The Slowtwitch Podcast

Slowtwitch Media, LLC

The Slowtwitch Podcast features conversations about triathlon and endurance sports. Whether joined by guests or flying solo, these wide-ranging talks are not to be missed. Episodes release weekly on Thursdays and are available on your favorite streaming services.

  1. Building a Bike Empire: The Wheelworks Story

    JAN 23

    Building a Bike Empire: The Wheelworks Story

    In this episode of the Slowtwitch podcast, hosts Kevin Mackinnon and Ben Snyder McGrath chat with Ash Coppinger and Rob Cummins, owners of Wheelworks, a prominent bike shop in Dublin. The conversation covers their experiences at the Marbella 70.3, their journey into triathlon, the evolution and growth of their business, and their insights on increasing participation in triathlon, especially among women. They also discuss their upcoming race plans and the importance of marketing through personal participation in the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds 02:54 Experiences at the 70.3 Worlds in Marbella 06:13 Journey into Triathlon: Rob’s Transformation 08:57 Ash’s Trail Running Career and Philosophy 11:54 How Rob and Ash Met Through Running 15:11 Ironman Experiences: Challenges and Lessons Learned 18:02 The Growth of Wheelworks and Business Insights 28:15 Stocking Up for Success 31:06 The Grand Opening 32:34 Rapid Growth and Learning 35:28 Navigating the COVID Boom 38:33 Expanding the Business 39:02 Marketing Through Passion 47:17 Triathlon Trends and Participation 51:29 Challenges in Triathlon Participation 52:06 Comparing Running and Triathlon 54:21 Future Race Plans 00:00 Introduction to Multi-Sport Events 02:46 The Journey into Event Organization 05:21 Exploring the Sea to Summit Race 08:11 The Challenge of Adventure Racing 10:57 Qualifying for the Sea to Summit 13:26 Community and Camaraderie in Racing 16:31 The Evolution of Gut Check Events 19:08 Creating Unique Racing Experiences 23:55 Triathlon Events on Cape Cod 27:47 The Unique Swim Run Experience 31:21 Swim Run Cape Cod and Global Series 34:29 The Community Aspect of Swim Run 37:42 Building a Thriving Endurance Community 40:42 Attracting Younger Athletes 43:38 Future Plans for New Events

    1 hr
  2. The Unlikely Pro: Matthew Marquardt's Journey

    JAN 15

    The Unlikely Pro: Matthew Marquardt's Journey

    In this episode of the Slowtwitch podcast, professional triathlete and medical student Matthew Marquardt shares his unique journey from swimming to triathlon, balancing rigorous medical training with the demands of being a pro athlete. He discusses his training regimen, nutrition strategies, and the challenges he faces, including cramping issues during races. Matthew also highlights his commitment to charity work, particularly in cancer research, and reflects on the evolving dynamics of triathlon, including the impact of drafting rules on race strategy. With a focus on continuous improvement and a passion for both medicine and athletics, Matthew offers insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle while pursuing excellence in sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matthew Marquardt 02:02 Journey into Triathlon 10:06 Balancing Medical School and Professional Sports 16:00 Training Regimen and Time Management 22:01 Nutrition and Diet for Endurance 30:05 Charity Work and Community Engagement 36:28 Experiencing Healthcare Across Borders 37:44 The Balance of Health and Performance in Ironman 42:08 Drafting Rules and Their Impact on Racing 46:30 The Future of Ironman: Community and Competition 55:14 Testing and Feedback on Drafting Simulations 01:04:21 The Long-Term Vision for Triathlon and Personal Growth 00:00 Introduction to Multi-Sport Events 02:46 The Journey into Event Organization 05:21 Exploring the Sea to Summit Race 08:11 The Challenge of Adventure Racing 10:57 Qualifying for the Sea to Summit 13:26 Community and Camaraderie in Racing 16:31 The Evolution of Gut Check Events 19:08 Creating Unique Racing Experiences 23:55 Triathlon Events on Cape Cod 27:47 The Unique Swim Run Experience 31:21 Swim Run Cape Cod and Global Series 34:29 The Community Aspect of Swim Run 37:42 Building a Thriving Endurance Community 40:42 Attracting Younger Athletes 43:38 Future Plans for New Events

    1h 10m
  3. Our 2025 Recap of the Top Moments. Going into 2026

    JAN 9

    Our 2025 Recap of the Top Moments. Going into 2026

    Summary In this episode of the SlowTwitch podcast, hosts Kevin Mackinnon, Eric Wynn, and Ben Snyder McGrath reflect on the past year in triathlon, discussing the financial landscape of the sport, the impact of the PTO on prize money, and their picks for the Triathletes of the Year. They explore the differences between short course and long course athletes, the growth of endurance sports, and the importance of fostering a welcoming community for newcomers. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the future of the sport and resolutions for the upcoming year. Goodlife Nutrition Save 20% with code SLOWTWITCH 00:00 Welcome to 2026: Reflections on the Holidays 02:26 Prize Money in Triathlon: A Look Back at 2025 06:45 The Economics of Triathlon: Earnings and Contracts 10:38 Top Earners: Who Makes the Most in Triathlon? 15:09 The Impact of PTO on Prize Money 19:54 Triathletes of the Year: Short Course and Middle Distance 30:56 Long Course Athlete of the Year: Debates and Decisions 32:36 Debating Championship Titles and Performance 35:15 The Prestige of Ironman Pro Series 39:39 Balancing Pro Series and World Championships 40:35 The Need for Consistent Racing 43:32 The Future of Endurance Sports 51:52 Qualifying Systems and Event Prestige 56:43 Spoilers and Media Responsibility 01:01:39 Embracing New Athletes in Endurance Sports 00:00 Introduction to Multi-Sport Events 02:46 The Journey into Event Organization 05:21 Exploring the Sea to Summit Race 08:11 The Challenge of Adventure Racing 10:57 Qualifying for the Sea to Summit 13:26 Community and Camaraderie in Racing 16:31 The Evolution of Gut Check Events 19:08 Creating Unique Racing Experiences 23:55 Triathlon Events on Cape Cod 27:47 The Unique Swim Run Experience 31:21 Swim Run Cape Cod and Global Series 34:29 The Community Aspect of Swim Run 37:42 Building a Thriving Endurance Community 40:42 Attracting Younger Athletes 43:38 Future Plans for New Events

    1h 10m
  4. How Much Is “Legal Drafting” Worth? Inside IRONMAN’s 12,16, and 20m Study

    12/26/2025

    How Much Is “Legal Drafting” Worth? Inside IRONMAN’s 12,16, and 20m Study

    Alright—today’s episode is about the rule everyone argues about, even when the racing is clean: drafting. Due to the community’s consist outrage IRONMAN has started real-world testing to compare the legal benefit of riding at 12 meters versus, 16 and 20 meters, and they’re doing it with actual pros, at actual race speeds, on the road. The goal is simple to say and hard to do: measure what kind of power savings and CdA (the coefficient of drag (Cd)multiplied by the frontal area (A), representing total aerodynamic drag exist across different gaps, and figure out what that means for fairness, safety, and how races actually unfold when packs form, the wind shifts, and the road narrows. And to get into it, we’re joined by Jimmy Riccitello—head referee, rules lead, and IRONMAN’s Director of Rules and Special Projects. Jimmy breaks down how they’re using Race Ranger to control spacing, and how Marc Graveline is creating the testing. We revealed a real learning curve, and why their second round was redesigned to get cleaner data—pros with Race Ranger experience, a consistent “rabbit” up front, rotating order behind, and multiple runs at each distance. From there, we get into the real fight: why some pros want 20 meters, why others think it creates new problems, and why IRONMAN can’t treat this like a single-variable decision—because once pros and age-groupers mix on multi-loop courses, “simple” gets messy fast. This episode is brought to you by Canyon and the Canyon Speedmax. With multiple World titles. Canyon brings the speed with the highest grades of carbon and the finest components available. Get your Speedmax today at www.canyon.com 00:00 Introduction to Multi-Sport Events 02:46 The Journey into Event Organization 05:21 Exploring the Sea to Summit Race 08:11 The Challenge of Adventure Racing 10:57 Qualifying for the Sea to Summit 13:26 Community and Camaraderie in Racing 16:31 The Evolution of Gut Check Events 19:08 Creating Unique Racing Experiences 23:55 Triathlon Events on Cape Cod 27:47 The Unique Swim Run Experience 31:21 Swim Run Cape Cod and Global Series 34:29 The Community Aspect of Swim Run 37:42 Building a Thriving Endurance Community 40:42 Attracting Younger Athletes 43:38 Future Plans for New Events

    1h 12m
3.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The Slowtwitch Podcast features conversations about triathlon and endurance sports. Whether joined by guests or flying solo, these wide-ranging talks are not to be missed. Episodes release weekly on Thursdays and are available on your favorite streaming services.

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