QueenStage Women's Cycling Podcast

Ruckus Composites
  • 5.0 (32)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED DAILY

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. 12/23/2025

    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!

    1 hr

  2. 09/28/2025

    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 cover The 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

    45 min

  3. 09/28/2025

    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 cover The 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

    45 min

  4. 09/08/2025

    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.

    28 min

  5. 09/04/2025

    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.

    38 min
  6. The Recap Episode: What This Year’s Tour de France Femmes Taught Us

    08/07/2025

    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 queenstage@ruckuscomp.com. (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!

    56 min
  7. She’s an Icon, She’s a Legend, She’s the Winner of the Tour de France Femmes

    08/03/2025

    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.

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

    08/02/2025

    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.

    51 min
See All (16)

5
out of 5
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.

Information

You Might Also Like