Matthew Riccitello on His Vuelta Breakout, Trading NBA Dreams for Cycling Stardom, Leaving IPT for a French Super Team & Taking on Tadej Pogačar
Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz sat down with Tucson local/American GC star Matthew Riccitello live at the El Tour de Tucson to discuss his breakout ride at the Vuelta a España, his development from aspiring NBA star, to novice cyclist, to finishing 5th place overall at the Vuelta in just a few years, his decision to leave Israel Premier-Tech for the French superteam Decathlon-CMA CGM for 2026, and how he sees his career developing in the near future.This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review #4: Most Improved & Regressed Stars of 2025Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way NewsletterImportant note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms, you must be a paying BTP subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
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El Tour de Tucson Post-Race Thoughts
Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz report back on their experience racing at the El Tour de Tucson, which saw them race 102 miles at a scorching pace alongside George Hincapie, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Quinn Simmons, and 11,000 of their closest friends. Before they wrap, they have Steve Morganstern, board chairman for Perimeter Bicycling of America, including El Tour de Tucson, on to discuss the event and its charitable goals.This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 3: Who Were 2025’s Top Riders?Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way NewsletterImportant note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms, you must be a paying BTP subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
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Rouleur Live Dispatch & Off-Season Rumors
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz check in from London’s Rouleur Live event, discuss their recent travel drama and the unfolding drama around the IPT team, and the rumor that their former sponsor, Premier Tech, is looking to partner with Mathieu van der Poel and his Alpecin team in 2026. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 3: Who Were 2025’s Top Riders?Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way NewsletterImportant note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms, you must be a paying BTP subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
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Does Premier Tech's Sudden Withdrawal Suggest Pro Cycling is Heading for a Financial Sustainability Crisis?
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz discuss Los Angeles’ rise as a global hub for off-season pro-cycling training, why Premier Tech’s sudden and shocking departure from the IPT team is happening, and what it signals about the future of the sport. They also break down what top gravel stars might be earning, why that makes it difficult for them to attempt a jump to high-level road racing, Visma’s commitment to quality coffee while on the road, and how private jet travel could be a simple solution to the travel headaches caused by the government shutdown.This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 2: Four Key Team Metrics From 2025Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way NewsletterImportant note: To access all posts, including the members-only off-season chat rooms, you must be a paying BTP subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
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Benji Naesen on the Best & Worst of the 2025 Pro Cycling Season
In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz are joined by Benji Naesen of the Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast to dive deep into his favorite and least favorite things about the 2025 season, as well as how Benji would devise a strategy to compete against dominant riders like Tadej Pogacar, reflections on the greatest eras in cycling, and why Milan-Sanremo is now the sport's best race.This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: 2025 Season in Review Part 1: Deciphering the UCI Promotion/Relegation RankingsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscribe
Cycling writer Spencer Martin breaks down the why and how of the professional cycling race. Subscribe to learn what happened, how it happened, and why it happened in an attempt to glean a deeper understanding of the sport. beyondthepeloton.substack.com
New Zealand