QueenStage Women's Cycling Podcast

PODCAST · sports

QueenStage Women's Cycling Podcast

The QueenStage Women's Cycling Podcast is here to deliver smart, sharp, personality-driven insights to the sport's biggest races, starting with daily coverage of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Our hosts—all longtime cycling journalists and women's cycling advocates—are ready to bring you along for the ride.

  1. 19

    Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026 and Canyon//SRAM's Beth Duryea on Rivalry in Women's Cycling

    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.

  2. 18

    Live at Sea Otter: Life Time Grand Prix with Michelle Duffy + Marley Blonsky's Big Year

    Recorded live at Laguna Seca, the Queen Stage Podcast sits down with Michelle Duffy (VP of Marketing for Life Time) and Marley Blonsky (All Bodies on Bikes co-founder) to discuss the evolution of women's gravel and the power of inclusive community.The Sea Otter Women’s Race: GP Year Five The Grand Prix season kicked off with Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Lauren Stephens breaking away on the final climb at Barloy Canyon. Sofia took the win in a sprint, with Karolina Mignon rounding out the podium.Michelle notes that the field's depth is shifting significantly, with stars like Kate Courtney, Jennifer Jackson, and Tiffany Cromwell entering the mix. Notably, three German riders cracked the top 18, including Rosa Klöser, who arrived fresh off a solo attack at Paris-Roubaix Femmes.Addressing the "Villain" Narrative The episode pushes back against the "villain" label recently attached to Sofia Gomez Villafañe. The hosts argue that Sofia is simply a professional performing at the highest level—a standard rarely criticized in male counterparts like Keegan Swenson. Her dominance creates a "benchmark" that makes the chase more meaningful for the rest of the field.Evolution of the Life Time Grand Prix Michelle breaks down structural changes aimed at professionalizing the series:Expanded Purses: Five-deep prize money at every individual event.Finisher Compensation: A new $2,500 payment for professional athletes who complete the season but finish outside the top ten.Community Focus: Keeping events rooted in local culture (Emporia, Leadville, Monterey) to maintain a unique identity.Growth and Inclusion Women’s participation at Unbound has surged by 44%, largely driven by 25- and 50-mile distances. Michelle identifies two major needs for the sport's future: increased financial investment in the women’s side and a crackdown on toxic commentary in live broadcast chats.Marley Blonsky’s Big Spring Molly talks with Marley Blonsky about her new children’s book, Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club. The book tells a story—mirrored by Marley’s own life—of a rider told she is "too slow" who eventually finds her own crew and builds something better.All Bodies on Bikes & Industry Inclusion The All Bodies on Bikes nonprofit now supports 14 chapters and a new documentary, We Are Cyclists (available on YouTube). Marley doesn't pull punches regarding the industry’s lack of size inclusion, noting that many brands still cap at XL and blame supply chains—a claim she debunks via her partnership with Shredly, which offers a full range of technical apparel.Quick Hits E-bikes: A defense of e-bikes for accessibility, despite the separate debate regarding podiums.32-inch wheels: Marley (5'1") confirmed they are surprisingly accessible for shorter riders.Cyclocross: The joy of competing and "catting up" even when finishing at the back of the pack.Resources & Links:Advocacy: allbodiesonbikes.comDocumentary: We Are Cyclists on YouTubeBook: ragtagbestfriendsbicycleclub.comApparel: shredly.comSocials: @marleyblonsky | @queenstage.ccSponsor: Ruckus Composites (Carbon fiber repair)

  3. 17

    Koch Shocks the Velodrome: Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026 Recap + Tire Tech with Silca's Josh Poertner

    Queen Stage Podcast | Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026 Race Recap and Tech Deep DiveFranziska Koch wins Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026 in a photo-finish sprint that nobody saw coming. We watched it live, stress-texted each other through the whole thing, and still weren't ready for that ending. Rosael, Molly, and Rook break down every kilometer of the Hell of the North, then sit down with Silca CEO Josh Poertner to talk tire pressure, flat tires, and what gravel tech is doing to the Spring Classics.What Happened at Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026Franziska Koch of FDJ United-SUEZ won in one of the most dramatic finishes the race has seen, edging out Marianne Vos and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot in a three-up sprint at the Roubaix velodrome. We've been calling Koch since last summer; she did an enormous amount of work, launched her sprint early, and held on for the win in her fourth career pro victory.Vos had every tactical advantage, including a leadout from defending champion Ferrand-Prévot, but couldn't close the gap. We discuss what went right for Koch, what went wrong for Visma-Lease a Bike, and how this result shifts the power balance in the peloton. We also touch on Marianne Vos racing weeks after losing her father—an emotional performance that had the whole sport rooting for her.Paris-Roubaix Femmes Broadcast ControversyBefore the sprint, Rosa Klöser (Canyon-SRAM ZondaCrypto) went solo for over 100km—racing that essentially nobody got to watch. ASO broadcast only 90 minutes of the women's race, meaning fans missed nine entire cobbled sectors, while the junior men received full coverage. We break down who made that decision, why blaming Peacock or FloBikes misses the point, and the impact of Zwift's departure as title sponsor.Race Highlights and Key MomentsLucinda Brand's crash caused by a fan raises ongoing safety questions regarding spectator access.Lotte Kopecky and Megan Jastrab led a hard chase group that never quite made contact.Arlenis Sierra (Movistar) finished ninth; Elisa Balsamo flatted early as Lidl-Trek faced another difficult day.Silca Tech Segment: Tire Pressure, Flat Tires, and the ClassicsSilca CEO Josh Poertner joins us to explain the high volume of flats in 2026. We talk about the balance between rim protection and casing cuts, what happens when inserts fail, and why teams are now gluing tubeless tires directly to their rims. We also explore how gravel tech is influencing the Spring Classics and why wider tires are the inevitable future of road racing.Also DiscussedIs FDJ United-SUEZ the new SD Worx-Protime?What's going wrong for Lidl-Trek this spring?Fan access: Beloved tradition or growing safety risk?Queen Stage is heading to Sea Otter Classic next week!Keywords: Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026, Franziska Koch, Marianne Vos, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, women's cycling, Paris-Roubaix results, FDJ United-SUEZ, Visma-Lease a Bike, Silca, Josh Poertner, tire pressure, Spring Classics 2026, Rosa Klöser, Canyon-SRAM, Lotte Kopecky, ASO broadcast controversy.Links and ResourcesSilcaQuestions & Hot Takes: [email protected]: @queenstage.ccThis episode is sponsored by Silca, precision performance tools that serious riders trust.

  4. 16

    "Demi's Day": The Tour of Flanders 2026 Breakdown

    Demi Vollering rode into Oudenaarde alone, and honestly? We kind of called it. Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford, and Shawn Small break down a thrilling, crash-marred edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, covering Vollering's dominant solo attack and the gravel tech taking over the peloton.This episode is brought to you by SRAM.Support the ShowThe best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review. Have a race or tech question? Email [email protected] or find us on Instagram @queenstage.cc.In This EpisodeRonde History: The race’s evolution into a 2026 Monument with equal prize money.Race Recap:The Breakaway: Why the peloton let the early move go.The Crash: The pile-up before the Koppenberg that took out Reusser and Le Court-Pienaar.The Attack: Franziska Koch’s lead-out for Vollering’s winning move at 18km.The Podium: Ferrand-Prévot 2nd, Pieterse 3rd, and Kopecky 4th.Absences: Marianne Vos’s late withdrawal and Anna van der Breggen’s DNS.On Sensationalism: A discussion on the ethics of replaying crash footage on loop.Tech Segment: Why teams like Visma and Uno-X are using the SRAM RED XPLR gravel groupset for 1x reliability on the bergs.Gravel-to-Road Pipeline: How gravel racing is becoming the premier talent factory for the pro peloton.Advocacy: The new Life Time Grand Prix pregnancy policy sparked by Sophia Storm.Congratulations: Queen Stage’s own Anne-Marije Rook has welcomed a new baby!Roubaix Preview: Tire talk and wildcard picks (Zoe Backstedt).Sponsors and PartnersSRAM: Supporting women's cycling from the pro peloton to gravel privateers. Their components are built for the toughest cobbles.Ruckus Composites: Experts in carbon fiber repair and engineering. Ruckus keeps high-performance gear on the road and out of landfills.Next Episode: Paris-Roubaix Femmes recap, Sunday, April 12th.

  5. 15

    “12 Watts and a Somersault”: The Milano-Sanremo 2026 Breakdown

    In this episode: A coastal battle from Genoa to Sanremo, the chaos of the Cipressa, and why your chain lube might be the difference between a podium and the bus.The 2026 Spring Classics continue with one of the most prestigious—and longest—days on the calendar. Rosael Torres-Davis is joined by Molly Hurford and Anne-Marije Rook to break down a thrilling edition of Milano-Sanremo Donne. The team analyzes how the race was won (and lost) on the iconic climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio, including the tactical masterclass by SD Worx-Protime and the heart-stopping moments that thinned out the peloton.We also dive into a high-stakes “Smooth is Fast” Pop Quiz sponsored by SILCA, testing Rook and Molly’s knowledge on drivetrain efficiency and why "dry lube" is a scam you should avoid at all costs.Support the Show:The best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review. Have a tech question or a hot take on the race? Email us at [email protected] or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc.Milano-Sanremo Donne RecapCipressa Chaos: Analyzing the crash that took out Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and the terrifying somersaults over the barriers.The Poggio Selection: How Puck Pieterse exploded the race and who had the legs to follow.The Via Roma Sprint: Lotte Kopecky’s clinical patience vs. Noemi Rüegg’s grit.SD Worx Dominance: Lorena Wiebes celebrating a 6th place finish like a win—the power of team culture.Tech Talk Pop Quiz: Powered by SILCAWax vs. Oil: Why solid lubricants are the secret to keeping a clean bike and a fast drivetrain.The Wattage Penalty: How a dirty chain can cost you 12+ watts when it matters most.Tie-Breaker (The "Sanremo" Special): Learn what kind of lube is best for wet conditionsSILCASupporting our tech segments and pop quizzes this season. From Secret Chain Blend Hot Melt Wax to the Super Secret Drip Lube, SILCA is dedicated to making every watt count through world-class engineering and a deep commitment to the growth of women’s cycling. Check them out at Silca.cc.Ruckus CompositesThe home of Queen Stage. Experts in carbon fiber repair, inspection, and engineering. Ruckus keeps high-performance gear on the road and out of the landfill by bringing damaged frames back to life with science-backed carbon repair.In This EpisodeSponsors & Partners

  6. 14

    Omloop Het Nieuwsblad & Strade Bianche Donne 2026 Recap

    In this episode: Strade Bianche Donne, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and why Lael Wilcox might shave her head in the name of aerodynamics.The 2026 women’s road season is officially underway, and Queen Stage is back.In this episode, Rosael Torres-Davis is joined by Molly Hurford and Anne-Marije Rook to break down the opening races of the Spring Classics season. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the drama, tactics, and standout performances at Strade Bianche Donne, before turning to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, where Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney delivered the first major duel of the year.The team also launches a new recurring tech segment supported by SILCA, kicking things off with ultra-endurance racer Lael Wilcox’s wind-tunnel testing ahead of her upcoming around-the-world record attempt in June.The best way to support the show is to subscribe wherever you listen and leave us a rating or review. If you have a tech or mechanic question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode, send us an email at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram or Threads @queenstage.cc.

  7. 13

    Queenstage is coming in hot (from the cold) for 2026!

    Welcome to the literal cold open from Rosael Torres-Davis and Molly Hurford, our snowbound reporters. We’re chatting about what’s coming up in 2026: team shifts, predictions and clashes we can’t wait to see, the races this show is covering, and some hints about the sponsors and special episodes that are in store. Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode! We’re back to race coverage on Saturday March 7 with a Omloop het Neiuwsblaad Women and Strade Bianche recap and analysis.

  8. 12

    Lael Wilcox Is Definitely Here to Make Friends and Set Records

    Today’s bonus holiday episode features bike adventure legend Lael Wilcox. Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch interview the Guinness World Record Holder about her first around the world attempt, what she’ll do differently in her second attempt, and how she stays motivated on such long journeys. And of course, make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss us when we return!

  9. 11

    Worlds Recap: A Brutal Kigali Course, a Surprise Champion, and Africa’s Rising Tide (with Kimberly Coats)

    We break down a wild Women’s Elite Road Race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali. On a 15 km circuit climbed 11 times with cobbles and altitude, the race turned into pure attrition—and delivered a podium few predicted: Magdeleine Vallieres (CAN) took the rainbow jersey, with Niamh Fisher-Black (NZL) second and Mavi García (ESP) third. Joining us is Kimberly Coats, CEO of Team Africa Rising, to talk course demands, why altitude prep mattered, and what Rwanda’s first-ever African Worlds means for women’s cycling across the continent.What we coverThe course: at elevation like Denver or Andorra, with two brutal climbs, long cobbles, no radios = chaosHow the winning move formed and why the favorites stalledHistoric junior results from Ethiopia and why development pathways matterTravel, logistics, and safety in Rwanda—myths vs. realitiesAltitude camps, iron levels, and why “sleep high” isn’t a magic bulletAfrica’s momentum: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Benin, and the need for more racesLooking ahead to Montreal 2026 and LA 2028Guest Kimberly Coats — CEO, Team Africa Rising (working in African cycling development since 2009)Chapters (approx.) 00:00 Cold open & intro 01:00 Guest intro: Kimberly Coats 05:05 Race recap & podium 10:30 Why the break stuck / favorites hesitated 13:30 Altitude, cobbles, and equipment notes 17:30 Development realities for African riders 23:30 Rwanda hosting: costs, safety, and impact 29:30 Maryland Cycling Classic takeaways 34:15 Who’s next in African cycling 37:00 What we want from future Worlds courses 40:20 Access to bikes & infrastructure 43:30 Final thoughts & what’s next

  10. 10

    QueenStage Ep. 15 — Worlds Recap: A Brutal Kigali Course, a Surprise Champion, and Africa’s Rising Tide (with Kimberly Coats)

    We break down a wild Women’s Elite Road Race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali. On a 15 km circuit climbed 11 times with cobbles and altitude, the race turned into pure attrition—and delivered a podium few predicted: Magdeleine Vallieres (CAN) took the rainbow jersey, with Niamh Fisher-Black (NZL) second and Mavi García (ESP) third. Joining us is Kimberly Coats, CEO of Team Africa Rising, to talk course demands, why altitude prep mattered, and what Rwanda’s first-ever African Worlds means for women’s cycling across the continent.What we coverThe course: at elevation like Denver or Andorra, with two brutal climbs, long cobbles, no radios = chaosHow the winning move formed and why the favorites stalledHistoric junior results from Ethiopia and why development pathways matterTravel, logistics, and safety in Rwanda—myths vs. realitiesAltitude camps, iron levels, and why “sleep high” isn’t a magic bulletAfrica’s momentum: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Benin, and the need for more racesLooking ahead to Montreal 2026 and LA 2028Guest Kimberly Coats — CEO, Team Africa Rising (working in African cycling development since 2009)Chapters (approx.)00:00 Cold open & intro01:00 Guest intro: Kimberly Coats05:05 Race recap & podium10:30 Why the break stuck / favorites hesitated13:30 Altitude, cobbles, and equipment notes17:30 Development realities for African riders23:30 Rwanda hosting: costs, safety, and impact29:30 Maryland Cycling Classic takeaways34:15 Who’s next in African cycling37:00 What we want from future Worlds courses40:20 Access to bikes & infrastructure43:30 Final thoughts & what’s next

  11. 9

    Maryland Cycling Classic Recap

    Join us as we dive into the thrilling MCC25 Women's Race Recap, where the inaugural women's race at the Maryland Cycling Classic unfolded with breathtaking intensity. From the 28-corner circuit that tested the riders' skills to the picturesque backdrop of Baltimore, this episode captures the essence of a race that was both challenging and exhilarating. Discover how the cobblestones, steep climbs, and aggressive tactics shaped the competition, and hear firsthand accounts of standout performances and unexpected turns. Tune in to experience the highs and lows of a race that promises to leave a lasting impact on the cycling world.

  12. 8

    Breaking New Ground: The Maryland Cycling Classic's Women's Debut

    Join us on the Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast as we dive into the Maryland Cycling Classic, the biggest one-day race in the United States, now making history with its debut women's edition. Our special guest, Joanne Kiesanowski, a former professional cyclist and three-time Olympian, shares her insights as the Women's Competition Manager. Discover the challenges and excitement of this unique city circuit in Baltimore, featuring cobblestones, technical turns, and a diverse international peloton. Don't miss this episode packed with expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of women's cycling.

  13. 7

    The Recap Episode: What This Year’s Tour de France Femmes Taught Us

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast recapped the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, highlighting the excitement and challenges of the nine-day race. We cover everything from the controversy over prize money disparities, and the impact of media scrutiny on riders' weight and body image, and our highlights from the 9 days of racing. This wraps up Season 1 of the QueenStage and we want to hear from you about where we should go from here. Let us know over on Instagram (@queenstage.cc) or by emailing us a note at [email protected]. (We’re also actively seeking sponsors for the show!)And of course, make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss us when we return!

  14. 6

    She’s an Icon, She’s a Legend, She’s the Winner of the Tour de France Femmes

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discusses Stage 9 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch talking about the one and only Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (PFP) winning her second stage and securing the overall victory in the race. PFP's dominant performance, including a final attack with 6.5 km to go, highlighted her tactical brilliance and ability to handle pressure. The GC standings saw significant changes, with PFP leading by 3 minutes and 42 seconds over Demi Vollering.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  15. 5

    The QueenStage of the QueenStage: PFP for President on Stage 8!

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 8 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch highlighting Pauline Ferrand Prevot’s incredible win on the Col de la Madeleine. With one stage to go and PFP with an almost 3-minute lead in the GC, can anyone stop her?Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  16. 4

    A Shocking Win for Squiban on Stage 7 and We Love It

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 6 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch. The Queen Stage of the Tour de France Femmes with UAE Team ADQ's Maeva Squiban winning back-to-back stages. Kim Lecourt maintained her yellow jersey after a screaming fast descent—descents were key in today’s stage.The GC standings remain tight, with no significant changes, but tomorrow's stage, a summit finish at Col de la Madeleine, is expected to be change all of that.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  17. 3

    Into the Mountains on Stage 6 of the Tour de France Femmes

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 6 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and special guest Shawn Small. The stage included 124 kilometers and 2,400 meters of climbing, with key moments including a breakaway by Elise Chabbey, Brody Chapman, and Silke Smulders, and a late attack by Maeva Squiban The GC battle intensified, with Kim Lecourt maintaining her GC lead. The conversation also touched on team tactics, the importance of descending skills, and the unique challenges of racing in the mountains—plus plenty of team tech with Ruckus Composites’ Shawn.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  18. 2

    The One Where the GC Battle Heats Up in Stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch highlighting a hilly course and significant abandonments early on, including Kristen Faulkner and Elisa Balsamo. The stage saw a breakaway with riders like Allison Jackson and Brody Chapman, and a sprint finish with Kim Le Court winning. The GC standings shifted, with Kim Le Court in yellow, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot in second, and Demi Vollering in third. The next stage promises challenging climbs and potential breakaways—get ready for the mountains.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  19. 1

    Ep 5: Groundhog Day on Stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch highlighting the breakaway by Francisca Cox and Ana Victoria Magalis, and the consistent sprint performance of Lorena Wiebes, who won again. The stage covered 131 kilometers with one climb and an intermediate sprint. The peloton was led by SD Works in closing the gap. The GC standings saw Marianne Vos maintain the yellow jersey, with Lorena Wiebes in second. The panel also discussed the impact of crosswinds and the potential for GC action in the upcoming Stage 5, a 166-kilometer stage with significant climbing.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  20. 0

    Ep 4: Chaos at the Finish on Stage 3: Who’s Left?

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch. Today we’re highlighting a significant crash 3.5 km from the finish line that affected top contenders like Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini. The 100-mile long flat stage saw a breakaway of four leading until 6 km to go. Eventually, Lorena Wiebes won the sprint, with Marianne Vos in second. The 5 km rule ensured no time penalties for crashes. Key rider updates included Elisa Longo Borghini's abandonment and Kim LeCourt's loss of the yellow jersey to Marianne Vos.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  21. -1

    Ep 3: Mavi Garcia’s Astounding Solo Performance in Stage 2 of the TDFFaZ

    The Queen Stage Women's Cycling Podcast discussed Stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford and Betsy Welch highlighting 41-year-old Mavi Garcia's historic win as the oldest stage winner in the Tour's history. Garcia's aggressive climbing skills and resilience were praised, with her team celebrating her victory and all of us in tears. The stage featured a hilly 110 km route with notable performances from Elise Chabbey and Kasia Niewiadoma. The GC standings saw Kim LeCourt move in the yellow jersey, with Marianne Vos in second. The conversation also touched on team strategies, jersey dynamics, and the impact of mercury in retrograde on riders' performance.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc, @queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  22. -2

    Ep 2: Fireworks from Visma-Lease-a-Bike on Stage 1

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has started and we’re breaking down stage 1, focusing on the tactics and performance of key riders. Molly Hurford, Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, and Betsy Welch analyzed the finish line strategy, where teammates Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (PFP) and Marianne Vos dominated, with Vos ultimately winning. They discuss the implications of PFP's strong performance and the impact of crashes involving Marlon Reusser and Leona Lippert on Team Movistar. The conversation also highlights the importance of team dynamics, the role of smaller teams, and a breakdown of the various jerseys and competitions up for grabs within the race.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

  23. -3

    Episode 1 of the QueenStageCC podcast

    Ep 1: Welcome to The QueenStage Women’s Cycling PodcastThe QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast is live! Join Molly Hurford, Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, and Betsy Welch as they discuss the upcoming 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The race starts July 26 and runs through August 3, with no rest days. The team recaps the 2024 race, highlighting key stages and riders like Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. They predict the 2025 race will be competitive, with stages designed to test riders' abilities. The team also discusses the importance of team tactics and the potential for upsets, and share their hot takes for the General Classification and who will be taking stage wins this year.Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc, @queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

The QueenStage Women's Cycling Podcast is here to deliver smart, sharp, personality-driven insights to the sport's biggest races, starting with daily coverage of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Our hosts—all longtime cycling journalists and women's cycling advocates—are ready to bring you along for the ride.

HOSTED BY

Ruckus Composites

CATEGORIES

URL copied to clipboard!