curve of gravel: tyre pressure, technical skills and why it’s an “untapped jigsaw of performance”200+ days on the road in the US gravel scene, host housing, burnout, and finding balanceWhy enjoyment is the ultimate performance metric, and his advice for young riders choosing between the pro pathway and privateer lifeWe wrap up with Joe’s dream Girona loop over Sant Hilari and Montseny – a 6.5-hour, 180–200 km that he still calls one of the best rides in the world.– LINKS –Joe Laverickhttps://www.instagram.com/joe.laverick/https://www.strava.com/athletes/7026027Sant Hilari Ridehttps://www.strava.com/activities/10469253051Castelli SOGhttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/spirit-of-gravelMen’s Unlimited Gravel Collection:⁠https://www.castelli-cycling.com/IT/en/Men/Collection/Unlimited/c/Man-Col-Unl⁠Women’s Unlimited Gravel Collection:⁠https://www.castelli-cycling.com/IT/en/Woman/Collection/Unlimited/c/Wom-Col-Unl⁠Castelli's Xmas Ride, Nov 29:Overview | ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/66959⁠Italy | Signup form: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/castelli-unlimited-christmas-ride-2025CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro, Castelli Christmas Gravel Ride & Spirit of Gravel Cabal02:00 – Who is Joe Laverick? Beating Remco & Girona life04:00 – Quickfire round: fashion crimes, coldest rides & junior chaos in Belgium09:10 – Contracts dry up: Tour of Alsace, injuries & the decision to go privateer14:30 – Building “Joe Laverick the brand”: writing, sponsors, and race budget reality18:30 – Gear geek: equipment choices, spreadsheets, and why the Gabba R blew his mind22:00 – Influencer vs athlete: social media, honesty and choosing the right partners27:20 – 200 days on the road: US gravel, burnout and learning to say “no”32:30 – Gravel as an “untapped jigsaw”: tyre pressure, skills and doing more with less budget44:40 – Joe’s favourite Girona mega-loop & how not to bonk47:00 – Advice to young riders: pro vs privateer, happiness and why fun has to come first

In part two of our conversation with French powerhouse Paul Magnier of Soudal–Quick-Step — one of the brightest young stars in professional cycling — we dive deep into the art of sprinting.Paul pulls back the curtain on the final 1,000 meters: how to read chaos, trust the lead-out, and time the winning move.We dig into aero gains — from wind-tunnel insights and bar-width experiments to 56×11 gearing and 105–110 rpm cadence — and why he practices seated accelerations at 800–1,000 watts. He also unpacks the Wolfpack mentality that trades pressure for confidence.Paul shares how he mentally reset after a heavy crash, what separates good from great sprinters, and his race-day routine. Plus: his go-to Castelli kit — the Sanremo S8 speed suit, Perfetto, Gabba, and Gavia jackets for rough weather — and why Castelli’s no-logo Pro Shop pieces have become a peloton secret.If you’re chasing faster finishes in crits or road races, you’ll love Paul’s practical sprint training cues and energy-saving tactics.🎧 Listen now to get smarter — and faster!– LINKS –Podcast episode with Paul ahead of the 2025 season:https://youtu.be/ClivP8jdPlECONNECT ⁠⁠Paul Magnier: https://www.instagram.com/paul_magnier_/CHAPTERS0:00 — Intro2:21 — Big goals: Monuments, Worlds & green jersey3:30 — Finding rider type with the coach4:19 — Handling pressure when the team backs you5:20 — Wolfpack culture: confidence over pressure7:18 — Resetting after crash & Omloop near-miss13:12 — Inside a sprint: feel vs pain; favorite race kit14:31 — Aero gains: position, wind tunnel & bar width tests16:20 — Full aero system & no-logo Pro Shop gear19:06 — Recon & visualizing the last 3 km22:16 — Race-day routine & playlist23:16 — Training to sprint: torque, short efforts, seated kicks25:26 — Five-minute power & saving energy to the line28:24 — Stage-race survival: fueling, grupetto, recovery29:28 — Gearing & cadence: 56×11 today, 58T tomorrow?30:12 — Marginal gains vs mental load; knowing your body34:09 — Cold-weather kit essentials & layering38:18 — Cooking, bus food & home life41:05 — Paddle board, jet-ski dreams & Grenoble roots44:00 — Outro

Strap in — because today’s episode is an absolute sprint-finish thriller!We’re joined by one of the most exciting young riders in world cycling: Paul Magnier of Soudal–Quick-Step — a 21-year-old French powerhouse already rewriting what’s possible in the pro peloton.In just two seasons, Magnier has exploded to the top tier of world cycling with 24 victories, making him statistically the most successful rider of his generation, ahead of Evenepoel, Pogačar, van der Poel, and Sagan at the same age.Fresh off five straight wins at the Tour of Guangxi and a breakout year featuring 19 victories, a podium at Omloop, and his first Giro d’Italia, Paul sits down with us to reveal:- How he stays calm in the chaos of 70km/h bunch sprints- The mental toughness needed to perform under WorldTour pressure- Lead-out strategy secrets and Wolfpack sprint dynamics- Life as cycling’s next superstar — and staying humble along the way- Off-season life in Grenoble, MTB roots & why the Gabba is a winter essentialWhether you're a sprinter chasing speed, a cycling fan hungry for behind-the-scenes insight, or just fascinated by the next generation shaking up the sport—this episode is packed with firepower.If you’re obsessed with sprint finishes, race psychology, or want actionable tips to get faster, this episode is packed with firepower for you.🎧 Plus: this is Part 1 of a two-episode deep-dive—next week we go all-in on sprint technique, training, gym work, and how YOU can become faster!Hit follow, leave a rating, and join the Castelli community!– LINKS –Podcast episode with Paul ahead of the 2025 season:https://youtu.be/ClivP8jdPlECONNECT ⁠⁠Paul Magnier: https://www.instagram.com/paul_magnier_/CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro04:33 – 2025 wrap: 19 wins & GT debut05:42 – China recap: team bonding06:23 – Race load: 90 days, 11,685 km07:06 – 24 wins by 21; Wolfpack support08:15 – From WC XC bronze medal to Soudal Quick-Step12:58 – Quick-fire 10 questions15:11 – Sprint mindset: instinct vs plan17:18 – Lead-out roles19:08 – Sprint power & Merlier comparison20:05 – Fighting for the wheel & positioning21:03 – Building the perfect lead-out; inside the Flamme Rouge25:01 – Training lead-outs: races vs camps; staying calm29:07 – Reading rival trains30:44 – Final 200 m: speed, aero, seated sprint34:47 – Strength work: in-season gym & velocity focus38:20 – Life off the bike: friends, balance, humility40:48 – The French wave: peers & momentum42:15 – Role-model mindset & clean racing43:46 – Home life: Grenoble → Nice; travel perks & weather48:38 – Big goals: Monuments, Worlds, Tour green50:13 – OutroCredits: Play Sports Network / Eurosport, GettyImages

Have you ever wondered what life is really like for a directeur sportif?Here’s your chance. Davide “Brama” Bramati—ex-pro and longtime Quick-Step DS—is one of the WorldTour’s most passionate and entertaining voices.From his racing days in the ‘90s and 2000s to becoming one of Quick-Step’s longest-serving directeurs sportifs, Brama opens the doors to life inside the race car and the team bus.We dive into his transition from rider to DS, how race strategy has evolved with modern tech, the triumphs and heartbreaks of Classics and Grand Tours, and the passion that still fuels him after decades in the sport.You’ll also hear what makes the Wolfpack’s family culture so unique, how Brama handles the toughest post-race moments, and which races he’s still hungry to win.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:27 Brama’s career highlights05:02 Quick-fire questions: style, kit, radios & tech10:12 From rider to directeur sportif17:27 Life in the team car: pressure, emotions & family22:12 Race preparation & technology in modern cycling27:53 Tactics, breakaways & the Wolfpack mentality30:04 Dream races: Flanders, Roubaix, Liège34:51 Young riders, careers & today’s superstars42:12 Best career moments43:22 Advice for new sports directors45:26 Contest: win 2026 Flanders tickets46:34 OutroCONTEST RULESWe’ll randomly draw two winners on December 7, 2025 — each gets two (2) hospitality tickets to the 2026 Tour of Flanders Hotond Festival, including all food & drinks. Travel and accommodation are not included. Open to participants 18+. One entry per person.📅 Contest Ends: Dec 7, 2025 – 23:59 CETQuestions: podcast@castelli-cycling.comGood luck! LINKSBrama: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidebramati/SQShttps://www.instagram.com/soudalquickstepteam/

Discover Polartec® AirCore™ — the revolutionary fabric that’s lightweight, breathable, PFAS-free, and made from recycled materials, designed to keep you dry from the inside out.Watch interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-EFOAr534V4As the industry’s first advanced air-permeable laminate, AirCore™ combines stretch, windproofing, and water repellency with nanofiber technology that actively vents sweat without sacrificing protection from the elements.In this episode, Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President at Milliken & Company and Business Manager at Polartec, joins Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager, to share how this breakthrough came to life, and why it could redefine winter cycling gear for years to come.Together, they unpack the science, the challenges, and why Castelli’s new winter collection — launching September 9, 2025 — marks a turning point in performance cycling apparel. From lab testing to real-world rides, discover why AirCore™ is set to become the new benchmark in cycling performance.– LINKS –Castelliwww.castelli-cycling.com/polartec-aircorehttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/II/en/custom/full Polartec®:www.polartec.com/fabrics/weather-protection/aircore– GUESTS –Ramesh Keshhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshkeshSteve Smith⁠www.instagram.com/smittystuff/⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:56 Quick-Fire Round07:16 Why New Fabric Was Needed13:26 Engineering Breathability19:41 Inside the AirCore™ Fabric25:20 How Movement Activates Performance28:03 Removing PFAS chemicals, 30:33 Real-World Performance33:26 Breathability & Numbers37:50 Waterproofness & Water Column Explained40:04 Soudal Quick-Step41:27 Product Collection45:52 Sustainability & The Future49:03 AirCore Setting a New Standard52:11 Looking Ahead52:54 Sum up AirCore53:36 Outro

Riding in the summer heat can turn a dream ride into a survival mission if you don’t fuel and hydrate correctly. In this episode, we're joined by returning guest and sports performance nutritionist, Dani Hofstetter, to break down how to fuel and hydrate smarter for hot weather training and racing.From carb absorption to sodium losses, cramping, gut tolerance, sweat testing, and post-ride recovery, Dani shares practical strategies to keep you fast, fueled, and functional when temperatures soar past 30°C. You’ll also hear listener questions answered on topics like whether to switch to plain water mid-ride, how to balance solids and liquids, and how to adapt fueling for long, unsupported gravel rides. Packed with pro tips and real-world examples from long distance races like an Ironman, Badlands, Ötztaler, to the Cape Epic, this is your ultimate hot-weather fueling guide.CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro04:21 – Quickfire round08:32 – Listener Q: Should you switch to water in the heat?10:38 – Carb concentration adjustments based on temperature11:10 – How under-hydrating backfires: gut distress & thicker blood12:46 – Subtle signs of dehydration14:29 – Listener Q: Does craving water mean you've overdone the mix?15:54 – How to calculate your sweat rate17:35 – Setting up hydration for long unsupported ultras18:53 – Balancing carbs, fluid, and electrolytes19:16 – Listener Q: How many carbs/hour for amateurs vs pros?20:28 – Adjusting fueling plan in the heat21:15 – Listener Q: Nutrition for cramp-prone riders22:14 – Why dehydration is a bigger cause of cramps than magnesium23:46 – Listener Q: Solids vs liquids in hot weather24:44 – Is gel + water better than drink mix?25:33 – What to pick at a hot feed zone: Coke, fruit or salt?27:21 – Palate fatigue and why taste matters29:33 – Listener Q: Are sweat/sodium tests really helpful?32:13 – Sodium vs salt: key numbers explained34:06 – Replacing sodium: what really matters35:14 – Should you add salt to your bottles?36:51 – Two key hydration rules every rider should know37:22 – Listener Q: Post-ride recovery nutrition in the heat38:24 – What to drink and eat after hot rides39:35 – Why recovery is the "work after the work"41:06 – Listener Q: Caffeine and spicy foods in hot weather42:15 – Listener Q: Carrying extra hydration for long gravel rides43:22 – Preloading sodium: how and when44:56 – Listener Q: Training differently in a heat wave45:56 – Final take: consistency, fatigue, and training timingLINKSDani Hofstetter⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castelli⁠Castelli's Hot Weather Collection ⁠SEND US YOUR QUESTIONSIf you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠

In this episode, we sit down with one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling — Valentin Paret-Peintre. At just 24, he’s already claimed stage victories at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour of Oman, and made history as the fifth Frenchman ever to win atop Mont Ventoux during his maiden Tour de France.Join us for a relaxed and insightful conversation recorded during pre-season camp, as Valentin opens up about life with Soudal Quick-Step, his favorite alpine climbs, his power-to-weight secrets, and how growing up in a cycling-obsessed family shaped his journey.If you're a fan of the high mountains, French alpine gems, and the inner mindset of a pure climber – this one's for you!The interview was recorded as a friendly chat at the beginning of the season, following a product feedback session. – LINKS –Valentin Paret-Peintre Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Climbs:Col de l'Arpettaz (Ugine)Col de la Colombiere (Cluses)Col des Aravis (Flumet)Mont-Salève– CHAPTERS –00:00 – Quickfire intro00:39 – Welcome & Valentin’s rise: Giro stage win to Ventoux glory01:45 – Riding with the Wolfpack: New chapter with Soudal Quick-Step03:13 – Settling in with the team & first impressions from training camp04:35 – Why the Giro d’Italia is his favorite Grand Tour05:39 – Growing up in Haute-Savoie & descending skills06:49 – Favorite local climb: Col de la Colombière08:08 – Riding for joy, peace & scenery — not always for coffee09:40 – Reflections on mountain solitude & wild landscapes10:51 – Hidden gem climbs: Col de l’Arpettaz and others11:49 – What makes a world-class climber: More than just numbers13:27 – Beating personal records at the Giro & Tour de Suisse15:21 – In-the-saddle vs out-of-saddle: His climbing technique16:09 – Bodyweight, gym work & nutrition18:06 – Training efforts: Torque work, over/unders, and VO2 sets20:32 – Training solo vs in groups & life in Chambéry22:11 – Annual New Year's ride around Lac Léman tradition22:58 – Aero obsession: Race suits vs jersey/shorts24:23 – Castelli product insights & racing with innovation25:21 – First impressions of the Sanremo S8 race suit26:16 – Why he joined Soudal Quick-Step & learning from Remco & Landa29:51 – Not ready to lead just yet — embracing a support role31:51 – Eyeing the Tour de France debut in 202533:02 – On racing the Tour as a French rider: Personal dream34:06 – Favorite Tour climb: Col du Galibier and its magic36:08 – Favorite off-season meal? Spaghetti alla bolognese 🍝36:41 – Outro & thanks

They were just two kids from Wortegem, riding bikes after school, never dreaming they’d one day end up in the pro peloton together.In this episode of the Castelli Podcast, we sit down with Belgian sprint sensation Tim Merlier and his lifelong friend and trusted lead-out man Bert Van Lerberghe, a duo bonded by years of shared rides, muddy cyclocross circuits, and quiet ambition.From their humble beginnings to the world’s biggest races, Tim and Bert take us inside their journey—through the chaos of sprint stages, the grit of gravel racing, and the deep trust that powers their performance in the pro peloton. They open up about what it means to represent Belgium, the Castelli gear that gets them through the toughest days, and the unspoken connection that only two decades of friendship can build.This is more than a story about speed. It’s a story about growing up together, daring to dream late, and discovering that the best victories are the ones you chase side by side.Chapters00:00 Intro02:38 Tim Merlier’s Journey06:26 Bert Van Lerberghe’s Journey09:02 Amateur Belgian Cycling13:20 Gravel Racing16:40 Bert’s Strengths and Weaknesses19:22 Tim’s Strengths and Weaknesses20:37 Rapid Fire Round of Questions20:45 First Castelli Memory21:49 Favorite Castelli Winter Product23:39 Dream Races to Win One Day27:32 Rapid Fire36:10 The Wolfpack Team Dynamics36:43 Ending– LINKS –⁠⁠Tim Merlier⁠⁠⁠⁠Bert Van Lerberghe⁠⁠Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠SEND US YOUR QUESTIONSIf you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠

In this special Tour de France episode, we're joined by two of the sharpest minds in performance cycling: Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step, and Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager and driving force behind the Scorpion’s aero innovation.Recorded just ahead of the Tour’s Grand Départ, the episode dives deep into the world of wind tunnel testing and the relentless pursuit of marginal gains.From Tim Merlier’s Tour stage-winning Sanremo S Speed Suit to Remco Evenepoel’s time trial suits—including the one he wore while storming to victory in stage five’s Tour de France time trial.Koen and Steve pull back the curtain on testing protocols, fabric breakthroughs, rider-specific positions, and the surprising results that prove: what looks fast isn’t always fastest.Whether you're a marginal gainer, tech nerd, or just obsessed with the Tour like we are—this one’s for you.Enjoy!CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:18 Behind the Scenes of Wind Tunnel Testing03:55 Tim Merlier's Sprint Suit11:27 Fast Feet Aero Socks12:09 Refining Remco's Time Trial Suit14:50 Remco's New Time Trial Position17:03 Aero Suit Testing with Soudal Quick-Step18:08 Adapting Suits for Different Cyclists20:17 Different TT Suits for the Uphill Time Trial20:48 EndingLINKSCastelli Speed Shophttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/Speed-Shop/c/Speed-ShopCastelli Pro Shophttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/PRO-SHOP/c/Pro-ShopGUESTS⁠Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step⁠⁠Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager ⁠