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. Nov 3

    2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Roundtable with Abby Mickey, Ali Tetrick & Iris Slappendel

    The road season is over, so it’s time to look back at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. It was the longest, hardest edition yet. Mont Ventoux made its debut, five riders wore the yellow jersey, and Demi Vollering took the overall on the final climb into Nice. Host Rosael Torres-Davis is joined by three women who brought the race to fans: Abby Mickey, journalist at Escape Collective and host of the Wheel Talk PodcastAli Tetrick, Unbound winner, Gravel Hall of Famer, and co-host of TheMove’s daily Tour coverage on PeacockIris Slappendel, former Dutch champion, Eurosport moto reporter, co-founder of The Cyclists’ Alliance, and founder of IRIS and the Cheer SquadWe react to the 2027 route: a Grand Départ in Leeds, the first team time trial, and a Puy-de-Dôme summit that may be closed to spectators. We debate whether “Femmes” still belongs in the race name after Marlen Reusser’s comments at the route presentation. Then we look back at the stories of 2026: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney’s best Tour ride yet, Reusser’s comeback, Célia Gery as the race’s unsung MVP, and the off-bike dramas from bra-gate to corner-gate. We also go behind the mic. With only three stages broadcast in full, podcasters, journalists, and creators filled the gaps. The panel discusses #WatchTheFemmes, record TV audiences, how women’s cycling coverage has changed since 2017, and what turns casual viewers into lifelong fans of women’s cycling. Chapters 00:34 Intro and guests 05:27 First reactions to the 2027 Tour de France Femmes route 12:02 The team time trial and roster strategy 16:12 Tour de France “Femmes” vs. “Hommes”: does the name matter? 22:22 The 2026 Tour recap and Mont Ventoux from the roadside 26:41 When we knew the GC would go down to the wire 33:09 Bra-gate, corner-gate, and undercovered stories 41:22 Zwift data: how the Tour gets women riding 44:36 Covering the race when TV doesn’t show it all 49:27 How women’s cycling media has evolved 53:50 Turning casual viewers into fans 1:05:39 Brands, collabs, and the SpongeBob bikes 1:12:55 Bringing new fans and riders into the sport Follow our guests Iris Slappendel: @irisslappendel| Cheer Squad and events: @iris.cc Abby Mickey: Wheel Talk Podcast (@wheeltalkthepod) | escapecollective.com Ali Tetrick: @amtetrick | TheMove on WEDU, available wherever you get podcasts. This episode is presented by Ruckus Composites. QueenStage is the women’s cycling podcast that breaks down the racing, highlights the drama, and builds excitement for the women’s peloton. Hosted by Molly Hurford, Rosael Torres-Davis, Betsy Welch, and Anne-Marije Rook. Subscribe, rate, and review, and #WatchTheFemmes.

    2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Roundtable with Abby Mickey, Ali Tetrick & Iris Slappendel

  2. Oct 23

    2026 Women’s Gravel Recap: Big Sugar, Worlds & Life Time Grand Prix w/ Holy Spirit of Gravel

    QueenStage gets dirty! In this crossover with Holy Spirit of Gravel, Rosael and Betsy are joined by Leni, the meme account admin, gravel gonzo journalist, and self-described master of tomfoolery, to break down the 2026 women’s gravel season. We start at UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, the first UCI Gravel Worlds that actually looked like gravel. Marianne Vos took her second rainbow jersey ahead of Rosa Klöser, Tiffany Cromwell lit it up on home roads, and mechanicals may have cost Sofia Gomez Villafañe a shot at the title. We also dig into the bigger question: when Worlds clashes with the Life Time Grand Prix, who really shows up? Then we recap the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix, from Sea Otter and Unbound to Leadville, Chequamegon, Little Sugar and Big Sugar. Sofia won her fourth straight overall title, Melissa Rollins won Leadville after a long comeback, and “Diesel” Cecily Decker had a breakout year. At Big Sugar, Stella Hobbs stuck to her plan and rode away with one of the most celebrated wins we’ve seen in the women’s field. Plus: how gravel coverage has changed since Betsy’s Velo days, why the women’s racing is the most compelling storyline in gravel, rising young riders to watch, what’s changing in the Grand Prix for 2027, and why an eight-hour livestream is a choose-your-own-adventure. Chapters 00:00 Intro: QueenStage x Holy Spirit of Gravel 06:05 The 2026 women’s gravel season in one word 12:28 UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, Australia 21:29 Worlds vs. the Life Time Grand Prix: who shows up? 33:11 The 2026 Life Time Grand Prix season 43:52 Covering gravel: journalism, memes and media passes 48:46 Cecily Decker’s breakout season 54:51 Rivalries and personalities in the women’s field 58:38 Big Sugar and Stella Hobbs’ big win 1:06:31 Young riders to watch 1:13:34 Changes coming to the 2027 Grand Prix 1:14:37 How to watch a gravel livestream Follow along QueenStage: @queenstage.cc Holy Spirit of Gravel: @holyspiritofgravel Rosael: @rosaeltd Betsy: @thebootsappeal QueenStage is the women’s cycling podcast that’s fun, fast-moving, and accessible. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with a friend who loves bike racing. You can also write to us at info@queenstage.cc

    2026 Women’s Gravel Recap: Big Sugar, Worlds & Life Time Grand Prix w/ Holy Spirit of Gravel

  3. Sep 27

    2026 UCI Road Worlds Montréal: How Team Netherlands Pulled Off the Perfect Race

    2026 UCI Road Worlds Montréal: How Team Netherlands Pulled Off the Perfect Race Women's cycling news, race analysis, and Elite Women's Road Race recap from the 2026 UCI World Championships in Montreal. On this episode of the QueenStage cycling podcast, hosts Rosael and Rook report live from Montreal, Canada, breaking down the 2026 UCI Road World Championships Elite Women's Road Race — one of the most talked-about women's cycling races of the year. Topics covered in this women's cycling podcast episode: Demi Vollering wins 2026 World Championships Rainbow Jersey Dutch cycling star Demi Vollering claims the world champion title after an all-in Dutch national team strategy. Learn how Team Netherlands cycling coach Laurens ten Dam unified riders like Puck Pieterse, Amber Kraak, and Riejanne Markus around a single team goal, and why this UCI Worlds tactic is rare in women's road cycling. Elite Women's Road Race results and full recap A detailed breakdown of the 180km Montreal Worlds circuit race, including the Camillien-Houde climb, a major peloton crash with 95km to go, Maeva Squiban's solo breakaway, and the dramatic final sprint between Demi Vollering, Kasia Niewiadoma, Elisa Longo Borghini, and Marlen Reusser. Full Elite Women's Worlds top 10 finishers: Demi Vollering (Netherlands)Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland)Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy)Marlen Reusser (Switzerland)Juliette Berthet (France)Puck Pieterse (Netherlands)Celia Géry (France)Dominika Włodarczyk (Poland)Maeva Squiban (France)Franziska Koch (Germany)Peloton crash update News on riders affected by the major Worlds crash, including Caroline Anderson (Sweden) and Loretta Hansen (Australia), plus how the pileup impacted GC contenders like Kate Courtney, Kim Le Court, and Kristen Faulkner. U23 and Junior Women's World Championships highlights Coverage of Bella Holmgren's (Canada) breakaway ride and silver medal finish, plus emerging talent in the deepening U23 women's cycling field. Cycling retirements at UCI Worlds 2026 Tributes to Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio's final professional road race and Amanda Spratt's farewell World Championships appearance; two major names in women's cycling retiring from the road. Bike theft recovery story A real-life bike theft and recovery story from Montreal, featuring GPS tracking with a Knog Air Tag. Plus, practical bike security tips for cyclists traveling to races. Demi Vollering UCI fine explained Details on the 1,000 Swiss franc fine and 25 UCI points penalty issued to Vollering after the race. Women's cycling in North America Why Demi Vollering, Kasia Niewiadoma, and Elisa Longo Borghini are calling for more women's professional cycling races in North America, including hopes for the Philadelphia Cycling Classic 2027 and a possible return of a Montreal women's race. Presented by Hunt Wheels — performance wheelsets for elite cycling. Giveaway: Win a Hunt Aerodynamicist wheelset. Follow @QueenStage.cc on Instagram and sign up for the Hunt newsletter, or comment "the chase is on" on our Worlds posts. Ends October 2nd. Send race questions to info@queenstage.cc or join the QueenStage WhatsApp community for real-time race reactions.

    2026 UCI Road Worlds Montréal: How Team Netherlands Pulled Off the Perfect Race

  4. Sep 22

    2026 UCI Worlds Montréal: Elite Women's Road Race Preview, Contenders & How to Watch

    UCI Worlds 2026 Preview: Can Anyone Beat Demi Vollering in Montreal? The rainbow jersey is up for grabs in Montreal! In this episode, hosts Rosael, Rook, and Molly break down everything you need to know about the 2026 UCI Road World Championships, with the elite women's road race taking place Saturday, September 26th. In this episode: Recap of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic's triumphant return and a big win for Chiara ConsonniTiff Cromwell's retirement after 16 years as a pro, and what it means for Canyon//SRAMTransfer season roundup: Fem van Empel's comeback at FDJ-SUEZ, Kate Courtney's off-road-to-road move, Blanka Vas and Arlenis Sierra heading to Lidl-Trek, and Cédrine Kerbaol's switch to SD WorxA history lesson on the UCI World Championships — from its 1921 men's debut to the first women's road race in 1958Rainbow jersey vs. Olympic gold: why the rainbow stripes carry unique prestige in the pro pelotonWho qualifies and how many riders each nation gets based on UCI rankingsFull breakdown of the Montreal course: 180.4 km, 8 laps of the Mont Royal circuit, 2,570 meters of climbing, and two key climbs — the Côte Camillien-Houde and the punchy Côte de PolytechniqueWhy this course is being compared to Stage 9 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift — and why even Mathieu van der Poel says it's brutally hardNotable absences: Urška Žigart (injury), Marianne Vos (skipping for gravel worlds), and a wishful case for a Pauline Ferrand-Prévot comebackRoad race contenders: Demi Vollering, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Elisa Longo Borghini, Lotte Kopecky, and dark horses like Kate Courtney, Paula Blasi, and Kim Le Court PienaarTeam-by-team tactics for the Netherlands, USA, Canada, Belgium, Poland, Germany, and moreHow racing without radios changes tactics and opens the door for surprise winnersFull TV and streaming guide for the US and CanadaHow to Watch Elite Women's Road Race: Saturday, September 26, ~9:00 AM–2:10 PM ETStream in the US: FloBikes, HBO Max, or PeacockStream in Canada: FloBikesCatch highlights on the UCI's YouTube channel, and follow Queen Stage on Instagram for live updates and behind-the-scenes coverage from MontrealGiveaway Alert Queen Stage has teamed up with our World Championships presenting sponsor, Hunt Wheels, to give away a Hunt Aerodynamicist wheelset (valued at $1,000+). To enter: Follow @QueenStage on InstagramSign up for the Hunt newsletter.Instagram users can also comment "the chase is on" on any of our World's posts to get the entry link sent directly to their DMs. Entries close October 2nd. Get Involved Subscribe to Queen Stage and leave a rating and reviewSend your questions to info@queenstage.cc — we might answer them on the podcastJoin the Queen Stage WhatsApp community to share your rainbow jersey predictions and follow along live on race dayThank You to Our Sponsor Huge thanks to Hunt Wheels, our official presenting sponsor for World Championships coverage, for supporting women's cycling and independent media.

    2026 UCI Worlds Montréal: Elite Women's Road Race Preview, Contenders & How to Watch

  5. Aug 11

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026 Recap: Vollering Wins, Reusser's Heartbreak, Kasia's Future

    The dust has settled on Col d'Èze, and the full Queen Stage crew, Rosael, Molly, Anne-Marije "Rook," and Betsy, reunites for a complete breakdown of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. From Sigrid Haugset's stunning eighty-five-kilometer solo breakaway on stage three to Demi Vollering's commanding overall victory in Nice, this year's race delivered some of the tightest, most tactical racing in the event's short history. The crew retraces all nine stages before digging into the storylines that defined the tour: Marlen Reusser's heartbreaking near-miss on the final podium spot, the swirling contract rumors around Paula Blasi and a reported move to Movistar, and whether Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney could be headed to Lidl-Trek in search of stronger GC support. They also spotlight the next generation of climbers to watch, including Antonia Niedermaier, Bella Holmgren, Nienke Vinke, and Marion Bunel. A major segment tackles the "was this tour too hard?" debate head-on with real numbers. Rosael walks through five years of start list and finish list data (2022 through 2026) to calculate the actual did-not-finish rate for each edition, correcting a common misconception fueled by inaccurate ProCyclingStats filtering, and finds this year's DNF rate wasn't the outlier some fans assumed. The second half of the episode answers listener questions sent in through the Queen Stage WhatsApp community, covering: How TV broadcast rights actually work, including the UCI's 2.5-hour minimum coverage requirement and why broadcasters like Peacock and FloBikes can only air what ASO providesThe current state of rider salaries across the WorldTour, ProTeams, and Continental tiers, and how far minimum wage has come since 2020Whether more non-endemic sponsors (Nike, Red Bull, On, Adidas) could reshape the sport's financial future The episode closes with an unsung heroes segment honoring Zoe Bäckstedt's grit on the final time trial, Uno-X Mobility's breakout season, and Saint Michel-Auber 93's improved finish, along with a candid conversation about the online harassment Celia Géry faced after a controversial racing incident, and why growing fandom has to come with better behavior. Massive thanks to presenting sponsors Bike Tires Direct and SRAM for making this daily coverage possible all season. Save ten percent on your post-tour upgrades at biketiresdirect.com with code queenstage. Rate, review, and share the show if you loved this year's coverage, and stay subscribed for off-season episodes. See you at the next race.

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026 Recap: Vollering Wins, Reusser's Heartbreak, Kasia's Future

  6. Aug 9

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026 Stage 9: Nice to Nice

    Betsy, Molly, and Rosael break down the final stage of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, a thrilling 99-kilometer mountain circuit from Nice to Nice featuring four ascents of the Col d'Eze. Stage 9 RecapThe 99-kilometer stage started explosively with early attacks from Franzi Koch and Maeva Squiban, who attacked despite a heavy crash the day prior.Lorena Wiebes secured the intermediate sprint early in the race, effectively locking up the green jersey.Zoe Backstedt put in a massive "tractor style" effort on the climb to isolate race leader Demi Vollering for her Canyon SRAM teammate Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.Marlen Reusser crashed on a left-hand turn with 56 kilometers to go, forcing her teammates to drop back and pace her into the group.On the final, steeper ascent of Col d'Eze, Niewiadoma-Phinney launched an attack, but a comfortable-looking Vollering easily went with her.Vollering counter-attacked to reach the summit with an 18-second advantage over Niewiadoma-Phinney.Showcasing masterful descending skills, Vollering extended her lead to win the stage and become the first two-time overall winner of the race.Paula Blasi crossed the line in second place on the stage, 1 minute and 4 seconds behind, with Niewiadoma-Phinney taking third.Final General Classification: Demi Vollering secures the overall win, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney finishes second, and Elisa Longo Borghini claims third.Jersey Winners: Lorena Wiebes retains green, Puck Pieterse keeps the polka dots, and Antonia Niedermaier holds white.Deep Dive: Zoe BackstedtA profile on the 21-year-old Canyon SRAM rider from Wales who ripped the race apart on the Col d'Eze.She holds nine world championship titles across junior and under-23 categories in road, cyclocross, and track disciplines.Cycling is in her blood: her father is 2004 Paris-Roubaix winner (and Canyon SRAM sports director) Magnus Backstedt, her mother is 1998 British National Road Race Champion Megan Hughes, and her sister is World Tour pro Elynor Backstedt.Off the BikeThe hosts discuss the aftermath of the Stage 8 cornering incident between Celia Géry and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, agreeing that the drama is ultimately good for the sport as it highlights racing tactics rather than relying on gendered narratives.The hosts answer listener questions, noting the 2027 Tour is officially set for nine days, starting in Yorkshire on Friday, July 30th with a Team Time Trial on stage three.Approximately 46% of the Tour de France Femmes starting peloton (68 of 147 riders) do not have publicly confirmed contracts for the 2027 season, compared to just 25% of the men's peloton.Tips on how fans can support women's cycling, including hosting watch parties, buying team merchandise, supporting sponsors, donating to the Cyclist Alliance, and paying for sports journalism.Sponsors & InfoPresented by: Bike Tires Direct and SRAM, presenting sponsors of Queen Stage's Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift coverage. Giveaway: Win the final daily Queen Stage musette (featuring an e-pump, watch the femmes cap, and a ride wallet). Head to Instagram (@queenstage.cc), find the Stage 9 highlight post, follow Bike Tires Direct, and tag two friends in the comments to enter. Save 10% at biketiresdirect.com with code queenstage. Contact: info@queenstage.cc

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026 Stage 9: Nice to Nice

  7. Aug 8

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026 Stage 8: Sisteron to Nice

    Anne-Marije, Molly, and Rosael break down stage eight of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the longest stage in the race's history at 171.9 kilometers from Sisteron to Nice. Stage 8 Recap Maeva Squiban and Loes Adegeest formed a two-rider breakaway 140 kilometers out, building a gap of over six minutes. Adegeest took top points at the intermediate sprint before the peloton began reeling them in. Squiban suffered a painful crash on a descent, leaving her in severe distress, though she managed to finish the stage. FDJ United Suez set a fierce pace on the Côte de la Ginestière, catching Adegeest with under 8 kilometers remaining and dropping point leader Lorena Wiebes. On the final ramp toward Nice, Demi Vollering launched a stinging attack to go solo, holding off a chase by Elisa Longo Borghini and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney to win the stage. With bonus seconds and a 17-second gap, Vollering reclaims the yellow jersey by just 8 seconds over Niewiadoma-Phinney. Marlen Reusser sits third at 1:12, with Longo Borghini in fourth at 3:05. Wiebes retains green, Puck Pieterse seals polka dots, and Antonia Niedermaier holds white. Deep Dive: Loes Adegeest A profile on the 30-year-old Lidl-Trek rider from the Netherlands. A former speed skater who transitioned to cycling, she won back-to-back Esports World Championships (2022, 2023) and victories at the Cadell Evans Great Ocean Road Race and a stage of Volta Catalunya. Fun fact: Her partner is the brother of Lucinda Brand's partner, making them sisters-in-law and teammates. Off the Bike Post-stage drama after Niewiadoma-Phinney expressed frustration in interviews over defensive team tactics by FDJ United Suez during Vollering's winning attack.Discussion on Vollering skipping top-of-mountain post-stage interviews after Mont Ventoux.A look at Paula Blasi's off-bike classical piano talents.Tire talk: What tire won today? Vollering took the victory on Specialized Cotton Tubeless Ready tires. Stage 9 Preview The final, action-packed stage: a 99-kilometer circuit starting and finishing in Nice. Riders face four ascents of the Col d'Eze, with the fourth and final trip featuring a modified, steeper route (6 kilometers at 7.6% average, with ramps up to 12%). Packed with over 2,100 meters of elevation gain, the stage concludes with a fast 15-kilometer descent to the Promenade des Anglais. With only 8 seconds separating yellow, expect an all-out tactical battle to the finish line. Presented by Bike Tires Direct and SRAM, presenting sponsors of Queen Stage's Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift coverage. Giveaway: Daily musette giveaway. Follow Bike Tires Direct and tag two friends on today's Stage 8 highlight reel on Instagram (@queenstage.cc) to enter. Discount code: Save 10% at biketiresdirect.com with code queenstage. Join the conversation: Head to the link in our bio to join the Queen Stage WhatsApp Community. Contact: info@queenstage.cc

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026 Stage 8: Sisteron to Nice

  8. Aug 7

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026 Stage 7: La Voulte-sur-Rhône to Mont Ventoux

    Molly Hurford hosts with Rosael Torres-Davis and Anne-Marije Rook (back from parental leave) to break down the tour's most anticipated stage: the 147-kilometer haul from La Voulte-sur-Rhône over 3,500 meters of climbing to the summit of Mont Ventoux. Presenting sponsors: Bike Tires Direct and SRAM. Stage Recap An aggressive start gave way to an eleven-rider breakaway near 75 kilometers to go, featuring Katrine Aalerud, Loes Adegeest, Nikola Nosková, Ruby Roseman-Gannon, and others. Puck Pieterse mopped up early Queen of the Mountains points, effectively locking up the polka dot jersey. On the Ventoux ascent itself, the break was swallowed and the race came down to three: Demi Vollering, the previous overall leader (name unclear in transcript, flagged below), and Katarzyna (Kasia) Niewiadoma-Phinney of Canyon-SRAM. While Vollering and the yellow jersey watched each other, Niewiadoma-Phinney attacked, opened a gap that grew to nearly two minutes, and soloed to her first stage win of the year. The overall leader cracked and lost 1:42; Vollering limited her deficit to 1:16. New general classification: Niewiadoma-Phinney in yellow, Vollering second at fifteen seconds, the previous leader third at thirty-nine seconds. Deep Dive: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney The 2024 tour champion had never won a stage until today. Her season had been quietly consistent rather than dominant (runner-up at Omloop het Nieuwsblad and Strade Bianche, third overall at the Tour de Suisse) with no wins before Ventoux. The hosts note she spotted her parents trackside, drawing extra motivation, and call the win a career-defining moment on the sport's most storied climb. Off the Bike Pauline Ferrand-Prévot fell off the pace early; the field is split on whether she'll start stage eightMultiple riders, past and present, have personal Ventoux history: Puck Pieterse posted a photo referencing a time she rode the climb at age tenJersey standings: Niewiadoma-Phinney (yellow), Pieterse (polka dot, effectively secured), Lorena Wiebes (green, commanding lead), Antonia Niedermaier (white)UAE Team ADQ leads the team classification by over half an hour with three riders inside the top ten What Tire Won Today's Race, presented by Bike Tires Direct Niewiadoma-Phinney rode a Schwalbe Pro One. Listeners get 10 percent off any tire purchase at Bike Tires Direct with code queenstage. Stage 8 Preview Stage eight is the longest in Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift history at 173 kilometers, run under a special allowance since women's races are typically capped at 160. Terrain is comparatively gentle (four cat-4 climbs, nothing over 5.4 percent) with a fast, descent-heavy back half that could favor breakaways as legs recover from Ventoux. Presented by Bike Tires Direct and SRAM, presenting sponsors of Queen Stage's Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift coverage. Giveaway: Daily musette giveaway all nine stages. Comment "bike tires direct" and tag two friends on the stage highlight post on Instagram (@queenstage.cc) for a chance to win. Discount code: Save 10% at biketiresdirect.com with code queenstage. Join the conversation: Click here to join the Queen Stage WhatsApp Community. Contact: info@queenstage.cc

    Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026 Stage 7: La Voulte-sur-Rhône to Mont Ventoux
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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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