QueenStage Women's Cycling Podcast

In this episode: Demi Vollering goes solo on La Redoute and never looks back, and we start asking the bigger question: What does rivalry actually do for a sport?This is the first episode in our four-part series with Rapha and Zwift, and the theme couldn't be more fitting for the final spring classic. Rosael Torres-Davis, Betsy Welch, and Anne-Marije Rook break down the 10th edition of the Women's Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where Demi Vollering put in one of the performances of the spring season and left the chase group with no answer. The team goes deep on whether that group could have ridden differently, what Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's early exit says about the form picture heading into summer, and why Puck Pieterse is winning in ways that still don't get enough attention.Then we sit down with Beth Duryea, co-founder and marketing and communications manager of Canyon//SRAM Racing, for a wide-ranging conversation about what rivalry looks like inside one of women's cycling's most successful teams. From what really drives Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney in those final kilometers to the delicate team dynamics when twenty-six athletes share a roster and overlapping ambitions, to the best rivalry in the history of the women's peloton.This episode is also part of our first community ride on Zwift, kicking off a series of rides leading into the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in August and the Rapha Women's 100 in September. More details below.Zwift + Rapha Series: Episode OneThis episode opens our four-part collaboration with Rapha and Zwift, exploring what rivalry means in women's cycling on the road, in the peloton, and in the lives of the people who build the sport. Each episode pairs a race or theme with a community Zwift ride; this month's ride is live now. https://www.zwift.com/events/tag/queenstagepod Next Dates: May 27, June 24, and July 29Sponsors and PartnersRapha and ZwiftThis four-episode series is made possible by Rapha and Zwift, two brands that have invested in women's cycling when it mattered. Rapha is a longtime supporter of women's racing through events like the Rapha Women's 100, and Zwift has provided infrastructure and visibility for riders and fans across the world through the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. We're proud to be riding alongside both of them. Join the monthly community Zwift ride tied to this series and be part of what we're building. https://www.zwift.com/events/tag/queenstagepod Ruckus CompositesThe home of Queen Stage. Ruckus Composites specializes in carbon fiber repair, inspection, and engineering, keeping high-performance gear on the road and out of the landfill through science-backed carbon repair. Find them at RuckusComposites.com.Support the ShowThe best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review. Have a hot take on the race or a question for the team? Email us at [email protected] or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc.

The conversation delves into the world of cycling technology, with a focus on wheel manufacturing and the impact of stage racing on women's cycling. Tess Denning, the Science Engineering Manager at ZIPP, provides insights into the science of wheel manufacturing, the role of resin in wheel technology, and the challenges and advancements in wheel design. The discussion also highlights the Vuelta Femenina race, the craftsmanship of wheel building, and the influence of race terrain on cycling dynamics. Additionally, the conversation explores consumer preferences in wheel design, the future of wheel technology, and the impact of race expectations on rider performance. The conversation delves into the influence of terrain on wheel selection, the impact of pro teams and riders on product development, the balance between aerodynamics, weight, and comfort in wheel selection, and the evolution of the cycling industry. It also explores the transition in the peloton and rumors of transfers, diversity and evolution in the cycling industry, and the challenges and confidence in career development.TakeawaysInsights into Wheel Manufacturing and TechnologySignificance of Women's Cycling and RacingChallenges and Advancements in Wheel Design Tire width and wheel selection are influenced by the type of terrain and riding conditions.Pro teams and riders have a significant influence on the development of cycling products, including wheels and tires.The balance between aerodynamics, weight, and comfort is crucial in wheel selection for different riding conditions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to ZIPP and Cycling Technology09:22 Innovation in Wheel Technology14:32 Consumer Preferences in Wheel Design21:09 Performance and Expectations in Cycling Races27:25 Pro Teams and Product Influence33:04 Aerodynamics and Weight Balance in Wheel Selection39:26 Diversity and Evolution in Cycling Industry