Race Radio: Ardennes Fever, EF Insights & Tales from Liège

Harry and Stu might come from opposite ends of the UK and sport very different hairstyles, but there’s one thing they share a passion for: The Old Lady. Not just any old lady – I’m talking about the fourth monument of the season, Liège–Bastogne–Liège. It’s the oldest of all the monuments, and marks the end of the Classics season – and that’s what this month’s episode of Race Radio is all about: the Ardennes classics.  The boys are back with another banger of an episode to get you all hyped up for the Ardennes. These races are usually a bit forgotten about, lost in the shadow of Flanders and Roubaix. But, as always, Harry and Stu’s fan’s-eye perspective is oozing with enthusiasm that’ll get you pumped for these races. Harry’s back from the roadside of Flanders and Roubaix, and Stu’s gearing up to get himself out to Belgium for Liège. That’s what I love about these boys – they’re diehard fans that get out on the roadside and soak in the atmosphere at the races, and their passion is absolutely infectious. Here’s what Harry had to say about this month’s episode of Life In The Peloton’s Race Radio: ‘This episode of LITP’s Race Radio is all about the Ardennes and it’s somewhat of an EF Education-Easypost special, with not one but two guests from the team on the show!  First up is punchy young Irish climber Archie Ryan, swiftly followed by the team’s not-so-young and punchy DS (and LITP Communiqué regular) Tom Southam.  The two tell us what makes these hilly races great, Tom remembers witnessing a live mugging during a recon ride in Liège while Archie dreams of a Ben & Jerry’s helmet sponsorship. Enjoy!’ My experience with the Ardennes as a rider is limited; in fact, of all the races, I only started Amstel Gold Race once – I was always more of a cobbles man. But, after listening to the boys yarn about these races, I am gee’d up for the Ardennes!  I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I do. Cheers, Mitch