After nearly 9 days and 4,000 kilometers, Bruno Wicht takes a dramatic win in Amerongen, overtaking Adam Bialek in the final stretch of the race. I unpack how the lead changed hands overnight, what happened in the race for third, and how the women’s field is shaping up near Refuge 2. Also in this episode: soggy riders, scratched pairs, and what it …

With just 500km to go, the men’s race is tighter than ever. Bruno Wicht is clawing back hours on leader Adam Bialek, the battle for third place is heating up, and riders are pulling bold moves as they chase the final gates. In the women’s field, Gosia is bouncing back from illness while riders fight through brutal rain and fatigue. We also check in…

As the VIA Race crosses the one-week mark, the front of the field is on fire. Bruno Wicht reels in Adam Bialek with a furious chase through the Vosges, only to sleep through his chance to strike. Meanwhile, the battle for third becomes a tactical chess match between Jakub Tomasik and a surging Lucas Becker. Weather turns foul, routes diverge, and i…

As the VIA Race pushes into its second week, the front of the pack barrels into Switzerland, with strategy, exhaustion, and unexpected detours shaking things up. Adam Bialek makes his move through the night to St. Gallen, Bruno Wicht battles headwinds and phone trouble, and the women’s race is reset in the early hours after a surprise rendezvous in…

On Day 6 of the VIA Race, Adam Bialek breaks away with a monster move through Austria into Germany, and Bruno Wicht… sleeps through it. I break down how a one-hour gap exploded into eight, what it means for the chasing pack, and a major shakeup in the women’s race as Gosia Warelich surges ahead while Joanna Rumińska-Pietrzyk hits pause. Plus, Julia…

Day 5 of the VIA Race brings altitude, attitude, and a flurry of strategic gambles. Riders face the Kühtai climb and beyond, choosing between the classic Brenner Pass or the brutal beauty of Timmelsjoch — shifting the race’s highest point entirely. Some head straight to Refuge 1 for warmth, food, and precious charging time, while others roll the di…

The race hits new heights, literally. As riders leave the flats behind and enter the mighty Alps. Bruno Wicht and Adam Bialek charge up the Kühtai climb toward Gate 7, with Bruno taking the lead by just under an hour. But it’s still anyone’s game at the front, with relentless climbs, freezing temps, and only short snatches of sleep. The women’s rac…

Day 3 and the mountains aren't done with us yet From late-night climbs up Sella di Leonessa to slippery descents and hard choices in Umbria, the riders are pushing through one of the most challenging stretches of the route so far. Some made it to Gate 2—others are still grinding their way there. In this episode, we hear: 🌧 James powering through a …

Day 2. Bruno Wicht hit Campo Imperatore before 6am on 15 minutes of sleep. Gosia and Joanna lost their brakes but found a mechanic on a sleepy Italian Sunday. Enrico Halix is cruising the course with his velomobile. And yes, someone got bitten by a dog but kept riding. Plus, I caught up with VIA founder Ian To, media team wizard Francesco, and co-f…

Welcome back to Zone2Speak! I’m Juliana, reporting from the road as the incredible adventure of the VIA Race kicks off. It’s Day 1, and after a lively registration day in Giovinazzo, 120+ riders rolled out just after 8 a.m. — a bit later than planned, thanks to some very Italian policing and cappuccino logistics (can’t blame them, really). Today’s …

Welcome to Zone2Speak – I’m Juliana, and this time, I’m not just talking about endurance, I’m living it. In this special series, I’m bringing you on the road with the VIA Race, a 4,000-kilometer self-supported ultra-cycling odyssey from southern Italy to the Netherlands. It’s not just a race, it’s a modern epic, inspired by the journeys of ancient …

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I dive into the inspiring story of gravel racing powerhouse, Carolin Schiff. From facing significant challenges and nearly stepping away from the sport, Carolin's journey is one of resilience and triumph. Hear how she transitioned from road cycling to becoming one of the most formidable forces in gravel racing. Explor…

In this episode of Zone2Speak, join me as I delve into the exciting world of ultra cycling with Ian and Ingenborg, the innovative brains behind VIA Race. Discover the unique challenges and inspirations that led to the creation of this exhilarating 4,000-kilometer unsupported ultra-cycling event across Europe. Explore the distinctive aspects that se…

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I sit down with the incredible Mayalen Noriega, World Champion cyclist, Paralympic silver medalist, Guinness World Record holder, and industrial engineer. Maya shares her multifaceted journey through sport and life, from elite-level competition to the personal challenges that shaped her resilience and mindset. We talk…

Welcome to Zone2Speak, where I explore the inspiring journey of Djura Leon, a vibrant presence in the cycling community. In this episode, Djura shares her passion for cycling, both indoors and outdoors, embracing it as a lifestyle rather than a goal-driven activity. Discover how Djura, at the age of 53, balances her role as a dental assistant with …

Welcome back to Zone2Speak, the podcast that shares stories about the world of cycling. At just 19, Vedangi Kulkarni became the youngest woman to cycle around the world, riding solo across 14 countries and 29,000 kilometers — and she hasn’t slowed down since. In this episode of Zone2Speak, Vedangi shares the story behind that first wild ride and wh…

In this inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, I sitdown with Gabriela Guerra, a Brazilian endurance athlete and 2024 UCI Esports Vice World Champion. I explore her journey from discovering cycling after multiple sports-related injuries to becoming a leading figure in the eCycling scene. Gabriela shares insights into the dedication needed to excel at the…

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I go behind the scenes of the gravel racing world with one of its most beloved figures: Wayne Smith, aka @bigtallwayne. As Peter Stetina’s trusted mechanic and a fixture at some of the world’s biggest off-road events, Wayne brings unmatched expertise, humor, and heart to everything he does. We dive into the high-stake…

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I dive deep into a captivating conversation with Guillermo, the co-founder of Down the Road, a progressive cycling brand. Discover his inspiring journey from Costa Rica, Shanghai, Kiev, and then to Spain, shaping a brand that intertwines minimalist design with a deep-rooted love for cycling culture. Learn about the ch…

Join me in this inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, featuring a deep dive into the life and journey of Chris Hall, a cyclist who has turned his passion into a purpose-driven platform. Chris shares his candid experiences of emotional highs and lows, his transition from a rigid architecture career to a fulfilling life on two wheels. Discover how Chris u…

Welcome back to Zone2Speak! In this episode, I sit down with Larissa Tanner and Simona Lucca, renowned Swiss champions in artistic cycling, and we go inside the world of Artistic Cycling. They share their incredible journey to the top, balancing physical demands with breathtaking artistry. Get insights into their training routines, challenges they …

What does it take to cycle the entire length of the UK and back — 2,700km in just over five days? For Dr. Sarah Ruggins, it took more than legs of steel. It took vision, grit, and the unshakeable will to turn personal adversity into purpose. In this powerful episode of Zone2Speak, I sit down with Sarah fresh off her record-breaking LEJOGLEJOG ride.…

Join me in this inspiring episode as I chat with Elle Linton, a dynamic fitness professional, passionate cycling advocate, and creator of the empowering platform Keep it simpElle. Elle shares her incredible journey in the world of fitness and cycling, discussing everything from painful beginnings to joyful rediscoveries. Her story unveils the impor…

In this episode of the Zone2Speak podcast, host Juliana sits down with Colin Strickland, a renowned gravel cyclist, to explore the profound transformations and challenges he has faced in recent years. Known for his incredible endurance and iconic victories, Colin shares how his life took an unexpected turn following a personal tragedy that thrust h…

Welcome to the latest episode of Zone2Speak, where we dive into the inspiring story of Morgan Aguirre, a remarkable cyclist who transformed from a casual rider to a formidable force in international gravel racing. In a candid conversation, Morgan shares her unique journey that began in 2019 with a rented bike, motivated by a personal breakup, and e…

Join me in this heartfelt episode as I dive into the inspiring journey of Kevin Conley Jr., a wildland firefighter turned author and long-distance cyclist. Known online as Backcountry Ninjas, Kevin opens up about his darkest moments, including a suicide attempt, and how the simple act of riding a bike became his path to healing. Kevin’s story is on…

Gear Talk is back for Round 3! In this latest edition of Zone2Speak, I’m joined once again by cycling tech journalist and gear expert Aaron Borrill for a no-nonsense dive into what’s working—and what’s just hype—in the world of cycling tech. We cover: Smart pumps: Are they worth it? Layering for unpredictable rides (and affordable kit that performs…

In this inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, I sit down with Kathryn Taylor—the force behind Girls Gone Gravel. As a gravel cyclist, community builder, and passionate advocate for women in the sport, Kathryn has been instrumental in creating space for women to explore, grow, and thrive on two wheels. We talk about the origins of Girls Gone Gravel, how …

Join me in this episode of the Zone2Speak as I delve into the incredible journey of Sofiane Sehili, an ultra-cyclist renowned for his unparalleled endurance and determination. Discover how Sofiane's early days as a bike messenger in Paris set the foundation for his remarkable transition into ultra-cycling racing. From his adventurous explorations i…

Welcome to Zone2Speak! In this engaging episode, I dive into the fascinating world of cycling with Sophie de Boer, a former professional cyclist who has left a significant mark in the cyclocross scene and beyond. Join me as I explore Sophie's inspiring journey from dominating World Cup events to a transformative transition into motherhood and coach…

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, host Juliana welcomes Kai Luan, a four-time U.S. Paracycling national champion whose journey embodies resilience and determination. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma during his junior year of high school, Kai underwent a right-below-knee amputation but remarkably returned to competitive sports. Initia…

Join me in this inspiring episode of Zone2Speak as I sit down with Ana Vitória Magalhães, a pioneering figure in the world of professional cycling. Known as Tota, she shares her remarkable journey from playing football (soccer) in Brazil to becoming a trailblazer in the European cycling circuit. Tota delves into how she transitioned from football t…

In this captivating episode of Zone2Speak, join host Juliana as she engages in an inspiring conversation with Thomas Edward, a 78-year-old endurance athlete who is breaking the stereotypes of aging. Thomas, a multiple Ironman 70.3 and World Championship finisher, shares his astonishing journey of athletic perseverance, demonstrating that age is tru…

Welcome to the latest episode of Zone2Speak! Join me as I explore the world of elite cycling with John Wakefield, the Managing Director of Science to Sport and Director of Development at Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe. John shares his experiences with top athletes and discusses what it takes to develop young riders into champions, including his time worki…

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I sit down with cyclist, community builder, and women's advocate Laura King for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation about balancing elite performance with real life. We dive into Laura’s unique journey—racing Ironman triathlons, helping shape the gravel scene through Rooted Vermont, and most recently, redefini…

In this enlightening episode of Zone2Speak, host Juliana is joined by Dr. William Murrell, a pioneering sports medicine orthopedic surgeon dedicated to revolutionizing global healthcare. Together, they delve into the world of regenerative medicine and its transformative impact on cycling, athletic performance, and recovery. Dr. Murrell shares his i…

Welcome back to another Gear Talk edition of Zone2Speak! In this episode, host Juliana is joined once again by cycling journalist and Off-Road.cc editor Aaron Borrill for a deep dive into the latest innovations and trends shaking up the cycling world. From the future of 3D-printed saddles to the solar-powered Garmin 1040 and the evolution of wider …

Join us in this exciting episode of Zone2Speak as host Juliana interviews George Sales, an ultra-endurance cyclist who took on the challenging Atlas Mountain Race in Morocco, all while adhering to a vegan diet. Explore George's inspiring story of resilience, strategy, and overcoming harsh conditions in a 1,300-kilometer self-supported race. Discove…

In this episode of Zone2Speak, host Juliana welcomes professional cyclist Haley Smith, who shares her incredible journey through the grueling 2025 Absa Cape Epic race. Known for her impressive career, including representing Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Haley opens up about the challenges and triumphs of one of the toughest multi-stage mountai…

Welcome to an inspiring episode of Zone2Speak, where I delve into the world of untra-endurance cycling with our remarkable guest, Flavinha Camargo. Known for her holistic approach to cycling, Flavinha's journey is one of connection, exploration, and personal growth. In this episode, we explore the highs and lows of long-distance rides, as Flavinha …

In this episode of Zone2Speak, host Juliana welcomes Svenja Betz, a renowned figure in gravel racing, to chat about her incredible journey and achievements in the sport. Listeners will discover how Svenja transitioned from road cycling to the exciting world of gravel, overcoming challenges and embracing the welcoming community. Learn about Svenja's…

Join the inaugural episode of an exciting new series on Zone2Speak as we explore the world of cycling gear. In this episode, host Juliana sits down with Aaron Borrill, a seasoned cycling journalist and expert. Together, they delve into honest product reviews, expert opinions, and intriguing stories from the cycling world. Aaron shares his journey i…

In this episode, Zone2Speak welcomes Josh Brandwene, a passionate cycling coach specializing in climbing. Dive into the art and science behind mastering climbs, from understanding zone 2 training and lactate clearing to the gear essentials needed for high-altitude rides. Explore the key techniques to enhance your climbing efficiency and hear fascin…

Welcome to this empowering episode of Zone2Speak, where I delve into the extraordinary journey of Florence Nakagwa, Uganda's trailblazing female cyclist. Florence's story is a testament to resilience and determination, starting from cycling 50 kilometers daily during the pandemic to support her grandparents, to rising as Uganda's National Road Cham…

In this episode of Zone2Speak, Juliana dives into the thrilling world of gravel racing with special guest Peter Stetina, a former World Tour Pro who was the first to forge a path in the gravel cycling scene. Stetina shares his inspiring transition from road racing, including competing in the Tour de France, to embracing the freedom and grit of grav…

In this captivating episode of Zone2Speak, Juliana welcomes the talented Eleanor Moseman, a photographer, storyteller, and adventurer. Eleanor shares her incredible journey of solo cycling across Asia, covering over 15,000 miles through seven countries. Listen as she explores the intersection of art, culture, and adventure, offering unique insights…

Welcome to Zone2Speak! Join me for a conversation with the extraordinary athlete, Jason Osborne. In this episode, we explore Jason's remarkable transition from Olympic rower to WorldTour road cyclist, and ultimately, world champion in e-sports cycling. Dive into his journey as he shares his motivation, unique experiences, and perspectives on the fu…

Welcome to another episode of Zone2Speak! Today, I am joined by Tanja Stroschneider, an accomplished Austrian triathlete and a passionate advocate for sustainable health and nutrition. Tanja, a vice-national champion, has excelled in both sprint distance triathlons and the Ironman 70.3 series, inspiring many with her journey of resilience and trium…

In this episode of Zone2Speak, Juliana welcomes Sherry Cardona, an extraordinary cyclist and endurance athlete renowned for her incredible feats in ultra cycling. Sherry shares her remarkable journey from starting cycling in the Netherlands during the pandemic to conquering some of the most challenging races, such as Badlands and the Transcontinent…

Welcome to Zone2Speak! I am honored to host Sonya Looney, a pioneering professional mountain biker, world champion, entrepreneur, mom, and inspiring podcaster. Join us as we delve into Sonia's thrilling journey from conquering grueling bike races to mastering the art of multitasking with her family and career. Sonya shares her wealth of experience,…