The Roadman Cycling Podcast

You dropped $15,000 on your dream bike—so why are you still getting dropped on the group ride? In this week’s Rider Support, we unpack why fitness always beats gear, how to build your engine, and how to turn frustration into progress. Plus: should we trust dominant performances like Pogačar’s? Anthony gets honest about anti-doping and fan skepticism. We also dive into off-the-bike warmups—do they...

Is cycling heading back into dangerous territory? In this episode, we sit down with Aron D’Souza, the man behind the controversial Enhanced Games — an unregulated sporting event with no drug testing and no limits. D’Souza wants to scrap anti-doping rules entirely, arguing that the future of sport lies in full-blown enhancement. For cyclists who lived through the sport’s darkest chapters, this hits...

Anthony dives into the controversial world of performance-enhancing drugs among amateur and age-group racers. With increased competition, access to powerful substances, and the pressure to perform, some masters athletes are crossing lines once reserved for the pros. To calculate your zones or tyre pressure you can use our free calculator here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.roadmancycling.com/members⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our S&...

Today, I’m joined by Art O'Connor, the strength coach trusted by some of the top names in cycling like Keegan Swenson, to break down how cyclists can get stronger, faster, and healthier — without compromising time on the bike Whether you're chasing podiums or just want to stay sharp, Art reveals the essential exercises, smart scheduling, and strength hacks used by pros and amateurs alike P...

In a world where every ride is tracked, every watt analyzed, and every metric scrutinized, are we losing something essential? Today, Anthony sits down with Michael Crawley—endurance researcher and author who lived and trained with elite Ethiopian runners—to explore a radical idea: that performance isn’t just found in the numbers, but in how it feels . Drawing on powerful insights from a culture th...

Progress isn’t linear — and every serious athlete eventually hits a wall. In this episode, we dive into the reality of plateaus: why they happen, how to know if you’re truly stuck, and what to do next. We unpack the major causes — training monotony, chronic fatigue, and life stress — and lay out real strategies to break through. Whether it’s introducing new training stimuli, embracing real recover...

For years we have been obsessed with heart rate monitors and power meter data but what if there is a new way to measure fitness and set training - Your breathing! Today Anthony sits down to chat with Arnar Larusson founder of Tymewear, a technology that is already being used by Team Visma Lease A Bike. This tech lets the user establish new and more accurate training zones! This innovation has the...

Dan Lorang is the Head Of Performance for World Tour Team Red Bull BORA Hansgrohe. He has coached Olympic champions and Tour de France winners for over a decade. In today's mind blowing conversation with conversation with Anthony he reveals the biggest difference between amateurs and pros and how amateur riders can do some simple tweaks that can't be ignored. If you've ever wondered why your plate...

This week on Rider Support, Anthony and Sarah dive deep into the rubber that meets the road. Tyre width, PSI, tubeless vs clincher—turns out most riders are doing it wrong. We break down the myth of high pressure, the truth about rolling resistance, and exactly what setup you should be using based on your weight and terrain. We also tackle tubeless fails, sealant myths, and whether the switch is w...

Kicking off the Lifetime Grand Prix series in style, Alex Wild joins us fresh from his 6th-place finish at Sea Otter. In this tell-all episode, Alex opens up his files and shows exactly what it takes to be at the sharp end of the most competitive gravel race in the U.S. We break down his preparation, in-race fuelling, tactics, and the crazy dynamics of Sea Otter’s early-season chaos. From threshol...

What happens when the identity that once drove you starts holding you back? In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, Anthony reconnects with Brian Keane—author, speaker, and ultra-endurance coach—to explore the line between discipline and dysfunction. They dive into self-doubt, social pressure, and the reality of rebuilding when your goals shift. Brian shares what a decade in fitness has taug...

Ever feel emotionally flat after a big ride? Or wonder why mid-morning sessions hit different? In this week’s Rider Support , Anthony and Sarah dive into the sneaky science behind your best—and worst—training windows, the psychology of post-workout slumps, and why skipping sessions might not be failure but feedback. We also talk safety in racing: are organisers doing enough, or is it time for real...

Alex Dowsett shares the aerodynamic strategies he learned during his time at Team Astana—insights that helped shape some of the fastest riders in the world. From bike setup to body position and marginal gains, this aero masterclass reveals what truly separates pros from amateurs. If you're chasing speed, this is the deep-dive you didn’t know you needed. Our S&C Plan - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.r...

In this episode of the Roadman Cycling Podcast , Anthony shares a deeply personal reflection on what it means to evolve as an athlete beyond competition. Sparked by a quote from Naval Ravikant — “Specialization is for insects” — he explores the danger of over-identifying with a single role, like "the cyclist." From chasing KOMs to chasing sovereignty, Anthony unpacks his transition from...

Is road racing dead? This week, Anthony dives into the decline of traditional road racing—not just in Ireland, but across the UK and US too. We talk about what’s changing, why gravel and fondos are booming, and whether road racing can bounce back. Plus, it’s race season, and we’re helping first-timers get dialed: from pre-race routines and what to pack, to warm-ups, nutrition, and how to avoid roo...

Today, Anthony welcomes Dylan Johnson back to the podcast for a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of endurance training. Dylan breaks down how he structures his own training plan, from the big-picture macro cycles all the way down to the finer details of meso cycles. They discuss how to balance intensity and volume, why tapering is often misunderstood, and how to time it right for race day. Dylan...

Numb hands ruining your rides? This episode is for you. Anthony breaks down the real reasons behind hand numbness on the bike and offers practical fixes you can try without splashing out on a pro bike fit. We also dive into how to fuel properly for multi-day races without wrecking your gut, why club culture sometimes undervalues personal milestones, and whether mixing cycling kit brands is a style...

Alistair Brownlee is a name that defines triathlon greatness—two Olympic gold medals, countless victories, and a career that reshaped the sport. But what does he wish he had known at the start of it all? In this episode, Anthony sits down with Alistair to talk about the highs, the hard lessons, and the things he’d do differently if he could go back. From competing alongside his brother Jonny to na...

This week, Anthony sits down with Steve Allende, founder and CEO of PLASMAIDE—a game-changing supplement built to support endurance, recovery, and performance through better blood flow. They dive into the origins of the product, the science behind its key ingredients (including pine bark extract), and why nitric oxide is such a big deal for athletes. Steve shares what sparked the idea, how elite c...

Ever wondered why riders like Pogačar look like they’re floating up mountains while the rest of us are fighting our bikes? In this episode, we break down what perfect cycling form really looks like and how you can train to ride smoother, more efficiently, and with way less wasted energy. We tackle upper-body movement, posture, pedal stroke, and the secrets behind that effortless pro style. Plus: t...

Runners bring huge aerobic engines, mental toughness, and a high pain tolerance to cycling—but making the switch isn’t always easy. Anthony is currently coaching a seriously talented runner who’s transitioned to the bike, and while their endurance is off the charts, there are some big adjustments to tackle. In this episode, we break down the strengths runners bring, the unexpected challenges they...

Ever wondered what it takes to tackle one of the toughest bikepacking races out there? Former pro Alex Howes joins Anthony to break down his epic Transcordilleras adventure, sharing the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. They dive into the brutal route, the biggest challenges along the way, and the mindset needed to keep pushing when everything hurts. Alex also talks nutrition strate...

Want to ride faster without feeling like your heart’s about to explode? World-class coaches like John Wakefield and Dan Lorang have cracked the code, and it’s way simpler than you think. Today, we’re diving into heart rate concerns—like whether hitting 180 bpm on a climb is totally normal or a red flag—and the key to balancing consistency and intensity in your training. We’ll also break down the s...

Today Anthony chats with the ever inspiring Anthony O'Brien and they discuss the big question "How far can an amateur go by training like a pro?" It all starts with mentality—setting goals, keeping promises to yourself, and silencing doubt through hard work. Discipline isn't just about showing up; it’s about staying consistent when no one’s watching. Whether it’s boxing, triathlo...

Strength and conditioning (S&C) isn’t just for athletes—it’s essential for everyone. In this special Roadman Cycling Podcast episode, I share why I’m committing to S&C and why you should, too. After struggling with back pain on long rides, I realized strength training was the missing link. Beyond cycling, S&C combats muscle loss, strengthens bones, lowers blood pressure, and improves m...