QueenStage Women's Cycling Podcast

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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. Live at UNBOUND Gravel: Ludi Scholz, Peta Mullens, Melisa Rollins, and Paige Stuart

    18h ago

    Live at UNBOUND Gravel: Ludi Scholz, Peta Mullens, Melisa Rollins, and Paige Stuart

    For the first time ever, Queen Stage recorded live, and we did it in the only place that made sense: Emporia, Kansas, home of UNBOUND Gravel, presented by Liv Cycling. We brought together four women who represent every corner of the sport: Ludi Scholz, Liv's global gravel category manager, who has spent over a decade making the case that women deserve more than a shrunken, pinked-down version of a bike. Peta Mullens, Australian multi-discipline cyclist and Lifetime Grand Prix competitor, who made the jump from American crit racing to gravel and hasn't looked back. Melisa Rollins, chemist-turned-professional cyclist, Leadville Trail 100 champion, and one of the most compelling athletes in the gravel field today. And Paige Stuart, Liv's mechanic for the Lifetime Grand Prix series, who went from tinkering on vintage bikes in Moab to wrenching at UCI Mountain Bike World Cups. Together, they cover a lot of ground. Ludi on why Liv is a brand, not a line, and what twelve years of commitment to women's cycling actually looks like in practice. Peta on the professionalization of women's gravel, the amateur field gap, and why the atmosphere in Emporia is as much a draw as the race itself. Melisa on her road back from a broken elbow, the hundred-year-old sourdough starter that kept her sane, and what she thinks about Kate Courtney's Leadville record. Paige on holding the door open for other women in the sport, the little girl at a World Cup who stopped and stared, and what it takes to get your own hands on a wrench. This episode also gets into the bigger picture: how women's gravel went from mass starts with thousands of men to a legitimate, separate, competitive field in just a few years. Who made that happen. What still needs to change. And why storytelling, community, and yes, a hot pink gravel bike, might be exactly how we get there. Recorded live in front of an audience in Emporia, Kansas, the week of Unbound Gravel 2026. Presented by Liv Cycling. Guests: Ludi Scholz, Global Gravel Category Manager, Liv Cycling Peta Mullens, Liv Racing Collective Melisa Rollins, Liv Racing Collective Paige Stuart, Liv Cycling Mechanic Hosts: Betsy Welch, Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford Find us at queenstage.cc and on Instagram @queenstage.cc.

    58 min
  2. “When you don’t have legs, you race with heart.”: Giro Stages 6-9 Recap

    3d ago

    “When you don’t have legs, you race with heart.”: Giro Stages 6-9 Recap

    Giro d'Italia Donne Stages 6–9 Recap | Presented by SRAM Four stages. One historic sprint record. A queen stage cut short. And a final day that rewrote the GC. Rosael and Anne-Marije Rook are joined by guest host Aidan Burgess, teacher turned cycling social media favorite and host of the Domestiques Hot Seat podcast, for a full breakdown of the Giro's defining final chapter. Before diving into the race, the crew pauses to celebrate Lael Wilcox's departure on her attempt to set a new world record for circumnavigating the globe by bicycle, aiming to beat Marc Beaumont's record of 78 days, 14 hours, and 40 minutes. Rook, who covered Wilcox's preparation for Cycling Weekly, explains the Guinness rules, Wilcox's route from Chicago through Europe, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and back, and what's different this time: an aerodynamic position, a full support crew, and a genuine shot at the absolute record. Stage 6: Elisa Balsamo wins her fourth stage of the race, becoming the first Italian rider to accomplish that at the Giro since Greta Zocca in 2001. Lucinda Brand delivers another devastating lead-out — for someone else. Maggie Coles-Lyster takes second in what the hosts hope signals a grand tour win coming. Georgia Baker rounds out the podium. The Wiebes question lingers. Stage 7: A crash with 56 kilometers to go takes down Anna van der Breggen, Marlen Reusser, and others. On the descent after Pietra Gavina, 20-year-old Célia Gery of FDJ attacks, reads the road brilliantly, and takes her first WorldTour win. She won the U23 Road World Championship at 19. This is her third win of the season. Stage 8: The queen stage up the Colle delle Finestre is cut short by roughly 20 kilometers due to ice and avalanche risk on the mountain, a significant blow to Vollering's GC hopes. Riders learn the finish location with about 33 kilometers to go. Vollering attacks at the improvised finish to take the stage win and ten bonus seconds, but the time gaps she needed never materialize. Van der Breggen holds the Maglia Rosa. The hosts discuss whether van der Breggen's post-crash condition was playing a role, and whether her tactic of pacing at the front on the climbs worked against her. Stage 9: What looked like a transitional stage became the race's defining day. Niedermaier attacks from 80 kilometers out with Longo Borghini and Fischer Black and builds more than two minutes on the chasers. With the virtual GC lead slipping away, Vollering attacks Van der Breggen on the climb, gains 20 seconds, then motors up to the Niedermaier group and works with them to the finish. Longo Borghini takes the stage. Niedermaier finishes third. Vollering wins the GC. The crew breaks down what FDJ's dominance means going forward, what Van der Breggen's team situation cost her, and why Antonia Niedermaier and Isabella Holmgren are names to watch at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Aidan picks Paula Blasi as his TdFFaZ favorite. Up next on Queen Stage: Tour de Suisse Femmes recap (June 17–21, watch on FloBikes and HBO Max) → Rapha x Zwift episode featuring Grace Brown (June 24) → Most of July off → Full daily coverage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, starting August 1. It's also our one-year anniversary. Send requests for TdFFaZ coverage to info@queenstage.cc or @queenstage.cc on Instagram. This episode is presented by SRAM, proud supporter of women's cycling and presenting sponsor of Queen Stage's full Giro d'Italia Donne coverage.

    1h 7m
  3. Giro d'Italia Women Stages 3-5 Recap: Anna Takes Pink. Demi Takes a Stage. Nothing Is Decided.

    Jun 3

    Giro d'Italia Women Stages 3-5 Recap: Anna Takes Pink. Demi Takes a Stage. Nothing Is Decided.

    Here's the trimmed version — 3,987 characters: Five stages down, four to go — and the Giro d'Italia Women 2026 has already delivered more drama than most race weeks deserve. Anna van der Breggen put on a masterclass in the uphill time trial to claim the maglia rosa, Demi Vollering finally broke through for her first-ever Giro stage win, and 21-year-old Canadian Isabella Holmgren announced herself on the world stage. Rosael, Rook, and Molly break it all down. What's in This Episode The Lorena Wiebes disqualification: new details on the bike weighing controversy. Stage 3 recap: Elisa Balsamo's third sprint win, Lily Williams, and Human Powered Health's breakout race. Stage 4 recap: Anna van der Breggen's dominant ITT, TT bike vs. road bike, and what Marlen Reusser's choice really says. Stage 5 recap: Demi Vollering wins from a four-up sprint, Reusser yo-yos, and ELB limits her losses. Deep dive: Isabella Holmgren — junior world champion, Olympic mountain biker, and one of the most complete young cyclists in the world. Preview of Stages 6–9, including the Colle delle Finestre queen stage. The Canadian women's track program controversy. This Episode Is Presented by SRAM SRAM is a longtime supporter of women's cycling and the technology behind some of the fastest bikes in the peloton. SRAM is powering Queen Stage's full coverage of the 2026 Giro d'Italia Women. Stages 6–9 Preview Stage 6 | Ala to Brescello | 155 km | Flat — the last day for the sprinters. Stage 7 | Sorbolo Mezzani to Salice Terme | 165 km | Punchy Finale — Vollering's most likely window to claw back time before the mountains. Stage 8 | Colle delle Finestre + Sestriere | 101 km | Queen Stage — nearly 20 km of climbing to 2,178m, with the final 8 km on gravel. This is where the GC gets decided. Stage 9 | Saluzzo Circuit | 143 km | Punchy Finale — three categorized climbs and one last chance for everything to blow up. Come Back Sunday, June 7 Final Giro recap with guest host Aidan Burgess of the Domestique Hot Seat Podcast, joining Rook and Rosael. Support the Show Subscribe and leave a rating or review wherever you listen. Questions or hot takes? Email us at info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc.

    48 min
  4. Twenty Grams, a Cuban Comeback, and the Maglia Rosa: Giro d'Italia Women Stages 1 & 2

    Jun 1

    Twenty Grams, a Cuban Comeback, and the Maglia Rosa: Giro d'Italia Women Stages 1 & 2

    A shocking bike-weight disqualification strips SD Worx of a victory, Elisa Balsamo claims an emotional hometown win in pink, and we debate whether modern gravel has officially traded its DIY roots for professional PR machines. The Grand Tour season is officially underway! Host Rosael Torres-Davis is joined by Anne-Marije Rook and Molly Hurford to break down the drama-filled opening weekend at the 2026 Giro d'Italia Women, proudly presented by SRAM. The team unpacks the chaos of Stage 1, where Lorena Wiebes’ victory was overturned by a minuscule 20g-gram penalty, and celebrates Elisa Balsamo’s spectacular redemption sprint on Stage 2. Before crossing the Atlantic, the crew shares lingering post-race reactions from a muddy weekend at UNBOUND Gravel. They dissect the hyper-professionalized infrastructure taking over the grass-roots scene, the dominance of the new Specialized Crux, and why a mid-race crash checklist includes checking on your acrylic nails.  From the Flint Hills to the Grand Tours Unbound Reflection: Analyzing the mud, tech dominance, and the shift toward professionalized PR and support crews in gravel racing.Giro d'Italia Women: Stages 1 & 2 BreakdownGiro Course: A 9-stage, 1,153 km route featuring an uphill ITT and the gravel slopes of Colle delle Finestre.Visma Strategy: Their unique roster serves as a high-stakes audition for Tour de France Femmes roles.Stage 1 DQ: Lorena Wiebes' win was overturned due to a 0.02 kg bike-weight violation, leading to a legal standoff with the jury.Stage 2 Glory: Elisa Balsamo took an undisputed sprint win in Caorle, silencing critics after a confusing Stage 1 leadership handover.Safety Concerns: Discussion on technical closing circuits and dangerously placed sprint points.Peloton News & Giro Rider SpotlightArlenis Sierra: The Movistar rider returns to Grand Tour form following maternity leave.Sponsor News: Canyon//SRAM removed Zonda Crypto branding mid-week due to corporate controversy.Standouts: Afghan rider Fariba Hashimi’s aggressive breakaway and Maggie Coles-Lyster’s 7th-place sprint.Previews: Stages 3, 4, & 5Stage 3: A rolling 156 km course offering a major chance for sprinters.Stage 4: A 12.7 km uphill ITT with 14% gradients where bike choice is critical.Stage 5: Entry to the Dolomites featuring a high-speed technical descent.Sponsors & PartnersSRAMThis three-part Giro d'Italia Women 2026 recap series is proudly presented by SRAM, the powerhouse behind the most innovative drivetrain and component technology in the sport. As a long-standing champion of women's cycling at every level, SRAM is helping Queen Stage bring you the coverage women’s cycling deserves. Ruckus Composites The 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 RuckusComp.com  The best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. Have a hot take on the race jury or a question about uphill time trial setups? Email us at info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc.

    41 min
  5. The Monument of Gravel?: Mud, Custom Scrapers, and a Five-Up Sprint at Life Time's UNBOUND Gravel

    May 31

    The Monument of Gravel?: Mud, Custom Scrapers, and a Five-Up Sprint at Life Time's UNBOUND Gravel

    The 20th anniversary of Unbound delivered apocalyptic weather, makeshift mud scrapers, and a thrilling finale. Is this the race we should officially crown the first monument of North American gravel? Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford, and Betsy Welch break down the epic 200-mile Life Time's UNBOUND Gravel presented by Shimano. The team discusses the chaotic course conditions across the Kansas Flint Hills, the tactical brilliance of the lead group, and how riders out-thought the competition with 3D-printed tools. Plus, Betsy joins directly from the finish line in Emporia to share the shattered post-race vibes, the med tent chaos, and behind-the-scenes details you didn't see on the live stream. Chapter Markers & Timestamps [04:27] The 20th Anniversary Course: Breaking down the 207-mile route combining the north and south paths, over 9,000 feet of climbing, and the gnarly new W Road. [11:30] Apocalyptic Conditions: Surviving the early mud, thunder, lightning, and 35 mph headwinds. [14:26] Tech Talk & Mud Scrapers: How riders like Cecily Decker and Paige Onweller used custom and 3D-printed mud scrapers to survive the chaos. [20:46] Texting in the Peloton: Analyzing the mid-race text from Sofia Gomez Villafane to teammate Jerica Schurz. [23:58] The Final Sprint: Sofia Gomez Villafane's perfectly timed attack to secure her second Unbound victory in a five-up sprint. [27:52] On the Ground with Betsy Welch: Post-race vibes, med tent eye-washes, pro-only feed zones, and the endless line at the bike wash. Race Results: Women's 200 Top 5 Sofia Gomez Villafane Geerike Schreurs Cecily Decker Paige Onweller Rosa Kloser Support the Show The best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. Have a hot take on the race or a question for the team? Email us at info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc. Sponsors & Partners Liv Cycling This episode is proudly presented by Liv Cycling, one of the only cycling brands built from the ground up exclusively for women. A huge thank you to Liv for their support of women's cycling on the start line, in the design studio, and everywhere in between. For more, visit https://www.liv-cycling.com/us Ruckus Composites The 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 Ruckuscomp.com

    45 min
  6. Fierce Friendships: Sarah Sturm and Maude Farrell on Racing, Rapha, and the Durango Crew

    May 28

    Fierce Friendships: Sarah Sturm and Maude Farrell on Racing, Rapha, and the Durango Crew

    What does it look like to be best friends with your competitor? In this episode of Queen Stage, we sit down with Sarah Sturm and Maude Farrell, two of American gravel racing's most compelling figures, who race hard against each other and show up for one another when it matters most. The conversation starts at cyclocross nationals in Tacoma (2019), where Maude crashed in front of Sarah, and winds through the Rapha Prestige in Aspen, navigating grief after losing Mo, a move to Durango, team camp in Girona, and a training ride where Maude found out Sarah was pregnant mid-interval. They discuss the Rapha privateer collective, feed zone logistics as a competitive differentiator, and the intersection of Instagram and relationships. This is Part Two of Queen Stage's four-episode series with Rapha and Zwift on fierce friendships and rivalries in women's cycling. Episode Link: Zwift Queen Stage Pod In This EpisodeHow They Met: Tacoma Nationals (2019) mud crash; connecting at Rapha Prestige Aspen; bonding after losing Moriah Wilson at Unbound.The Unbound Plan: Maude's decision to work for Sarah at Unbound 2024; navigating Sarah’s concussion; adapting race tactics dynamically.Durango & Rapha Collective: Maude's move to Durango; forming the Rapha collective with Sarah, Ellen, and Maude; defining the hybrid privateer space.Feed Zones: Meticulous aid station support as a modern gravel advantage; Cam Zink’s parents helping at Unbound.Women Don't Owe You a Smile: Performance vs. performative niceness; road peloton vs. gravel culture; navigating internet commentary.The Media Athlete: Managing long-term sponsor relationships and the privateer-influencer overlap in a small industry.Friendship & Girona: Off-bike bonding; Maude discovering Sarah’s pregnancy mid-interval in zip code 81301; riding together at team camp before Traka.Sponsors and PartnersRapha and Zwift: This episode is part of a four-episode Queen Stage series presented by Rapha and Zwift, built around the theme of fierce friendships and rivalries in women's cycling. The series builds toward the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, August 1–9, and the Rapha Women's 100, September 5–6. Tune in for the next episodes on June 24 and July 29, and join the Zwift community ride on June 24.Ruckus Composites: The home of Queen Stage. Experts in carbon fiber repair, inspection, and engineering.Support the ShowSubscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Email us at info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram at @queenstage.cc.

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

    May 9

    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 One This 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 29 Sponsors and Partners Rapha and Zwift This 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 Composites The 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 Show The 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 info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc.

    51 min
  8. A Star is born in Spain: La Vuelta Femenina 2026 Recap

    May 9

    A Star is born in Spain: La Vuelta Femenina 2026 Recap

    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. Takeaways Insights 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. Chapters 00:00 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

    1h 15m
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5
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32 Ratings

About

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.

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