Via Race, Chapter II: Leisure, Legends, and McFlurry Showers

As riders continue to roll into Amerongen and others battle their way across the final gates, the finish line buzz is a mix of relaxation, reflection, and raw resilience. In today’s episode, we share updates from the road, including crises, comebacks, and a zero-carbon legend who’s biking 2,000 km back to Poland (yes, really). We hear from Gregor Towers, our 10th place finisher, who tells us about the glorious moment he ate a McFlurry in the shower (ultra-recovery, anyone?). Then it’s time to catch up with the Biking Viking, and we go behind the scenes with Olivier, one of the incredible volunteers who’s been making magic happen this last week of the race.  Also in this episode: – Riders racing the clock to make it in time for Sunday’s Finisher Party – Equipment falling apart but spirits holding strong – A near-record-breaking ride that won one rider a free dinner – And our call to rename “scratches,” because anyone who’s ridden 2,000+ km deserves better. Stick around till the end for a teaser of rider interviews still to come. The race might be winding down, but the stories are only getting better. --- 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