2024 Paris Olympics talk with Jonathan Lee & Brian Gordon - EP11

In this conversation, Austin and Spencer discuss various topics including cross country racing, technical trails, Nino Schurter's skills, and the Downieville race. They also touch on the controversy surrounding e-bikes and the use of TrainerRoad for training. Jonathan Lee, a guest from TrainerRoad, joins the conversation and talks about the company's approach to marketing and their support for athletes. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the use of TrainerRoad by professional cyclists and the training process for the Olympics. They also talk about the role of genetics, work ethic, and team support in an athlete's journey to the Olympics. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about TrainerRoad and its goal of using AI to make cyclists faster. The hosts also touch on their own cycling backgrounds and preferences. They discuss the importance of data-driven training and the challenges faced by athletes in the pursuit of Olympic qualification. The conversation concludes with a discussion about specialized bikes and chainring choices for different race courses. The conversation explores the unique talents of Tom Pidcock and his ability to excel in multiple disciplines of cycling. The hosts discuss the possibility of Pidcock participating in both the XCO race and the road race at the Olympics, and the challenges he may face. They also touch on the selection process for building a team and developing young riders. The conversation then shifts to the evolution of cross-country courses and the bikes designed to handle them. The hosts discuss the technical skills required by modern riders and the importance of developing those skills at a young age. They also touch on the design and development of specialized bikes for different race formats. The conversation covers the topic of the impact of weight on performance in cycling. The participants discuss how weight is often overestimated in terms of affecting race times and how compliance and other factors can have a positive impact on performance. They also talk about the role of carbon components in improving the feel and performance of a bike, rather than just reducing weight. The conversation then shifts to predictions for the Olympics, with the participants sharing their top picks for the men's and women's categories.