Bespoke Endurance: Cycling Podcast

AI coaching platforms like TrainerRoad are exploding in popularity—but can they really replace a personal cycling coach? In this episode, we sit down with our own coach, Derek van Hoose, an elite Cat 1 racer with nearly a decade of racing experience, to break down the pros and cons of both AI coaching and human coaching.

We cover:

• Why you might hire a cycling coach (and the misconceptions)
• The rise of AI coaching tools like Traine...

Zwift just launched the Cog & Click system, promising a quieter, simpler setup for indoor cycling. But is it really a game changer for cyclists? On this episode of Bespoke Endurance, we break down how it works, who it’s for, and whether it’s worth the upgrade for serious cyclists. Also, now that the Tour de France is over, we’ll breakdown our takeaways as racers.

We’ll cover:

• Tour de France takeaways
• How the Cog & Click sy...

Because breakaways force the peloton to react, make races unpredictable, and might just be your ticket to the podium. In this episode, we break down what we’re learning as new racers:

• Why breakaways are so brutally hard
• Tips on going with vs. creating a move (and NOT overreacting)
• How to anticipate moves & read the strongest guys
• And how racing with teammates plays a crucial role

Share your best (or worst) breakaway story b...

What type of training does it take to race and get fast? In this episode, we share our exact workouts and how racing changed our training. From sweet spot, to over/unders, VO2 Max and more, we break down the sessions that will make you faster — period. Whether you’re doing crits, road races, or fondos, this episode is for you! 

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• ST...

We took on the Cherohala Challenge—a 113-mile road race through the mountains of Tennessee with over 11,000 feet of elevation gain. The climbs were brutal, but what surprised us most? The descents. In this episode, we dive into what makes descending such an essential—and often overlooked—skill in cycling.

We break down the race experience, what we learned from fast and technical descents, and tips for improving your confidence and s...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most overlooked but critical aspects of cycling racing: how to fuel during a long race. With the Cherohala Challenge coming up, we address:

• Should you rely on the aid stations? Or carry everything yourself?
• What’s the real cost—in time and performance—of stopping?
• Should you pee on the bike?

 We also dive into our thoughts on this year’s Giro d'Italia. Whether you’re tryi...

Sugar, salt & science: which cycling nutrition mix is actually worth it? In this episode, we break down the three pillars of endurance fueling—fluids, electrolytes, and carbs—and how to read nutrition labels to help you determine which drink mix is best based on serving size. 

We geek out on everything from glucose, electrolytes, why sugar actually supports hydration, and what numbers you should actually aim for per hour of ridi...

Two doctors. Both triathletes. And no B.S.

In this episode, we dive deep into the do’s and don’ts of race-day fueling and supplements—from the perspective of a primary care physician and dentist who actually train and race. We cover what endurance athletes really need to perform—and what’s just hype.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or chasing podiums, you’ll walk away with practical, science-backed insights you can apply to you...

What happens when two new racers sit down with a cycling Olympian?
You get a masterclass in racing smarter, tougher, and longer — plus a few WorldTour stories you won’t believe.

In this podcast episode, we talk with Kent Bostick — legendary cyclist, Olympian, and national champion — about what it really takes to succeed on the bike.
From mindset shifts to race-day tactics, Kent shares the hard-earned lessons every new racer ...

Thinking about getting into road racing but don’t want to waste thousands on the wrong bike? In this episode, we break down our top 6 picks for new racers — 3 aluminum bikes and 3 carbon — that offer serious performance without draining your wallet.

We also dig into what really matters when you're starting out, from gearing to wheels, and what upgrades are actually worth your money. Whether you're chasing your first crit w...

We did it. Our first real race weekend—three events in two days: a criterium, a circuit race, and a road race. In this episode, we break down what actually happened, what we learned, and what totally surprised us as recreational cyclists stepping into the racing scene.

If you're thinking about racing or just curious about what it’s like to jump into a weekend like this, this one's for you. Our honest takeaways, some laughs...

New USA tariffs on China, aluminum and steel are set to shake up the cycling industry, making bikes and components more expensive for riders. In this episode, we break down what these tariffs mean for cyclists, how much prices could rise, and whether there’s a way around it.

🔍 Topics Covered:
✅ What the new tariffs are and why they’re happening
✅ How they affect bike prices, parts, and the industry
✅ What cycl...

#cyclingpodcast  #cycling #fitnessjourney #health
This week on the podcast, we interview Race Director Gary Bentley from KORRS, who smoked multiple packs a day, he shares the struggles and triumphs of transforming his health, all while fueling his passion for two wheels. From the dirt of motocross to mountain biking, gravel, cyclocross, and road racing, he’s embraced every form of cycling and is now using his passion to direct ...

🚴‍♂️ Smart handlebars are here! But are they the future of cycling tech? In this episode, we dive into Flite Deck’s new technology handlebars—breaking down the pros, the cons, and who this innovation is really for. Whether you're a data-driven racer or a weekend warrior, we explore how this tech could change the way you ride. Tune in and let us know—would you upgrade to a smart handlebar? 👇 #CyclingTech #SmartHandlebars #Fli...

Want to level up your cycling game and finally make the leap from casual rider to competitive racer? We sat down with an experienced race director Tim Molynaux, who has seen it all—epic wins, brutal mistakes, and the key strategies that separate the pack-fill from the podium!

In this episode, we cover:
✅ The BIGGEST mistakes new racers make (and how to avoid them)
✅ Smart tactics to stay in the draft and conserve energy
...

Is Dr. Fox’s heart rate scale leading cyclists to undertrain or overtrain? In this video, Greg and Josh break down the flaws in his approach, including genetics, individual variability, and anaerobic capacity, which he completely ignores. If you're following his guidelines, you might not be training optimally! We dive into the science and get your training on the right track.

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Unlock your peak cycling performance with the power of strength training! In this podcast episode, we explain and debate with humor and honesty how strength training can prevent injuries and maximize your power on the bike. But, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. We break down the most effective exercises, provide practical tips, and explain the key ones to incorporate even with limited time.

Chapters: 

0:00 – Introduction

3:...

Want the most accurate FTP test for your cycling goals? In this week's podcast, we break down the Ramp Test, the 2x8-minute test, 20-minute, and the Lactate Threshold test—exploring their pros, cons, and which one might be best for you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, this episode will help you find the best way to measure your fitness and track progress. 

Plus we'll also dive into highlights from wee...

In Episode 3 of the podcast, we dive into the question every cyclist should ask when using Zwift: is ERG mode holding you back from performing your best on outdoor rides if you have power meter pedals? 

We’ll also dive into:

• The three most popular race types—road races, crits, and time trials—and who they’re best suited for
• Comparing Zone 2 training indoors vs. outdoors
• The importance of resting heart rate and how to trac...