Sigma Sports Unplugged with Matt Stephens

Former world champion Julian Alaphilippe joins Matt Stephens from Tudor Pro Cycling’s training camp near Calpe to reflect on a career defined by courage, instinct and unforgettable moments. Julian opens up about leading the Tour de France, the pressure of wearing the rainbow jersey, and why that period was both a peak and a personal challenge. He discusses becoming a father, finding balance beyond results, and why joining Tudor has reignited his motivation. The conversation also explores modern cycling’s obsession with numbers versus feel, the responsibility of leadership, and the emotions behind his standout victory in Québec… before a lively Saint-Amand-Montrond hometown quiz rounds things off. www.sigmasports.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025 Pan American Cyclocross Champion Andrew Strohmeyer joins Matt Stephens from his European base in the Netherlands to discuss racing World Cups, funding a full European season, and chasing a professional career. A multiple US national champion and Pan-American title holder, Andrew explains the “Mud Fund,” the impact of gravel’s boom in the US, and the technical skill gap between American and European racing. He breaks down his impressive 12th place at the Tábor World Cup, the demands of elite cyclocross training, and why the discipline keeps pushing him to improve - before contemplating the existence of exploding goats in the Mount Airy, Maryland hometown quiz. www.sigmasports.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Portugal’s finest export since the pastel de nata, João Almeida joins Matt Stephens for a brilliantly honest conversation that dives into the life and mindset of one of the most consistent GC riders in the modern peloton. Matt also digs into what it’s like sharing a team with superstars Tadej Pogačar, Juan Ayuso and rising talent Isaac del Toro. Does riding for UAE Team Emirates limit his personal ambitions, or unlock even more potential? What did he really say in that infamous Tom Pidcock moment? João answers all of this and more with refreshing honesty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens chats to ultra-distance bike racer, content creator and charity fundraiser Chris Hall about his recent challenges for Movember. Despite atrocious weather conditions, Chris completed a lap of Britain unsupported during the summer of 2025, learning valuable lessons along the way. With a history of severe depression, Movember is a charity close to his heart and this monumental effort is documented superbly in Chris’ film “Bikepacking the Perimeter of Britain”. Cycling has played a huge part in Chris' recovery from depression and continues to help him maintain his mental health.   www.sigmasports.com Support Chris’ Movember fundraising at his  MoSpace: https://uk.movember.com/mospace/6408721  Chris Hall’s ‘Bikepacking The Perimeter of Britain’ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLGuamHY2pc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stephens chats to Emma Pooley about her incredibly varied career, which spans from professional cycling through long distance running and triathlon, to a victory on University Challenge and some Geotech Engineering thrown in for good measure. The very definition of a multi-disciplinary champion, Emma talks candidly about her struggle to retire from pro sports and how her love for the mountains is undying. The former UCI Individual Time Trial world champion and Olympic Silver medalist shares the origin story of her competitive nature, which to Matt’s surprise, involves roast potatoes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices