Life in the Peloton, presented by MAAP

• Milan–San Remo Preview: The Start of Laurence Pithie’s 2025 Classics Campaign

  Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP It’s no secret that the Spring Classics are my favourite races. I loved racing them, and I love watching them as a fan. But, in my 10th year of doing Life In The Peloton, you’ve heard all the stories I’ve got about the likes of Flanders & Roubaix; it’s time for me to pass the torch. This season, I’m going to be covering the cobbles classics a little bit differently. I’m going to bring you with me inside the 2025 peloton as we follow young Kiwi up and coming classics star - Laurence Pithie. Laurence burst onto the scene last year when he won Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in January, and went toe to toe with Van Der Poel and Pedersen at Gent Wevelgem, rounding out his classics campaign with a stellar 7th place at Roubaix.  I’m going to be chatting to Laurence before and after all the big races for the next few weeks - San Remo, Flanders, and Roubaix - to get insider information on how he’s feeling, how his team are planning on tackling the races, and just how it feels to take on the superstars at the pointy end. He’ll be sending me voice notes straight from the team bus straight after the finish to share his raw, unfiltered thoughts, and I can’t wait to bring you along and share Laurence’s 2025 classics journey with you guys.  After transferring from FDJ to Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe in the offie, Pithie is heading into this season as a co-leader with a really strong team. He’ll be supported by class riders like Oier Lazkano, Gianni Moscon, Maxim Van Gils, Danny Van Poppel, Jordi Meeus, and heaps more - plus he’ll have the wise words of Bernie Eisel and my old mate Heinrich Haussler down the radio from back in the team car; Bora really aren’t messing around at the classics this year, and Laurence is a rider they believe can go all the way and knock out a big result. Fresh off an altitude training camp and a delayed start to his 2025 classics campaign, Laurence is about to kick things off at Milan San Remo, so I spoke to him to kick off this mini series and get his initial thoughts on the Spring Classics in 2025. A lot has changed since I retired, and these races are almost unrecognisable to me now, so it’s great to see them through the eyes of a fresh, young, motivated rider with a real shot of winning BIG this season. Guys, I hope you enjoy part 1 of this series. I can’t wait to bring you more from our man Laurence over the next few weeks. Hopefully, you’ll join me in really rooting for the young Kiwi after listening to this. And Laurence; go and get it buddy. We’re all behind you.  Cheers! Mitch   Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:19 - Who is Laurence Pithie? The Rising Star’s 2024 Breakthrough 00:03:11 - Pre-Classics Training & Altitude Camp 00:06:13 - A Day in the Life on Altitude Camp 00:08:04 - Confidence & Pressure After a Breakout Year 00:10:45 - What Changed in 2024? Reflections on His Breakthrough Season 00:12:09 - Learning to Race with the Best 00:15:42 - Milan–San Remo Team Plans & His Role 00:17:00 - Working with New DSs at Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe 00:20:44 - Falling in Love with the Classics 00:23:06 - Final Thoughts & San Remo Course Recon 00:24:29 - Rivals to Watch at San Remo 00:27:55 - His Full 2025 Spring Classics Program ----more---- I’VE WRITTEN A BOOK! The Life in the Peloton book is OUT NOW! Get your copy now exclusively at maap.cc! Can’t wait for you to read it. JOIN US IN THE PELO Where do you sit in the PELO? Come and join the Life in the Peloton membership.

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  30:08
• Race Radio: Peloton Gossip with Emma Norsgaard Bjerg

  Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP G’day, everyone. We’re well into March, and the Spring Classics are calling! We had an absolutely storming opening weekend, and Paris Nice has just wrapped up; which means we’re in for a treat over the next few weeks as we get to enjoy four of the five monuments PLUS a whole heap of other amazing one day races.  One of the things I love about the races at this time of year is that most of them have both a men’s and women’s edition; so we get to enjoy twice as much racing over the cobbles and bergs of Belgium and Northern France! Now the boys over at Race Radio have cooked up a banging episode this month; they’ve bagged an interview with one of the most exciting riders in the women’s pelo. A Danish superstar who’s already got herself a stage win at the Tour de France, and is no doubt knocking on the door of a massive result this Spring after a move to Lidl Trek in the offie; it is, of course, Emma Norsgaard Bjerg.  Here’s what the lads had to say about this month’s ep: At LITP’s Race Radio, we (Harry and Stu) love riders with big personalities, and in our opinion there’s none bigger – and more fun – than Emma Norsgaard Bjerg.  We were delighted to have the Lidl-Trek pro from Denmark on the show this week. We talk about her epic Tour de France Femmes stage win in 2023, her love/hate relationship with the cobbled classics, ‘Playstation mode’ training, peloton gossip, and more. Emma is a rare example of a pro cyclist unafraid to show their emotions and weaknesses, expose the difficulties of the sport as well as celebrate its good sides, and we hope that you all enjoy listening to her chat with us! Cheers, Harry and Stu. Guys, this is a great listen. Harry and Stu do a great job of getting Emma to really loosen up and be really open in her interview - I was honestly so impressed. They have a heap of fun, and I know who I’m going to be rooting for at the races this Spring. I hope you enjoy this month’s Race Radio, and the Spring Classics to come! This episode is supported by our friends at JOIN. As a listener to the pod you can get a risk-free 1-month trial. Visit join.cc/litp to check it out and sign up. Cheers! Mitch   Chapters 00:00:00 – Introduction & Catch-up 00:05:00 – Guest Introduction: Emma Norsgaard 00:06:45 – Emma Joins the Show 00:08:40 – Tour de France Stage Win Recap 00:11:00 – Changing Teams and Motivation 00:18:00 – The Cobbled Classics 00:20:15 – Dream Wins and PlayStation Mode 00:25:20 – Emma’s Podcast ‘The Gossip’ 00:29:40 – Wrap-up with Emma 00:30:06 – Harry and Stu Reflect on the Interview 00:32:10 – Race Round-Up and Chat 00:37:00 – Weather Talk & Classic Racing Moments ----more---- The Life in the Peloton book is OUT NOW! Get your copy now exclusively at maap.cc! Can’t wait for you to read it. Where do you sit in the PELO? Come and join the Life in the Peloton membership.

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  37:35
• Bikepacking New Zealand: Waihau Bay, Māori Resilience & Surfing in Gisborne – Part 2

  Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP Well, guys, if you enjoyed part 1 of my epic trip across to New Zealand then get yourself a cold one, sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy the second part of the story. If you didn’t catch part 1 earlier this week then make sure you go back and listen to that first. We pick up the journey at the start of day 3, and head straight to the iconic Waihau bay. This stunning area was made famous by Taika Waititi’s film ‘Boy’, and oh man was it special; what a way to kick off the second half of the trip. After some delicious home made ice cream at the Pacific Coast Macadamia Store we cracked on down the coast. I bumped into a fella called Giles who was undertaking a similar bikepacking trip with his son, and we cracked open a few Gizzy Golds and yarned into the evening.  Heading back down the coast towards Gisborne we took in more stunning views, and surveyed the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle that struck the region back in 2023. Still in the cleanup stages, it’s clear to see how the disaster decimated the land and the sea, but the way the Māori people have rallied around each other and is really heartening, and left us all feeling pretty inspired.  What better way to wrap up a trip through some of the hottest surfing on the planet than with a quick lesson? I was taken out into the water with legendary local surfer, Holly Quinn, who showed me how to master the waves and helped me get up. We sealed off the adventure by visiting Sunshine brewery; the home of the iconic Gizzy Gold which I’d become so familiar with over the week. Honestly, guys, if you ever get the chance to head out to the North West coast of the North Island and explore Gisborne and the surrounding area - jump on it; you won’t regret it.  I hope you really enjoyed listening to these two eps; I had an amazing time and I’m really grateful to Tairāwhiti Gisborne - the Gisborne Tourism Board - for making it happen. If you want to read more about my trip and see some of the incredible pictures, check out this cracking feature by our friends at FLOW MOUNTAIN BIKE.  Cheers, Mitch!   Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction & Recap 00:02:21 - Day Three Begins: Waihau Bay & Movie Locations 00:12:54 - Macadamia Farm & Local Treats 00:14:55 - Coastal Riding & Māori Cultural Insights 00:20:41 - Bikepacking Father & Son Duo 00:34:13 - East Cape Lighthouse & The First Sunrise 00:49:08 - Famous Café 35 & Power Pies 01:02:15 - Māori Facial Tattoos (Moko Kauae) & Cultural Significance 01:05:07 - Final Stretch Back to Gisborne ----more---- This episode is brought to you by our friends over at NordVPN. For a huge discount on your plan plus 4 additional on top head over to nordvpn.com/pelosurf. The Life in the Peloton book is OUT NOW! Get your copy now exclusively at maap.cc! Can’t wait for you to read it.

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  1:25:07
• Bikepacking New Zealand: Gisborne’s Hidden Gems, Māori Culture & Gravel Adventures - Part 1

  Life in the Peloton is proudly brought to you by MAAP G’day guys, I’m back with another ep of Life In The Peloton; and this one’s a little bit different. Earlier this month, I was invited out to a little town called Gisborne over on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island for a bikepacking adventure.  Gisborne Tourism gave me a call and wanted to see if I’d come over for 5 days of bike riding, soaking in the Māori culture, and - of course - enjoying a few cleansing ales with some local legends and finding out more about the region; naturally, I jumped at the chance and hopped on a plane over to NZ.  This hidden gem is on the South East coast of the North Island, and loosely follows the infamous Highway 35. Gisborne is a pretty remote area. It’s raw, and refreshing - really back to basics. There are a lot of indigenous Māori living off the land out there respecting the natural environment just like their ancestors have done for generations. It’s totally different to anywhere I’ve been before, and it was really powerful and inspiring to learn more about their culture and experience the landscape by bike. 550km over 5 days, this trip was hard enough without being too hard, if you know what I mean. We cruised on the bikes and took in all the sights, sounds, and smells of Gisborne along the way. We checked out some super cool spots; including the Eastwoodhill National Arboretum, some ridiculous beautiful waterfalls and wild swimming spots, and - of course - some world class gravel riding. I couldn’t turn down this opportunity - to be invited out to a place I’ve always wanted to explore was too good to miss. This ep is actually part 1 of a 2 parter - so much happened on the trip I couldn’t contain it into 1 episode, so I’m treating you guys to a double! Keep your eyes peeled for episode 2 dropping at the end of this week. If you want to read more about my trip, check out this cracking feature by our friends at FLOW MOUNTAIN BIKE.    Cheers! Mitch   Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction & Setting the Scene 00:02:15 - Flying into Gisborne & First Impressions 00:07:30 - The Māori Connection & Cultural Insights 00:18:10 - The Bikepacking Route & The First Ride 00:25:05 - Eastwoodhill Arboretum: A Hidden Gem 00:39:06 - Waterfalls & Wild Swimming 00:42:00 - Arrival in Motu: End of Day 1 00:46:00 - Looking Ahead to Day 2 ----more---- The Life in the Peloton book is OUT NOW! Get your copy now exclusively at maap.cc! Can’t wait for you to read it.

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  1:21:53
• BONUS: Grounding, Sunlight & Life Beyond the Peloton

  This is a cheeky bonus excerpt from the longer episode. To listen to the whole thing and future episodes become a member of The Pelo. You won't want to miss these exclusive chats dropping throughout the 2025 season! Sveino and I are back for another episode of the Life In The Peloton Chronicles. I absolutely love getting so sit down and catch up with my old mate for an hour or two each month, and this month’s pod is a banger.  Svein’s always been a guy I look up to for a whole heap of reasons. Sure, he was an absolute weapon on the bike - that goes without saying - but I’ve always admired the way he goes about things off the bike, too. He’s a real deep thinking guy who prioritises a clean and healthy lifestyle and a deep respect for the natural world - so I handed the reins over this month to learn more about his mindset and lifestyle. I have really fond memories of racing alongside Svein back in the Greenedge days. He was a great guy to be around in the races and someone I learnt a lot from. One of the first pieces of this holistic ‘grounding’ that Svein showed me and the team was making sure we all got our shoes off and got a bit of time spent barefoot on the grass to really connect with the Earth, and whenever we got the chance, we’d jump in the ocean; something else Svein is really passionate about. We talk about the importance of looking after your body whilst also respecting the natural order of things, and the impact a lot of bad modern habits can have on a person. Svein’s knowledge about things like circadian rhythms, solar callouses, and more is incredible, and I always come away from chats like this with a new found motivation to live a healthier, more wholesome lifestyle. Hopefully you do, too.  This ep is really insightful, and I think we can all learn a lot from Svein. He’s also just dropped his brand new book called ‘We Will Never Be Here Again’, which is all about his adventures in cycling; from the wilderness to the Tour de France. It’s an absolutely incredible read, and makes me think back to the crazy stories Svein would tell over the dinner table when we were away racing together. If you love listening to Svein, get yourself a copy and get stuck into it because it’s absolutely loaded with some great insight into what makes Svein tick. Grab a herbal tea for this one, and listen closely. Hopefully, you come away from this one having learnt something and feeling a little bit more enlightened.  Cheers! Mitch

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  22:41

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