The Press Room Cycling Podcast Jethro Nagle

In episode 107, I catch up with the loveable sprinter Jensen Plowright from Alpecin–Deceuninck. We catch up after a long time between drinks, and the result is very entertaining. We discuss the Giro and whether Caleb Ewan will get back to the top step this month, and Jensen explains the stresses of hectic sprint stages. We chat a bit about tech and the end-of-year China races, and I throw Jensen a couple of “would you rather” that I know will have you all in stitches. Enjoy.

Apologies for the mild language in this episode*

In episode 106, I catch up with Jai Hindley, the winner of the 2022 Giro d’Italia. He is also known as the Prince of Perth.

Jai and I catch up on what has been happening in his life this year, including his new contract extension with Bora-Hansgrohe. We discuss the major factors Jai considered during the negotiations and the importance of being able to race for his own results.

We discuss the rumours of Boxing Day Papas being under threat and hear the big man’s opinion on his favourite race of the year. We finish up with a few cracking stories, a random U23 World Time Trial jersey and Jai’s 2011 recount of asking for Dave McKenzie’s signature at the Tour de France.

In episode 105, I catch up with Giro stage winner, SBS commentator and my good mate Dave McKenzie to discuss some hot topics ahead of this year’s Giro d’Italia.

Macca and I discuss the “dominance vs. entertainment” theme referring to Pogacar’s likely sweep of the Giro GC and speculate about Sam Welsford’s surprising exclusion from the Bora Hansgrohe team. We preview some of the exciting teams and riders to keep an eye on, and finally, I squeeze the classic story from Macca’s epic solo giro stage win from the glory days.

In episode 104, I catch up with the man behind Mark Cavendish’s comeback to success, his coach, Vasilis Anastapolous, AKA “Vasi”.

In Cavendish’s own words, Vasilis was the catalyst for Mark Cavendish’s return to success when they were introduced to each other at the beginning of 2021. Vasi and I discuss his training philosophy and what it is like to work with the greatest sprinter of all time, including the challenges and successes they have achieved.

In episode 103, I chat with the smiling Colombian Esteban Chaves. Esteban shot to fame in 2014 as a likeable and endearing character while riding for Greenedge Cycling. He has podiumed the Giro d’italia and the Vuelta Espana, winning numerous grand tour stages and a monument at Il Lombardia. In this episode, Esteban and I discuss the traditional desserts of Colombia and learn more about the food culture of his country. Esteban details what it is like at his current team, EF-Education First - Easy Post, and how it compares to the previous Australian outfit. Finally, we chat about Esteban’s favourite races, tattoos, and the freezing week at the Tour of the Alps.

In episode 102, we chat with Anya Louw from AG Insurance - Soudal. The 23-year-old Tasmanian quickly rose to the Women’s World Tour in 2022 and has established herself as a real captain within the team despite admittedly still learning the ropes herself. Anya and I chatted about her adaption to the European professional lifestyle, what aspects she is doing well, and what she still needs to work on. Anya gives her opinion on what can still be improved in the Women’s World Tour from a sporting perspective, and we even discuss the juicy rumours of current Tour de France champion Demi Vollering and where she might end up in 2025 and if her rumoured 1 million dollar multi-year contract is a good thing for the sport. 

Anya is an absolute delight and certainly one to watch at AG Insurance - Soudal in the coming years. Enjoy.