NEVER STRAYS FAR

The Vuelta a España is almost here, and there’s no great mystery over the favourite. Tadej Pogačar arrives as the overwhelming man to beat, with the real question being who can join him on the podium. Ned Boulting, Lizzie Deignan and Pete Kennaugh look ahead to this year’s Vuelta, discussing Pogačar’s dominance, the riders who could challenge for second and third, the parcours and the stages that could shape the race. They also look ahead to the Women’s Tour of Britain, with Lizzie drawing on her own experience of racing the event, while the trio discuss the riders, route and storylines to watch this year. Who will take the remaining podium places behind Pogačar? Which stages could prove decisive? And what can we expect from this year’s Women’s Tour of Britain? All that and more on For The Love Of Cycling. ______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Demi Vollering has done it! She is now a two-time Tour de France Champion after a dramatic final stage around Nice. It all came down to this. The final stage of the Tour de France Femmes was a brutal 99.2km mountain stage around Nice, featuring four ascents of the Col d’Èze and 2,100 metres of climbing, and with just eight seconds separating Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney at the start, there was everything to race for. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan are on the ground in France to dissect a dramatic final day that saw the race explode on the climbs. Zoe Bäckstedt drove the pace on the front in support of Niewiadoma-Phinney, while riders were dropped one by one as the favourites were whittled down. Marlen Reusser, sitting third overall, was eventually distanced before a crash on the descent dealt a devastating blow to her hopes of finishing on the podium. Elisa Longo Borghini took advantage, moving into third overall. Then came the final ascent of the Col d’Èze. Niewiadoma-Phinney attacked, Vollering followed, and the two went clear of the remaining contenders. Vollering then made her move, opening a gap over her closest rival before extending her advantage on the descent into Nice. Demi Vollering crossed the finish line to win the stage and, more importantly, secure her second Tour de France title, becoming the first rider to win the race twice. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan break down Stage 9 of the Tour de France Femmes. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 8 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift delivered a dramatic finale on the road to Nice, with a long breakaway eventually caught and the GC contenders battling it out on the final climbs. Demi Vollering launched a decisive solo attack on the steep final ascent, breaking clear of Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney and Elisa Longo Borghini before holding on to win the stage by 17 seconds. The victory also saw Vollering take the Yellow Jersey, with Niewiadoma-Phinney just eight seconds behind in the overall standings — the closest top two ever heading into the final stage of the Tour. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan break down Stage 8 of the Tour de France Femmes. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mont Ventoux rarely disappoints, and Stage 7 was no exception. The first summit finish of this year's Tour de France Femmes delivered a thrilling battle between the race favourites, with the general classification turned on its head on the slopes of the Giant of Provence. After Demi Vollering's early acceleration reduced the lead group to just the main contenders, Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney seized her moment, attacking with 9km remaining. As Marlen Reusser and Vollering hesitated behind, the Canyon//SRAM rider steadily increased her advantage, holding her effort all the way to the summit to claim a famous stage victory. Behind her, the fight for every second continued to the line, leaving just 15 seconds separating the top two in the overall standings with two stages still to race. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan breakdown Stage 7 of the Tour de France Femmes 2026. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 6 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift delivered a thrilling Classics-style battle, with relentless attacks and a late breakaway deciding the stage. After an early escape was reeled in, a select group featuring Cédrine Kerbaol, Puck Pieterse and Elisa Longo Borghini forged clear before Kim Le Court-Pienaar bridged across from the Yellow Jersey group. The Mauritian champion produced a powerful long-range sprint to claim her second Tour stage victory, while Longo Borghini climbed to fourth overall. Behind, the main GC favourites finished together, allowing Marlen Reusser to retain the Yellow Jersey ahead of the race's decisive showdown on Mont Ventoux. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan break down Stage 6 of the Tour de France Femmes. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift delivered the first major mountain battle of the race, with relentless climbing from the start. Puck Pieterse dominated the Queen of the Mountains competition, while the general classification fight exploded on the final climbs. Demi Vollering's decisive attack on the Mont Brouilly split the favourites before she, Marlen Reusser and Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney battled all the way to Belleville-en-Beaujolais. Vollering sprinted to the stage win, while Reusser held on to the Yellow Jersey and tightened the fight for the overall lead. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan break down Stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift saw the riders take on a crucial 21km individual time trial from Gévrey-Chambertin to Dijon. After Sigrid Haugset's stunning solo victory the day before, all eyes were on whether she could defend the Yellow Jersey against the race's strongest time trial specialists. Marlen Reusser lived up to her status as the reigning world champion, producing a dominant ride to win the stage and take over the overall lead. Demi Vollering delivered an impressive performance to finish just 18 seconds behind Reusser, while Haugset fought hard but lost more than three minutes to surrender the race lead. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan break down Stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift exploded into life with attacks from the opening kilometres. Lucinda Brand was among the first to go on the offensive before a powerful 10-rider breakaway formed featuring Lotte Kopecky, Liane Lippert, Lucinda Brand and several other big names. Kopecky later launched a solo attack with 76km remaining, but it was Norwegian champion Sigrid Haugset who held the race in her hands, leading the road and putting herself in contention for both the stage victory and the Yellow Jersey. We also cover the key moments from the day, including attacks from Lippert and Adegeest, Demi Vollering's crash, Dina Boels' abandonment, and how the battle unfolded heading into the final climbs. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan break down Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lorena Wiebes made it two wins from two at the Tour de France Femmes, but Stage 2 was anything but routine. The road to Geneva was animated from the outset, with repeated attacks over the climbs before Lidl-Trek threw a late tactical punch through Riejanne Markus, whose solo move asked serious questions of SD Worx-Protime. As Markus continued to dangle just ahead of the peloton deep into the finale, SD Worx were forced to commit everything to the chase, leaving Wiebes to fend for herself when the race finally came back together. It didn't matter. The yellow jersey found a gap exactly when she needed it, producing another explosive finish to beat Elisa Balsamo and Marianne Vos, strengthening her grip on the race lead in the process. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan break down Stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes. Plus, Ned meets up with David Millar to talk about one of the more surprising partnerships in cycling this year: Factor Bikes' collaboration with SpongeBob SquarePants.  _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tour de France Femmes is underway, and Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan are on the ground bringing you daily coverage the roadside. The opening stage from Lausanne to Lausanne was set to be a sprint, but the race delivered plenty of drama before the finish. A series of attacks, a reduced peloton and a technical run into the final climb put the pressure on early, with some of the biggest names in the race forced to show their cards. Lorena Wiebes proved she can do far more than just survive a tough finish, riding the final climb with the GC contenders before launching a brilliant sprint to take the first stage win and the first yellow jersey of the race. Behind her, Demi Vollering claimed third place and four valuable bonus seconds, an early reminder that every second could matter in the fight for the overall title. Ned and Lizzie break down the opening day, including the huge effort from breakaway rider Nikola Nosková, the crashes that disrupted the stage, the tactics from the major teams, and what we can already learn about the riders aiming for the podium in this year’s Tour de France Femmes. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar looks unbeatable. In this episode, David Millar and Ned Boulting give you the definitive origins story of potentially the greatest rider of all time. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music ______________________________________________________________ EXCLUSIVE 15% off your first SAILY purchase!  Download SAILY in your app store and use our code ‘LoveOfCycling' at checkout. Full details at ⁠⁠https://saily.com/loveofcycling⁠⁠ 🚴 ______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Carapaz produced a stunning ride to win the Tour de France’s ultimate queen stage on Alpe d’Huez, completing a brilliant final week by taking his second victory of the race and sealing the polka-dot jersey. But the Ecuadorian’s triumph came after a dramatic finale, with Sepp Kuss looking destined for a famous stage win before crashing twice on the descent into the finish and seeing his hopes disappear. We break down a brutal day in the Alps, from the huge 5,600 metres of climbing to the battle for the breakaway, as Kuss, Carapaz, Jai Hindley and others fought for the stage victory on the final climbs. After Kuss’ heartbreak, Carapaz seized the opportunity and powered clear to claim a memorable win on one of the Tour’s most iconic climbs. Mads Pedersen once again showed his trademark panache, fighting his way into the breakaway and securing the points needed to all but seal the green jersey. The Dane’s willingness to attack even on the toughest mountain stages underlined one of the most impressive points-classification rides in recent Tour history. Behind, Tadej Pogačar swapped his usual attacking role for that of super-domestique, setting the pace on the Galibier and the final climbs to protect UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac Del Toro’s third place on GC. The yellow jersey sacrificed his own ambitions of another stage win to help his teammate, creating one of the most fascinating moments of the race. We also discuss Paul Seixas’ superb ride to defend fourth place overall, the French teenager continuing to announce himself as one of cycling’s brightest future stars, while Remco Evenepoel launched a late move in search of victory and strengthened his grip on second place. Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan Breakdown Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2026. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music ______________________________________________________________ EXCLUSIVE 15% off your first SAILY purchase!  Download SAILY in your app store and use our code ‘LoveOfCycling' at checkout. Full details at https://saily.com/loveofcycling 🚴 ______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 19 of the 2026 Tour de France delivered one of the greatest spectacles in modern cycling. A 127.9km mountain stage from Gap to Alpe d'Huez, with 3,500 metres of climbing, always promised fireworks, but what unfolded on the Tour's most iconic climb exceeded every expectation. Richard Carapaz, Lenny Martinez and Sepp Kuss looked set to fight for the stage after an elite breakaway survived deep into the final ascent. But behind them, Tadej Pogačar had other ideas. Launching a devastating attack from the GC group, he rode alone up Alpe d'Huez, hunting down the breakaway one rider at a time before attacking again inside the final kilometre to claim one of the most memorable victories of his career. He didn't just win on cycling's most famous climb, he set the fastest ever ascent of Alpe d'Huez. It was a performance that felt almost impossible to comprehend. Was this the greatest ride of Pogačar's career? Is it one of the finest individual performances the Tour de France has ever witnessed? We break down every moment of an unforgettable afternoon in the Alps. We also discuss Carapaz's remarkable back-to-back mountain raids, Lenny Martinez's outstanding ride into second place, Remco Evenepoel strengthening his grip on second overall, and how the battles for the podium and polka-dot jersey have been transformed heading into the final weekend. Carapaz's efforts also moved him into the lead of the King of the Mountains competition, setting up a thrilling fight for the jersey. Ned Boulting and David Millar Breakdown Stage 19 of the Tour de France 2026. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music ______________________________________________________________ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal: ⁠https://nordvpn.com/loveofcycling⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 🌍 ______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 18 of the 2026 Tour de France was another huge day in the Alps, taking the riders 185.2km from Voiron to Orcières-Merlette with 3,900 metres of climbing. On paper, it looked like another day for the GC contenders—but instead, the breakaway finally had its moment. A world-class group fought all day for the stage, with Richard Carapaz, Matteo Jorgenson, Mauro Schmid, Valentin Paret-Peintre and Tobias Halland Johannessen all sensing a rare opportunity. When the attacks finally came on the final climb, it was Carapaz who made the decisive move, riding clear on the slopes to claim EF Education-EasyPost's first stage victory of the Tour after weeks of relentless attacking. Behind, the general classification battle never truly ignited, despite Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe setting a hard tempo on the final climb. Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, Isaac Del Toro and Paul Seixas all crossed the line together, meaning the fight for yellow—and the battle for the remaining podium places—remains delicately poised heading into the Tour's decisive mountain stages. However, there were signs that UAE Team Emirates-XRG may not be quite as invincible as they have looked. Brendan McNulty abandoned the race through illness, Adam Yates was dropped long before the finale, and for the first time in the high mountains, Pogačar looked noticeably lighter on support. Is that simply the cost of three demanding weeks, or is there finally an opportunity for his rivals to exploit? Elsewhere, Mads Pedersen strengthened his grip on the green jersey by comfortably taking maximum points at the intermediate sprint, putting himself back in control of the points classification after Jasper Philipsen's victory the previous day. Ned Boulting and David Millar Breakdown Stage 18 of the Tour de France 2026. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music ______________________________________________________________ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal: https://nordvpn.com/loveofcycling Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 🌍 ______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 17 of the 2026 Tour de France looked like a day for the sprinters on paper, but the 174.7km route from Chambéry to Voiron, featuring 2,200 metres of climbing, ensured nothing was ever going to come easy. Instead, it produced one of the most chaotic and entertaining stages of this year's Tour. The breakaway split apart time and time again as riders attacked from every direction. Jasper Stuyven looked to have timed a brilliant solo move to perfection, while Mads Pedersen emptied himself in pursuit of intermediate sprint points to strengthen his grip on the green jersey. With the race exploding behind, it looked as though the attackers might stay away. But Alpecin had other ideas. Emiel Verstrynge, Edward Planckaert and, above all, Mathieu van der Poel produced one of the finest team performances of the Tour. Van der Poel chased down every dangerous move in the closing kilometres before delivering a flawless lead-out, allowing Jasper Philipsen to finally deliver on the expectation that has followed him throughout this race. When he launched his sprint, nobody came close. The result keeps the green jersey battle alive. Pedersen extended his advantage at the intermediate sprint, but Philipsen's stage victory means the points classification is still far from settled heading into the final week. Ned Boulting and David Millar break down Stage 17 of the Tour de France 2026. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music ______________________________________________________________ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal: https://nordvpn.com/loveofcycling Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 🌍 ______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 16 of the 2026 Tour de France brought the race's only individual time trial: 26.1km from Évian-les-Bains to Thonon-les-Bains, featuring a punchy parcours with 500 metres of climbing that suited the all-rounders far more than the pure specialists. Remco Evenepoel reminded everyone why he is one of the greatest time triallists of his generation, storming to victory on Belgium's National Day to claim his 26th career TT win. Tadej Pogačar limited his losses superbly to finish second, while Mattias Skjelmose produced an excellent ride for third. Paul Seixas continued his remarkable Tour with fourth, narrowly ahead of Isaac Del Toro as the battle for the white jersey edged even closer. The overall classification remains largely unchanged. Pogačar still holds a commanding lead, while Evenepoel strengthened his grip on second place, with Jonas Vingegaard now out of the race after the crash on Stage 15. Behind them, however, the fight for the final podium position between Del Toro and Seixas is becoming one of the defining battles of this Tour. The biggest moment of the day came when Florian Lipowitz crashed heavily midway through his ride, forcing him to abandon the race. His exit reshapes the top 10, promotes a host of riders up the standings, and opens the door for Yannis Voisard to move into the overall top 10. We also discuss why this wasn't a course designed for pure time trial specialists. Filippo Ganna and Josh Tarling delivered the performances many expected, but on a climbing-heavy route, they were never likely to challenge for victory against riders like Evenepoel and Pogačar. And we caught up with Pete Kennaugh at the XDS-Astana team hotel on the rest day to hear his thoughts on how the race has unfolded so far, and we tackle the burning question: Was Jonas Vingegaard’s crash a result of the doping test that woke him up in the middle of the night? Ned Boulting and David Millar break down Stage 16 of the Tour de France 2026. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music ______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 15 of the 2026 Tour de France was another huge day in the mountains, taking the riders 183.9km from Champagnole to Plateau de Solaison with 3,950 metres of climbing. A blockbuster route produced another elite breakaway featuring Ben Healy, Tom Pidcock, Quinn Simmons, Richard Carapaz and, unusually, Adam Yates, who was sent up the road as a satellite rider for Isaac Del Toro. But none of that would become the biggest story of the day. Jonas Vingegaard crashed out of the Tour de France, bringing an abrupt end to one of cycling's greatest rivalries. His withdrawal transforms the fight for the podium, but it also raises fascinating questions about Tadej Pogačar. With his biggest rival no longer in the race, did Pogačar choonot to launch the kind of devastating attack many were expecting? Is that the greatest mark of respect he can give? And could this have been the final Tour de France of one of the defining riders of his generation? Despite the strength of the breakaway, UAE once again brought the race back together. With Del Toro and Pogačar driving the chase, the yellow jersey even sacrificed his own chances to try and deliver a stage victory for his teammate. In the end, it wasn't enough. Remco Evenepoel outsprinted Del Toro and Pogačar to take the stage, leaving us asking another question: have we ever seen the rider in yellow work so selflessly to try and win a stage for a teammate? Elsewhere, Jasper Philipsen reignited the battle for the green jersey by taking maximum points at the intermediate sprint, meaning the battle for green could go all the way. Ned Boulting and David Millar break down Stage 15 of the Tour de France. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music ______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 10 of the 2026 Tour de France marked the race's return from the first rest day with a 166.6km mountain stage from Aurillac to Le Lioran on Bastille Day. Featuring nearly 3,800 metres of climbing through the Massif Central, it was always expected to test the general classification contenders and once again, Tadej Pogačar delivered exactly what everyone had been anticipating. When Pogačar attacked on the Col de Pertus, what unfolded was a narrative that we’ve all seen before, many times. Nobody could follow, and Pogačar swallowed up Richard Carapaz, who lead the race, with no problem at all. Jonas Vingegaard once again was the best of the race, but for the first time in a long time, looked very much amongst the rest. Is his nailed on 2nd place in doubt? With the likes of Remco Evenepoel and the other GC contenders closing the gap, the battle for the remaining podium places is still very much alive, even if the fight for yellow is beginning to look increasingly one-sided. With the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Isaac Del Toro and Paul Seixas fighting behind- there’s still plenty to play for. We also chat to Rob Gitelis, founder of Factor, who’s riding the entire route of the Tour de France a week early for Cure Leukaemia, as part of the Tour 21 charity challenge. Support Rob’s Tour 21 challenge for Cure Leukaemia here: https://eu.factorbikes.com/news/rob-gitelis-tour-21 Every donation is being matched by Factor, doubling your impact. Ned Boulting and David Millar breakdown Stage 10 of the Tour de France 2026. _______________________________________________________________ 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 9 of the 2026 Tour de France was tailor-made for the breakaway, with an parcours full of ups and downs that encouraged attacking racing from the very start. After a fierce battle to get up the road, a powerful group finally broke clear, and this time, the peloton didn’t see them again until the very end. The headline act was Mathieu van der Poel, who proved strongest in the finale to claim the stage victory after spending the day in the break. Tom Pidcock was also among the race's biggest protagonists, riding aggressively throughout the stage and contributing heavily to the move, but ultimately falling short when it mattered most. Behind them, UAE Team Emirates and INEOS Grenadiers both spent long periods driving the peloton, seemingly weighing up whether to bring the escapees back. In the end, both teams eased off, accepting that the stage wasn't worth the effort, and the breakaway survived all the way to the finish. Away from the stage itself, Ned Boulting and David Millar discuss Primož Roglič's confirmed departure from Red Bull, where he ranks among the greatest riders of his generation, and what the move could mean for the final chapter of his career. The episode also features one of David's favourite stories from his racing days, as he reflects on the toughest day he ever endured on the bike, a ride that has largely gone under the radar despite leaving a lasting mark on his memory. Ned Boulting and David Millar break down Stage 9 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sprinters were back in the spotlight on Stage 7 of the 2026 Tour de France, with a flat run into Bordeaux offering another nailed-on bunch sprint. After a controlled day in the peloton, the sprint teams took charge exactly as expected, delivering another high-speed finish in one of cycling's most famous sprinting destinations. When the lead-out trains peeled away, it was Tim Merlier who once again proved he's the fastest finisher in the race, timing his sprint to perfection to take victory. But while Merlier continues to impress, the questions are beginning to grow around Jasper Philipsen. Has he simply been beaten by a faster rider, or is there something missing from the sprinter who once dominated finishes like these? Away from the sprint, Ned and David also revisit the fallout from Stage 6, discussing the tension between Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz on the Tourmalet, the questions over why they weren't working together, and whether that decision ultimately cost them valuable time. The episode also includes a reflection on Mark Cavendish's extraordinary Tour de France career, with Ned and David sharing their own personal experiences of covering and racing alongside him, what made him such a dominant force, and whether cycling will ever see another sprinter control the Tour in the way Cavendish once did. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sprinters finally got their chance to make their mark on the 2026 Tour de France, and after a long day on the roads of southern France, the fastest men in the world delivered exactly the spectacle everyone was anticipating. The one rider determined to delay the inevitable was Baptiste Veistroffer, who spent almost the entire stage riding solo off the front of the race. His brave breakaway finally came to an end with just 14km remaining, as the sprint teams took complete control and lined up for a frantic finish. What followed was classic Tour de France chaos. High speeds, nervous positioning, crashes and near misses turned the final kilometres into a battle of survival before the fastest man in the race powered through the carnage to claim the stage victory. Ned Boulting and David Millar break down Stage 5 of the Tour de France 2026. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France was always expected to be a day for the breakaway, and that's exactly how it unfolded. A 34-rider move escaped early and stayed clear, setting up a fascinating tactical battle between some of the strongest breakaway riders in the race. Biniam Girmay bested rivals Jasper Philipsen and Mads Pedersen to the intermittent sprint points and then sat up. He was never interested in the stage, but Lidl-Trek were the team of the day. Mads Pedersen, Quinn Simmons and their teammates were in complete control. It was inevitable that one of them would take the stage. While Lidl-Trek celebrated the stage victory, the yellow jersey also changed hands as another rider moved into the overall race lead. Tadej Pogacar was clearly happy to allow this. Ned Boulting and David Millar breakdown the action 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 3 of the 2026 Tour de France saw the race cross the Spanish border into France for the first time, with a 195.9km route from Granollers to Les Angles. Now the race really begins. On paper, it wasn’t expected to be a decisive GC stage, but that’s becoming increasingly rare in the modern peloton, and once the road pitched upwards, the biggest names were right at the front. UAE Team Emirates produced a tactical masterclass in the finale. Isaac Del Toro emptied the tank with a huge pull on the final climb before Tadej Pogačar launched to take the stage victory, the yellow jersey from Jonas Vingegaard, and the first real psychological blow of this year’s Tour. Ned Boulting and David Millar break down Stage 3 of the Tour de France 2026 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barcelona delivered another brilliant day of racing as Stage 2 of the 2026 Tour de France finished in the Catalan capital for the second day running. The race exploded on the final climbs, with all of the biggest favourites battling it out at the front. But when victory was within reach, Tadej Pogačar chose not to sprint for himself, instead allowing a teammate to take one of the biggest wins of his career. Ned Boulting, Lizzie Deignan and David Millar breakdown Stage 2. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠⁠Muc-Off⁠⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France delivered chaos from the very start in Barcelona, with a fast and technical 19.6km team time trial that opened the race right up. It was complete carnage for INEOS. A puncture for Kévin Vauquelin, Egan Bernal and Thymen Arensman both dropped, and Filippo Ganna left to finish the stage completely alone after riding away from his own teammates. Despite setting a time 30 seconds faster than Mathieu van der Poel, it still wasn’t enough for the win. The shock came from Visma. After questions over their team time trial strength coming in without Wout Van Aert, Jonas Vingegaard and his team delivered a huge statement ride to take Stage 1 - with Vingegaard beating Ganna by 7 seconds to claim the first yellow jersey. Was anyone expecting that? Plus: our Muc-Off Moment of the Day, a look ahead to Stage 2 and an inside scoop on EF Education Easy Post’s new aero helmet designed by POC. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠Science In Sport⁠ _______________________________________________________________ 🚴‍♂️ Head to ⁠Muc-Off⁠ and use code FTLOC20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tour de France is here and For The Love Of Cycling is on the ground. In this special episode, Ned Boulting, Lizzie Deignan and Pete Kennaugh record from inside the XDS-Astana team bus on the eve of Stage 1, bringing you right into the heart of the biggest race in cycling. With Pete now working as a DS for Astana, the team gets a rare behind-the-scenes look at the atmosphere inside a Tour de France setup before racing begins, as they catch up, talk through the opening team time trial in Barcelona, and discuss what Stage 1 could mean for the general classification battle. How much can teams gain (or lose) in the opening TTT? Who does the route favour? And what is the mood like inside a team bus just hours before the Tour gets underway? It’s part race preview, part reunion, and part all-access look at life inside the Tour de France. And this is just the start - For The Love Of Cycling will be bringing you daily episodes from the road throughout the Tour, with Ned and the team following the race across France. Subscribe now and come with us for every stage. 🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music _______________________________________________________________ 🏅 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport, a pioneer in endurance fuelling: Backed by science. Trusted by athletes.  Find out more at: ⁠⁠Science In Sport⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The biggest race in cycling is here. With just days to go until the 2026 Tour de France rolls out from Barcelona, Ned Boulting, David Millar, Lizzie Deignan and Pete Kennaugh break down everything you need to know ahead of this year’s race. Can Tadej Pogačar make history with a fifth Tour de France title and join the legendary ranks of Anquetil, Merckx, Hinault and Indurain? And if he does, is there anyone in the current peloton capable of stopping him? The team dives into this year’s route - from the opening team time trial in Barcelona to brutal mountain stages featuring Alpe d’Huez, the Galibier and the Tourmalet - and debates how the parcours could shape the battle for yellow. They also analyse the stacked start list: UAE’s powerhouse squad, Visma’s bold Giro-to-Tour strategy, Remco Evenepoel and Red Bull’s options, and Lidl-Trek’s hunt for stage wins. Plus, David, Lizzie and Pete share their own Tour de France experiences from wearing yellow and riding as a domestique to what it really takes to survive the biggest race in the world. And this year, For The Love Of Cycling is on the road. Ned and David will be bringing you daily post-stage episodes from across France, recording from the race itself and bringing you closer to the Tour than ever before. Subscribe now and follow For The Love Of Cycling for daily Tour de France coverage throughout July. 🚙 Get 20% off your first carVertical report - or 50% off a full bundle - using the code FORTHELOVEOFCYCLING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQFMf_2pe8U For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All eyes were on one rider going into the Dauphine 2026 (or Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes 2026). By the time it was over, the actual winner has us wondering why on earth we hadn't always known he'd win. Ned Boulting, David Millar and Pete Kennaugh break down every stage of what turned out to be one of the most revealing weeks of racing before the Tour de France. Pete was on the ground as a DS, and gives us the inside scoop on what it was like from the best seat in the house. The race might've left us with more questions than answers when it comes to the Tour de France in July: Is Paul Seixas ready for the pressure of being France's next Tour winner? Is Isaac Del Toro's a GC contender for the Tour himself, or is he purely there in services of Tadej Pogacar? And why is Pete in a river? Oh, and it's Pete's birthday! For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science In Sport This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where does Demi Vollering now stand in the conversation about the greatest riders of all time? Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan sit down for a full race breakdown, covering the 9 days of racing that swung wildly between controversy, comeback, and history being made. 9 stages. A disqualification nobody saw coming. A comeback time trial that raised every eyebrow in the peloton. And one rider who left Italy having rewritten the history books. All of that and more, with Ned and Lizzie 🧡 For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠⁠Science in Sport ⁠⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 21 of the Giro d'Italia 2026, and the race rolls into Rome with Jonas Vingegaard already the story of the three weeks, but the peloton wasn't done yet. Vingegaard obliterated the general classification. The first rider of his era to win all three Grand Tours. A victory lap, but cycling doesn't really do those quietlym and Rome made sure of it. Jonathan Milan had been waiting for this moment. Stage after stage, the sprint finishes slipping away. Today, finally, he got his. A thrilling race at the front, and Milan took it. This Giro produced characters that will stay with you. Eulalio, winning hearts from start to finish in that white jersey. Ciccone, racing with everything he had, every single day, heart firmly on sleeve. Magnier, young, fearless, dominating the sprint stages before Milan had his say. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri are here to close out the Giro d'Italia 2026 from the finish line For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 20 of the Giro d'Italia 2026, and Jonas Vingegaard finished his race the only way he knows how. A fifth stage win. And with it, his name joins the smallest club in cycling - riders to have won all three Grand Tours. Giulio Ciccone wrapped up the mountains classification. Eulalio had done enough to make the white jersey his own. And Kuss, emptied after yesterday's effort, was a different rider today. That's what three weeks of Grand Tour racing does to you. There had been talk of Visma giving Piganzoli the stage, but after Visma had burned through their riders earlier than usual, Jonas decided to put the stage to bed. Behind, Bernal emptied the tank for his teammate Arensman to hold onto 4th place, losing out on the podium spot to Jai Hindley. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri report from the finish line. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 19 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia took the race deep into the Dolomites, and Visma looked so in control that they were comfortable sending Sep Kuss up the road in the breakaway. A clear sign of just how confident they are in the General Classification battle. Elsewhere, it was a tougher day. Jhonatan Narváez and Ethan Vernon both abandoned the race, while EF Education-EasyPost made the difficult decision to withdraw Michael Valgren and James Shaw from the Giro. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri report from the finish line. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia 2026 and for the sprinters, the window is almost shut. Polti VisitMalta went on the attack again in the break. Eulalio crashed and then lit up the final climb, but Visma were composed, reeling the move in with ease. Then it came down to the sprint. Lidl-Trek were hellbent on delivering for Milan, but the positioning wasn't there. Stuyven and Magnier made it look straightforward, and before Milan could react, the door had closed. One sprint left. Rome. That's it. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri with all the reaction and analysis from Stage 18. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 17 of the Giro d'Italia was full of attacks. Ciccone tries to make the break work again but is unsuccessful and is running out of opportunities. After the final breakaway stuck, the stage looked poised for a reduced bunch sprint, until one rider decides not to wait and attacked with 1km to go. Michael Valgren takes his first ever Grand Tour stage win on his 12th Grand Tour appearance, at 34 years old. EF Education EasyPost finally get their first win of this Giro. Then there's the maglia ciclamino. The battle between Narvaez and Magnier has been quietly building all race and after today it's the most compelling storyline in this Giro. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri report from the finish line. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia 2026 and Jonas Vingegaard made it four summit finishes from four. Bellinzona to Carì - just 113 kilometres but over 3,000 metres of climbing. Visma weren't giving up control today. The break was kept on a tight leash, and when Decathlon took over with 35km to go, the race was about to explode. Piganzoli ripped the selection apart before Jonas even launched. Pellizzari was dropped early. Ciccone, frustrated after another miss in the break, sat up with 17km to go. And when Jonas went at 6.6km to go, nobody could follow. David Millar and Pete Kennaugh step in for Ned and Jacopo to unpack it all. Ned and Jacopo are back tomorrow for Stage 17 coverage as usual. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ned and Lizzie Deignan sit down to talk about the Giro Donne - how far the race has come since the early days, what's still missing, and why this year's edition feels like a turning point. They get into the calendar shift, the stages that will shape the GC battle, and the riders who could shake things up. Then Lizzie's old teammate and rival Elisa Longo Borghini joins the conversation. They talk about what it's like to race the Giro on home roads, the weight of the maglia rosa when you're Italian, and how different the race looks now compared to when she first lined up. Elisa opens up about her bid to win it for a third year running - the pressure, the motivation, and why she still races with the same fire she had on day one. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A day that was nailed on for the fast men, and the breakaway defied every expectation. Fredrik Dversnes, on his Grand Tour debut, crossed the line first while the peloton scrambled behind him. Jonathan Milan missed another opportunity. The sprint teams couldn't organise, couldn't cooperate, and couldn't catch the riders up the road. So how many sprint days does Milan actually have left? Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri report from the finish line. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 14 of the Giro d'Italia 2026 was the hardest day by far. Ciccone was in the break again, but it was always going to be a tough ask today. Visma rode at the front of the peloton for pretty much the whole stage, and during the final climb, it played out exactly how everyone expected. Campenaerts, Kuss and Piganzoli each took turns to close the gap on the break before Vingegaard let rip and proved everyone right. Gall rode his own race at his own pace. Eulálio lost pink, but not by as much as the mountain profile threatened. And Piganzoli? What a ride. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri report from the finish line with all the reaction and analysis. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by ⁠Bikmo⁠ cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia 2026 and patience beat power on the final climb. A frustrated Filippo Ganna couldn't make it into the break in his home town. A breakaway of 15 spent the majority of the stage out front, and when Leknessund launched first on the final climb, it looked to be the move of the stage , but Bettiol bided his time, waited until he saw the man in front go into the red, and launched at the very top. Perfect timing. Three wins from three different riders for Astana. Behind, the peloton was happy to leave the GC battle on pause before the monster that is Stage 14 - which we also preview in this episode. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri break it all down. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia 2026 and the peloton rode hard today. No one was gifting the sprinters their day. Milan and Magnier were forced to watch their chances slip away as the race stayed aggressive. Ben Turner had to fight his way back after a puncture at the worst possible moment. Ciccone went from 7 kilometres out, desperate for a stage win, but the peloton weren't letting him go. Then Alec Segaert attacked with 3 kilometres to go with nobody able or willing to follow. A perfectly timed move that left everyone else looking at each other. And Jonathan Milan is running out of stages to win fast. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri break it all down. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia 2026 and Jhonatan Narvaez can't stop winning. A star-studded break went up the road: Ulissi, Narvaez, Mas, Harper - but in the end it came down to a two-man tactical battle. Enric Mas knew Narvaez was the faster sprinter, so he tried to drop him and couldn't. Narvaez read every move, matched every acceleration, and took his third stage win of this Giro, and his team's fourth. Eulálio gets to enjoy a seventh night in the maglia rosa. With two sprint stages still to come, will he get to keep it even longer? Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri break it all down. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by ⁠Science in Sport.⁠ This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stage 10 of the Giro d'Italia 2026 and the race against the clock delivered. A 42-kilometre individual time trial from Viareggio to Massa - and it was perfectly designed for Filippo Ganna. He did not disappoint. A ride of absolute precision and power from the Italian, on a course that suited every strength he has. But Ganna wasn't the only Ineos rider to shine. Thymen Arensman put in a ride that proved once again Netcompany-INEOS are up there with the very best when it comes to time trialling. In the GC fight, Jonas Vingegaard gained time on Gall - but lost time to Arensman and Eulalio puts in another courageous effort to defend So where does that leave the race for pink? Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri break down a stage that was about more than just the winner. For The Love Of Cycling is presented by Science in Sport. This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Decathlon controlled the pace of the bunch right up until the final climb that decided everything. A valiant effort from the break, with Giulio Ciccone lasting the longest, but behind him, Visma and Decathlon smelled blood in the fight for GC. Pellizzari and others were dropped as the gradients bit. And at the top of the mountain, the two strongest men battled it out. But the man in pink? He's not going anywhere just yet. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri report from the finish line with all the reaction and analysis. This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a horrid start to this Giro, UAE reminded the peloton they're still here. A day of tried and failed attacks, and savage gradients between on the way into Fermo, and in the end, one man went alone to take the stage. A valiant effort from Leknessund fell short, which meant Jhonatan Narvaez was able to take his second win of this Giro. Behind them, the GC battle raged on, with the man in pink holding firm and losing nothing on a day that could have reshaped the standings. Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri report from the finish line with all the reaction and analysis. 🚴 If you're watching on YouTube, hit the subscribe button for daily Giro d'Italia 2026 coverage This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freezing cold at the top of the relentless ‘Blockhaus’, Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri react as Jonas Vingegaard laid down a huge marker at this year’s Giro d'Italia. Felix Gall managed to challenge the Great Dane but the race favourite held on for his first stage win of the year. Eulalio remains in pink…but for how much longer? Plus, Ned and Jacopo reveal their tactics to stay warm. This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ned Boulting and a pizza-fuelled Jacopo Guarnieri bring immediate reaction on the cobbles of Naples after Stage Six of the Giro D'Italia Sprint favourites including Jonathan Milan and his rivals loss was an emotional Davide Ballerini’s gain who avoided the carnage to take the stage. Ned looks ahead to a pivotal mountainous stage tomorrow and Jaco wheels out his unmissable Peter Sagan Italian impression. This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time, the peloton raced on Italian soil — and Movistar made sure it hurt. A blistering pace on the first proper climb of this Giro shredded the bunch, with riders getting dropped left and right, including the maglia rosa.   But the biggest story of the day? Egan Bernal was dropped.   What does this mean for his Giro ambitions? How much did Movistar's aggression reshape the general classification? And who capitalised on the chaos?   Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri report from the finish line with all the reaction and analysis. This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What on earth do UAE do now? On the first Rest Day, Ned Boulting sits down with David Millar and Pete Kennaugh to make sense of it all. They discuss UAE Team Emirates' dwindling GC options after a nightmare crash, which stages Jonas Vingegaard is likely to pick for his big move?What's been going on with Jonathan Milan? and why Paul Magnier has been one of the most exciting stories of the race so far. The guys also have a much-needed catch up about what they've all been up to over the past few weeks. This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who better to hear from than the two commentators who watched every second of the stage from the best seat in the house? Ned Boulting and Jacopo Guarnieri give us insight from right inside the commentary box, just moments after a thrilling sprint on Stage 1 of the Giro d'Italia. The guys break down a commendable effort in the break from kilometre 0, a chaotic lead-out from 5 kilometres out, a nasty crash inside the last few hundred metres, and captivating 3-man sprint to the line. This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing the new podcast: For The Love Of Cycling with Ned Boulting, David Millar, Lizzie Deignan and Pete Kennaugh 🧡 In episode 1, the guys preview the Giro d'Italia 2026, with Ned on the ground in Bulgaria ahead of Stage 1 🇮🇹 Necks are laid on the line with some bold predictions, including a video message from David whilst away on his travels.  Who is on your Giro podium? 👇 This episode of For The Love Of Cycling is sponsored by Bikmo cycle insurance. Protect your ride before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices