Via Race, Chapter II: High Roads and Hard Choices

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 and brake drama shake up the standings, and the gap tightens once again. We hear from riders at Refuge 1 and on the road,  including a bonus chat where VIA Race founder Ian To jumps in with questions for Sam Muscat. Plus, in our Route History Part III, we travel through Roman trade routes, bear-emblazoned refuges, the thunder of the Rhine Falls, and the watchful shadows of the Black Forest’s Vulture’s Nest. From dead ends to cake, it’s another unforgettable day on the road. --- Follow Via Race: Dotwatch: https://dotwatcher.cc/race/via-race-2025/asc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/via_race/  --- 🎁 Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products: 🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak 💪 Pulsio – Powerful compression boots for faster recovery and fresher legs 10% off  Trusted by pro athletes and endurance enthusiasts to boost circulation and speed up recovery — use code ZONE2SPEAK: https://pulsio.eu/ZONE2SPEAK 🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://downtheroad.cc 🧬 OLEUS – 15% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK15: https://oleus.com 🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak ☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak 🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.codeage.com/ 🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.shokz.com?sca_ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm_source=website&utm_medium=affiliate_program&utm_campaign=ukaffiliate_standard-podcast-commission_juliana-veterano_8382102 🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus - Use code: AFF_ZONE2SPEAK10: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2spea 🧴 Fre Skincare – 35% off Skincare designed specifically for active lifestyles and skin that sweats - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.freskincare.com/zone2speak 💪 First Endurance – 20% off Trusted by elite endurance athletes for science-backed nutrition, fueling, and recovery - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://firstendurance.com/?avad=407293_a3fef4821 🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=loudcrowd&lc_ambassador_id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3O 🌿 Genki Wellness – 25% off Personalized nutrition and coaching for sustainable wellness - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.bemoregenki.com 🏋️‍♂️ OMRE Supplements – 15% off Premium supplements to support strength, stamina, and recovery- Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://omresupplements.com 💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery! To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support! --- Follow Zone2Speak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zone2speak/videos