Zone2Speak Podcast

As riders continue to roll into Amerongen and others battle their way across the final gates, the finish line buzz is a mix of relaxation, reflection, and raw resilience. In today’s episode, we share updates from the road, including crises, comebacks, and a zero-carbon legend who’s biking 2,000 km back to Poland (yes, really). We hear from Gregor Towers, our 10th place finisher, who tells us about...

Today’s episode comes to you after an epic travel day — 700km through Switzerland, France, Germany, and finally to the Netherlands — and straight into the heart of the VIA Race finish line in Amerongen. We celebrate the completion of the top 10, witness emotional arrivals (confetti included!), and hear about some nail-biting last-kilometer battles. But the story doesn't end here — many riders are...

After a 700 km dash from Switzerland to Amerongen (with a detour via France to catch riders on the Grand Ballon), Juliana brings you the latest from the road as the top 10 fills up. We recap the thrilling fight for the podium, the flurry of finishers arriving through the night, and the women’s race as Gosia Warelich leads Joanna Rumińska-Pietrzyk into the final 800 km. Plus: scratches, celebration...

After nearly 9 days and 4,000 kilometers, Bruno Wicht takes a dramatic win in Amerongen, overtaking Adam Bialek in the final stretch of the race. I unpack how the lead changed hands overnight, what happened in the race for third, and how the women’s field is shaping up near Refuge 2. Also in this episode: soggy riders, scratched pairs, and what it really means to “limp home” at the end of an ultra...

With just 500km to go, the men’s race is tighter than ever. Bruno Wicht is clawing back hours on leader Adam Bialek, the battle for third place is heating up, and riders are pulling bold moves as they chase the final gates. In the women’s field, Gosia is bouncing back from illness while riders fight through brutal rain and fatigue. We also check in on the funky bikes, DIY fixes, and a few gutsy de...

As the VIA Race crosses the one-week mark, the front of the field is on fire. Bruno Wicht reels in Adam Bialek with a furious chase through the Vosges, only to sleep through his chance to strike. Meanwhile, the battle for third becomes a tactical chess match between Jakub Tomasik and a surging Lucas Becker. Weather turns foul, routes diverge, and in the women’s race, a stomach bug throws a wrench...

As the VIA Race pushes into its second week, the front of the pack barrels into Switzerland, with strategy, exhaustion, and unexpected detours shaking things up. Adam Bialek makes his move through the night to St. Gallen, Bruno Wicht battles headwinds and phone trouble, and the women’s race is reset in the early hours after a surprise rendezvous in Bruneck. Plus, in History Part IV, we ride throug...

On Day 6 of the VIA Race, Adam Bialek breaks away with a monster move through Austria into Germany, and Bruno Wicht… sleeps through it. I break down how a one-hour gap exploded into eight, what it means for the chasing pack, and a major shakeup in the women’s race as Gosia Warelich surges ahead while Joanna Rumińska-Pietrzyk hits pause. Plus, Juliana checks in from Refuge 1, where riders are dryin...

Day 5 of the VIA Race brings altitude, attitude, and a flurry of strategic gambles. Riders face the Kühtai climb and beyond, choosing between the classic Brenner Pass or the brutal beauty of Timmelsjoch — shifting the race’s highest point entirely. Some head straight to Refuge 1 for warmth, food, and precious charging time, while others roll the dice and press on. In the women’s race, punctures an...

The race hits new heights, literally. As riders leave the flats behind and enter the mighty Alps. Bruno Wicht and Adam Bialek charge up the Kühtai climb toward Gate 7, with Bruno taking the lead by just under an hour. But it’s still anyone’s game at the front, with relentless climbs, freezing temps, and only short snatches of sleep. The women’s race brings new moves too, Joanna Rumińska-Pietrzyk r...

Day 3 and the mountains aren't done with us yet From late-night climbs up Sella di Leonessa to slippery descents and hard choices in Umbria, the riders are pushing through one of the most challenging stretches of the route so far. Some made it to Gate 2—others are still grinding their way there. In this episode, we hear: 🌧 James powering through a rainy late-night ride up Leonessa with a little fe...

Day 2. Bruno Wicht hit Campo Imperatore before 6am on 15 minutes of sleep. Gosia and Joanna lost their brakes but found a mechanic on a sleepy Italian Sunday. Enrico Halix is cruising the course with his velomobile. And yes, someone got bitten by a dog but kept riding. Plus, I caught up with VIA founder Ian To, media team wizard Francesco, and co-founder Ingeborg on what it really takes to fuel an...

Welcome back to Zone2Speak! I’m Juliana, reporting from the road as the incredible adventure of the VIA Race kicks off. It’s Day 1, and after a lively registration day in Giovinazzo, 120+ riders rolled out just after 8 a.m. — a bit later than planned, thanks to some very Italian policing and cappuccino logistics (can’t blame them, really). Today’s route launched the riders into the first big climb...

Welcome to Zone2Speak – I’m Juliana, and this time, I’m not just talking about endurance, I’m living it. In this special series, I’m bringing you on the road with the VIA Race, a 4,000-kilometer self-supported ultra-cycling odyssey from southern Italy to the Netherlands. It’s not just a race, it’s a modern epic, inspired by the journeys of ancient generals and fueled by human grit. In Episode 1, I...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I dive into the inspiring story of gravel racing powerhouse, Carolin Schiff. From facing significant challenges and nearly stepping away from the sport, Carolin's journey is one of resilience and triumph. Hear how she transitioned from road cycling to becoming one of the most formidable forces in gravel racing. Explore Carolin's transformative experience with Canyon,...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, join me as I delve into the exciting world of ultra cycling with Ian and Ingenborg, the innovative brains behind VIA Race. Discover the unique challenges and inspirations that led to the creation of this exhilarating 4,000-kilometer unsupported ultra-cycling event across Europe. Explore the distinctive aspects that set VIA Race apart, from its emphasis on community a...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I sit down with the incredible Mayalen Noriega, World Champion cyclist, Paralympic silver medalist, Guinness World Record holder, and industrial engineer. Maya shares her multifaceted journey through sport and life, from elite-level competition to the personal challenges that shaped her resilience and mindset. We talk about the evolution of her cycling career, her wo...

Welcome to Zone2Speak, where I explore the inspiring journey of Djura Leon, a vibrant presence in the cycling community. In this episode, Djura shares her passion for cycling, both indoors and outdoors, embracing it as a lifestyle rather than a goal-driven activity. Discover how Djura, at the age of 53, balances her role as a dental assistant with her creative outlet on social media, advocating fo...

Welcome back to Zone2Speak, the podcast that shares stories about the world of cycling.  At just 19, Vedangi Kulkarni became the youngest woman to cycle around the world, riding solo across 14 countries and 29,000 kilometers — and she hasn’t slowed down since. In this episode of Zone2Speak, Vedangi shares the story behind that first wild ride and what pushed her to take on the challenge again in 2...

In this inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, I sitdown with Gabriela Guerra, a Brazilian endurance athlete and 2024 UCI Esports Vice World Champion. I explore her journey from discovering cycling after multiple sports-related injuries to becoming a leading figure in the eCycling scene. Gabriela shares insights into the dedication needed to excel at the highest levels, her experiences transitioning fro...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I go behind the scenes of the gravel racing world with one of its most beloved figures: Wayne Smith, aka @bigtallwayne . As Peter Stetina’s trusted mechanic and a fixture at some of the world’s biggest off-road events, Wayne brings unmatched expertise, humor, and heart to everything he does. We dive into the high-stakes role of a race mechanic, what it’s really like...

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I dive deep into a captivating conversation with Guillermo, the co-founder of Down the Road, a progressive cycling brand. Discover his inspiring journey from Costa Rica, Shanghai, Kiev, and then to  Spain, shaping a brand that intertwines minimalist design with a deep-rooted love for cycling culture. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the ar...

Join me in this inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, featuring a deep dive into the life and journey of Chris Hall, a cyclist who has turned his passion into a purpose-driven platform. Chris shares his candid experiences of emotional highs and lows, his transition from a rigid architecture career to a fulfilling life on two wheels. Discover how Chris uses cycling as a means to explore his mental healt...

Welcome back to Zone2Speak!  In this episode, I sit down with Larissa Tanner and Simona Lucca, renowned Swiss champions in artistic cycling, and we go inside the world of Artistic Cycling. They share their incredible journey to the top, balancing physical demands with breathtaking artistry. Get insights into their training routines, challenges they faced, and the mindset required to excel in this...

What does it take to cycle the entire length of the UK and back — 2,700km in just over five days? For Dr. Sarah Ruggins, it took more than legs of steel. It took vision, grit, and the unshakeable will to turn personal adversity into purpose. In this powerful episode of Zone2Speak, I sit down with Sarah fresh off her record-breaking LEJOGLEJOG ride. We talk about the physical and emotional depths s...