Criterium Nation

In this conversation, Brendan Rhim shares his journey as a cyclist, discussing his experiences in road racing, track cycling, and the evolving landscape of U.S. cycling. He reflects on his early successes, the importance of tactics in racing, and the camaraderie found within the cycling community. Rhim also addresses the challenges faced by American cyclists, the allure of racing in Europe, and his aspirations for the upcoming LA Olympics. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of joy in cycling and the evolving definition of professionalism in the sport.   We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION"

In this conversation, Dr. Andrea Cyr shares her journey from growing up in rural Maine to becoming a professional cyclist and a medical doctor. She discusses the impact of personal tragedy on her life and career, her determination to succeed in cycling, and the importance of resilience and teamwork. Andrea also highlights her new cycling team, Higher Dose Renova, and her aspirations for the future. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION"

In this conversation, Rob Kelly interviews Caley Fretz, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the Escape Collective, discussing the current state and future of cycling media. They explore the unique membership model of Escape Collective, the importance of diversity in cycling journalism, and the challenges faced by American cycling media. The discussion highlights the need for athlete engagement, the role of media in promoting cycling, and the potential for building a sustainable media ecosystem. Caley emphasizes the importance of passion and commitment in creating valuable content for cycling enthusiasts. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION"  

In this conversation, Robert Kelly and Daniel Holloway discuss various aspects of cycling, including personal experiences, the transition to a non-alcoholic lifestyle, and the dynamics of criterium racing. They delve into the state of American cycling, the importance of etiquette, and the need for educational content within the sport. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in cycling, emphasizing the role of professional athletes in educating the community and improving the sport's overall quality. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

In this conversation, Rob Kelly and Adam Mills discuss the multifaceted aspects of safety in cycling, particularly in criterium racing. They explore the physiological impacts of race neutralization, the identification of dangerous parts of a race, and the importance of technicality in making racing safer. The discussion also delves into course design, equipment regulations, and the role of speed in safety. They emphasize the need for rider education and responsibility, highlighting that safety is a collective obligation among all participants in the sport. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

In this conversation, Aline, a Swiss cyclist, shares her journey from Switzerland to racing in the U.S. She discusses her experiences in criterium racing, the importance of community, and her reflections on the Olympics. Aline emphasizes the significance of process goals in her racing strategy and expresses gratitude for the support she has received from her teammates and hosts. As she looks forward to future races, Aline remains focused on enjoying the sport and improving her skills. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

In this conversation, Erica Carney shares her journey as a competitive cyclist and the impact of motherhood on her identity and racing career. She discusses the challenges women face in cycling, especially after becoming mothers, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support for female athletes. Erica reflects on her transition from a focus on winning to enjoying the sport and fostering connections within the cycling community. She envisions a future where motherhood and cycling coexist harmoniously, advocating for more support and funding for women's cycling teams. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

We've paid for the hosting, and done the miles with the riders, so we might as well go all in; but this time we are not taking half answers. We are raising our game as a show, and expect the same out of the riders who race our roads. That's why we've got Brody McDonald of the Golden State Blazers on the podcast. He has raised his game a lot this year and really committed to criterium racing. From a win at Cry Baby Hill to being one of the major foils and threat to the dominance of Team Cadence, he's got a lot going on. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

In this conversation, Robert Kelly and Zach Gregg delve into the intricacies of aerodynamics in mass start bike racing, discussing how it impacts performance, the importance of bike fit, and the role of strength training. They explore the nuances of aerodynamic claims made by manufacturers, the significance of rider position, and the evolving metrics in cycling performance. The discussion also touches on the implications of UCI regulations on bike design and racing strategies, emphasizing the need for cyclists to understand the balance between aerodynamics and practical performance. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

Two national champions, best friends, and teammates-- Lucas Bourgoyne and Luke Fetzer. However, where do they fit in our story, are they the heroes or villians, or maybe they are the bad good guys? Let's find out. 

Katherine Sarkisov of CCB/Levine Law Group is a rising talent in women's bike racing. She's not new on the scene because she literally grew up riding and racing her bike; but she's definitely made some big steps and improvements in the last couple of years. After stints on LUX and Cynisca Cycling, Katia came home and joined CCB. Little did any of us know that in signing up to race US races, that we were about to see her light up the podium.  

Canadian Sidney Swierenga is having a season most racers can only dream of. At 17 years old she became the youngest rider to podium the GC with second overall at the Redlands Bicycle Classic and then repeated the feat at the Tour of the Gila a week later. The next youngest rider to pull off that double podium was Mara Abbott at 21-and she went onto win the Giro D'Italia twice in her career.  Sidney then won a major junior race in France, a result that made her the number one-ranked junior in the world. Sidney talks about beating pros in running races at 12 years old, drops hilarious hot takes on the World Tour, and what it means to take on the world and win. Don't miss this one.  Photo Credit: Brian Knox Tour of the Gila 

Lights, Live stream, action. We are back. Criterium racing is back. It is time to get 2025 started in a huge way. For the first time ever we brought competitors together to talk about how the race happened. Ok, when it comes to Will Hardin and Clever Martinez, it is hard to call either of them competitors, they are more like friends who want to push each other's physical and mental limits to the max. Either way, it is great to get the inside view from the guys who won the race. 

From the top of one of the tallest points in Arizona we join our hero, Tyler Stites, as he prepares to set out on a new journey across the ocean to a fulltime spot in the European peloton. For the last 3 seasons we've got to enjoy his racing on Project Echelon but now he's signed a two-year deal with Caja Rural and he's ready to spread his wings. Before he does, we got a chance to talk with him about where he's been and how he's enjoyed the ride along the way. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today! By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We are also brought to you by Properties on the Potomac, the boutique real estate firm for all your needs in Northern Virginia, Washington, and Maryland. Check them out at PotPhomes.com.

Alexis Magner 100% stands on her own when it comes to accomplishments. With a win at Acht van Westerveld, second at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Ronde van Drenthe in 2018; along with third at Dwars der Vlaanderen in 2021 while racing for Canyon-SRAM you may be wondering, how did she end up on the American criterium scene? We've got those answers for you in this episode. Plus we have the story of how she parlayed back-to-back wins at her hometown Athen's Twilight Criterium into a new opportunity with the UCI Contintental squad Cynisca Cycling. It's a lot to pack in, but our man Jordan Cheyne is on top of it. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today! By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We are also brought to you by Properties on the Potomac, the boutique real estate firm for all your needs in Northern Virginia, Washington, and Maryland. Check them out at PotPhomes.com.

Seventy-five minutes of laughter, levity, cowboy hats, and some hot takes. It's Lucas Bourgoyne and he's 100% worth all of your time.  This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We also have a special guest sponsor this week, ! The cramp busting, hydration boasting, delicious treat that has 20X more sodium and 8X more potassium than normal sports drinks. With a new design and shot bottles coming, they've got you covered. Find them on Amazon or, this is amazing, at Walmart!!!

We are taking a step back in time to the original days of this podcast. Back in the heady days of 2018 and 2019, a team known as Elevate-KHS dominated the scene. Many of our guests, and even one host, came through that program, and even more were mentored and influenced by riders who had Paul Abrahams as their DS. Jordan talks with Paul all about that time and his experiences in the sport.  This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us!  

A discussion months in the making-- have we reached peak crit? The data has been compiled and the takes are all hot. It's time to give you the thesis and then let Allan Schroeder and Logan Jones Wilkins back it all up.  This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us!

One of our favorite Women's World Tour pros, and a true Canadian national treasure is back in the studio and ready to talk the Olympics, a full road and track season, and push-ups. So join Maggie Coles Lyster and Jordan Cheyne in this 100% pure maple syrup ride. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us!

Interview a classics PhD and another guest studying to get her PhD and you come up with intelligent titles with multi-tiers and meanings. The women of Work Hard Be Humble have risen, and turned what could have been the flaming wreck of a season into a meaningful quest and an opportunity to bond and grow. As a unit they have been born again, but born better.  This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We also have a special guest sponsor this week, ! The cramp busting, hydration boasting, delicious treat that has 20X more sodium and 8X more potassium than normal sports drinks. With a new design and shot bottles coming, they've got you covered. Find them on Amazon or, this is amazing, at Walmart!!!

The beauty of long-form journalism is that the person and the story evolve. You get to see and learn so much more because the time is dedicated, and we all end up better for it. The story of Chris Tolley is evolving and changing. The version that we interviewed in 2022 has given way to this more distinguished thought provoking one (that's not to say the 2022 version lacked anything in those categories). However, with more time we have more to work with, and we hope you enjoy the result. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We also have a special guest sponsor this week, Bob's Pickle Pops! The cramp busting, hydration boasting, delicious treat that has 20X more sodium and 8X more potassium than normal sports drinks. With a new design and shot bottles coming, they've got you covered. Find them on Amazon or, this is amazing, at Walmart!!!

Look up the road or at the front, that's where you'll find this week's guest Michael Garrison of NICH +SpeedClub. Singlehandly he animated, disrupted, and changed the outcome of races like Tulsa Tough this year. In a sport built around the best teams he has been a solo revelation and we are lucky enough to have him on the show. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us!  

5 years or 5 episodes, it's all about celebration and a learning curve. Jordan Cheyne and Rob Kelly sit down and talk about what they've respectively learned about podcasting and North American bike racing over their respective tenures hosting a podcast about it. And yes, Taylor Swift can fix all problems.

As a rider, Mike Creed raced on some of the most storied teams in North American cycling history, from US Postal to Slipstream to Optum Kelly Benefits. As a director, he guided the Smartstop team to one of the great underdog seasons in recent memory, featuring a win at Nationals. He now leads the charge at Aevolo Cycling, the premier US based development squad which will be part of the EF Education First organization starting next season. Mike has lived this sport for decades. Fortunately for us, he isn't afraid to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tune in for insight, entertainment and some takes you won't hear anywhere else.

When have we lived up to our potential? A lot of us never really get to answer that question; but rather must deal with the pitfalls life throws in our way. Some of us are lucky, or stubborn enough, to push on beyond those pitfalls and create opportunities for themselves when none present. That is the story of Joe Laverick of Ribble Rebellion. When opportunities did not present themselves at the close of his U23 career Joe set out to make his own, and found a willing partner in Ribble. Together they've built an impressive bike racing team that has come to the US and taken the fight to all the best that we have here, and returned victorious. 

At a time when many American racers are taking to Europe to race, Cecile has done the opposite. Trading in Mt Ventoux and baguettes for Mt Lemmon and burritos, Cecile is making the bike racing dream work in North America from crits, to UCI podiums to gravel wins. Whether it is for the adventure, the laughs or the complimentary French lesson-you don't want to miss this one. 

New host, who dis?  Can our Criterium Nation survive a new host? And a Canadian one at that? We are about to find out as retired pro Jordan Cheyne takes the front. But what better guest than the lead out woman herself, Kimberly Lucie of DNA Pro Cycling. Kim is one of the few bike racers in the peloton who can actually say they are really, genuinely, 100% a Tucson, Arizona native. 

We are now at the end of the beginning and poised for a new phase of the domestic racing scene. That means it is a perfect time for us to check in on what has happened, identify some solid trends and talk about all the takeaways that we can from the first part of 2024.

On April 15 the National Cycling League shuttered its doors for 2024, and announced that it will focus on 2025. That has left riders and teams in limbo, and a lot of confusion as to what is happening. We are joined by journalist Logan Jones-Wilkins to help provide context and build a historical picture for what has led up to this point. 

Job, wife, child, pro bike racer. That's a full day and for Matt Zimmer that's his reality. He's come a long way since being the high schooler in Iowa who just raced bikes, and he is here to share that journey with us along with tidbits about racing in Europe and how we can make racing here more inviting.

Your reputation is who you are before you actually arrive. It's the version of yourself that stays behind long after you have left. It opens doors and definitely gets some doors closed very hard. In bike racing your reputation is just as important as the results that you put on your race resume. This episode we talk with retired pro and current stand up comedy star Jordan Cheyne about reputation.

There are a lot of firsts that are set to happen this year, one thing that we are very proud of is our effort to be the first to bring data into American bike racing. It's all in an effort to do what has not been done before which is to set basic standards within our community. By building a medal count and collecting data on who is winning the biggest events in the country we are poised to help the fans follow the sport closer and at a higher level of education than previous. So let's get this party started with Allan and me, sitting on a couch.

It's amazing to watch people grow and excel. This podcast has been fortunate enough to have had a myriad of incredible guests who have achieved tremendous levels of success. Now, for the first time, we have a World Tour Pro on the show in Maggie Coles-Lyster of Isreal Premier Tech Roland. One of our favorite alums is back to tell us about her adventures in Europe and the somewhat rocky road she had to take this year. However, it's not all rough because it ended with her solidly and comfortably going pedal-for-pedal with the best sprinters in the world.

We are fortunate to occupy this stage for only a brief period of time. What happens after we leave? How do we maintain the progress we've made and ensure that others can stand on our shoulders? It's a question that we must grapple with in criterium racing. We've made a ton of progress over the past couple years but when our current leaders have moved on who comes next is unclear because it is our obligation to train our replacements. Gabe Lloyd and Daniel Holloway from The Call Up just us for a discussion on this very topic. 

"To thine ownself be true"-- Billy Shakespeare, Hamlet.  Will Gleason of CS Velo and I went for a long bike ride among the crisp leaves of autumn in western Connecticut. We didn't do much leaf peeping but we did a whole lot of talking, reminiscing, theorizing, a touch of gossiping. Then we had a lobster roll, ice cream, and a beer before sitting down and pressing record on the microphone. This episode is what happened next.

A lot has happened since our last recap episode following Intelli. Good thing we've got fellow Wide Angle Podium contributor Bill Schieken to help us delve through the details of Littleton, the NCL, Momentum Indy, Gateway Cup and Bucks County. Yep, it's a lot.

Things may sound just a bit different because we are 100% live from Gateway Cup with Will Hardin from Project Echelon and Melanie Wong from ButcherBox. Our good friends from Urban Chestnut brewery in the heart of the Grove were gratious hosts and the environment was perfectly cozy. So join the audience, grab your favorite Zwickel, Schnickelfritz, or Dorfbier and get ready for some good times. 

Race promotion is a learned trade. There is a guide, but the real lessons are learned through trial and error, and with a lot of help and experience. Without good events our community is nothing but solo training and group rides. A great event can make someone's year and can become a focal point of a summer. In today's episode we talk with Graham Costa on how he and his team have brought together local interests and created a legitimate community event and bike race. We are brought to you this week by -- say goodbye to the generic face wash on your counter because is here to save the day when it comes to your skin. We are rough on our skin as bike racers and Caldera Lab and its line up of products is here to help repair the damage we do by loving the sport we do. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for 20% off your order.

We go north of the border for this week's episode to meet with the captain of the new squad UNC Lotto Max-- Logan O'Krafka. Despite their youth and newness to the scene, they really stamped their authority on Intelligentsia Cup. Logan gives us the scoop on the team and its mission, and also how one of the premier criterium series played out over 10 days of intense racing. We are brought to you this week by -- say goodbye to the generic face wash on your counter because is here to save the day when it comes to your skin. We are rough on our skin as bike racers and Caldera Lab and its line up of products is here to help repair the damage we do by loving the sport we do. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for 20% off your order.  

Nationals, ACC, Boise, NCL, Salt Lake City, UCI Transgender Ban, and so much more. We cover a lot of ground in this episode. We are brought to you this week by -- say goodbye to the generic face wash on your counter because is here to save the day when it comes to your skin. We are rough on our skin as bike racers and Caldera Lab and its line up of products is here to help repair the damage we do by loving the sport we do. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for 20% off your order.

At its core the popular image of cycling in the United States is stage racing. Fortunate for us, every major American stage race comes complete with its own demanding and technical criterium. Meaning, when we talk stage racing we remain very much on brand. That being said, stage racing, as a whole, is still a fundamentally critical part of road racing. Now that we are beyond the pandemic, stage racing is seeing a resurgence in popularity. It is time for the media to get back behind it, and in today's show we discuss why we love it and what it'll take to push stage racing even further forward. We are brought to you this week by -- say goodbye to the generic face wash on your counter because is here to save the day when it comes to your skin. We are rough on our skin as bike racers and Caldera Lab and its line up of products is here to help repair the damage we do by loving the sport we do. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for 20% off your order.

We are going back to the original format-- bringing you a story about a rider you may not know much about, yet. For this story we go all the way down to the mountains of northern Mexico and the city of Monterey. It's there we meet the 22-year old Katia Martinez who races for Goldman Sachs ETFs. Now in her second year of criterium racing in the US, she's had a growing impact but still is trying to find her legs in the argie-bargie final laps. So come along and meet Katia.

It's the longest day of the year and time for the biggest party of the American cycling season, that's right it's time for Tulsa Tough. We are joined by Adam Mills of Source Endurance once again to break down all the action, startegy, and meaning.

Do what you need to, to stay in the sport as long as it brings you happiness. That may not mean the same thing for you as it does everyone else. What motivates different people is not a single universal truth. Rick Arnopol joins us to talk about the importance of letting people be themselves and to take joy from this sport in the ways that each individual sees fit.  We are brought to you this week by -- say goodbye to the generic face wash on your counter because is here to save the day when it comes to your skin. We are rough on our skin as bike racers and Caldera Lab and its line up of products is here to help repair the damage we do by loving the sport we do. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for 20% off your order.

This episode was first aired on March 3, 2020, but when it comes to the central place that photography plays in criterium racing we believed that it was time to share it again. Photography remains the primary means by which the story of criterium racing is told. The photographers we have worked with over the past 3 years have helped us grow this show and tell these stories. Without them this sport would not be as inspiring or newsworthy. Bruce Buckley helped us launch this effort and we want to make sure everyone gets to hear what he has to say. We are brought to you this week by -- say goodbye to the generic face wash on your counter because is here to save the day when it comes to your skin. We are rough on our skin as bike racers and Caldera Lab and its line up of products is here to help repair the damage we do by loving the sport we do. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for 20% off your order.

Every year we put together groups of men and women from all over the country, and with potentially little connection to each other, on teams and expect them to go out and race together with a unified purpose and vision. How that is actually accomplished can be a mystery but when done right it is a thing of beauty. After years of being on a team with a consistent roster and a singular goal, Brandon Feehery has shifted to a new squad this offseason. Now he, and his teammates need to work some magic, and turn a disparate group of riders into a squad. We are brought to you this week by -- say goodbye to the generic face wash on your counter because Caldera Lab is here to save the day when it comes to your skin. We are rough on our skin as bike racers and Caldera Lab and its line up of products is here to help repair the damage we do by loving the sport we do. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for 20% off your order.

There are a lot of things Project Echelon does very well that they are not supposed to be good at doing. They weren't supposed to be an elite team. They weren't supposed to win big races. They weren't supposed to win stage races. And, lately they weren't supposed to win a field sprint. Sorry to disappoint but these are all things they are doing...frequently. It seems Project Echelon is really just good at proving their critics wrong. This week we have Cade Bickmore, the sprinter, on to talk about doing what his team is not supposed to do...win by using his talents and his team's total committment. We are brought to you this week by Caldera Lab-- say goodbye to the generic face wash on your counter because Caldera Lab is here to save the day when it comes to your skin. We are rough on our skin as bike racers and Caldera Lab and its line up of products is here to help repair the damage we do by loving the sport we do. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for 20% off your order.

Kim Stoveld of Automatic Racing is new to road racing but she's already made an impact with her power and results. As her experience and skill continues to improve so will her spot on the podium. She's received a ton of advice from some very well meaning individuals; but sometimes that advice could be better timed and directed. In our effort to figure out how to encourage people into the sport and keep them in it, we look to the way we mentor inexperienced riders, and how that effort can be done better. Kim is our guide.  

We've been gone for a little while, sorry. While we've been out a lot has happened and we need to talk about it with you. The NCL had its first race. The ACC is starting going. And CRIT was announced with zero details. On top of that race tactics, good and bad, were on full display at Spartanburg. Bill Schieken from Cyclocross Radio joins me to talk about what's been going on and what it means for criterium racing. 

How do we talk about ourselves to others? How do we brand the sport? And what is the messaging that we choose to use? These are all critical questions and ones that we should look at as criterium racing angles to grow and attract fans and participants. So let's get some help and to do that we can turn to our friends in gravel racing to see how they have encouraged people to do insanely challenging races and have fun at the same time. We are joined this week by Michael Marckx, one of the creators of the Belgian Waffle Ride series of races. He and his team are looking at expanding into criterium racing and bringing the skils they have developed from unroad racing into this market. We should listen and learn because they are doing something right. We are brought to you by Source Endurance. Use the promo code "criteriumnation" for $50 off your first month of coaching.