147. David Millar: The Christmas special (sort of)

In this week's episode, Will and James are joined by David Millar, a man who needs no introduction, but just in case: David's career in cycling spans decorated rider (he was the first Brit to wear all three Grand Tour jerseys) to fallen hero (he admitted to, and was suspended for two years for doping in 2004) to risen phoenix (he returned to the pro peloton as an outspoken 'clean' rider and raced successfully until 2014) to writer, broadcaster and commentator (up until this summer he was 'the voice' of ITV cycling along with co-commentator Ned Boulting) to business owner (with clothing brand Chpt III) to brand director at Factor bikes (finally nothing more to write in brackets). Here, David chats about turning pro back in the 1990s and those difficult earlier years; the devastation of ITV losing its TV coverage and him his job; his new life at Factor bikes and the science behind Factor's new superbike, the Factor One; Factor parting ways with Israel-Premier Tech for political reasons; what it's like having your sister, Fran, as CEO of Rapha; whether he's duty-bound to ride the Rapha Festive 500; and his general and utter love for cycling.Merry Christmas, and thanks for listening for a whole year (or just reading this bit, possibly never having listened at all).Interview begins at 11.34This episode is brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo GPS bike computer. Visit hammerhead.io and use the code CYCLIST to get a free HR strap with every purchase (just be sure to add the strap to your cart then apply the code at checkout).------------------This episode is also brought to you by Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride, am epic, four day, 250-mile trip around Belgium and Northern France that raises money for Armed Forces veterans and their families. See helpforheroes.org.uk for moreDid you know Cyclist is also stunning monthly print magazine?Subscribe now at store.cyclist.co.uk/cycpod and get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door.And it's also a rather lovely website about everything road cycling and gravel. Check us out at cyclist.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.