Unbound Predictions, Giro Storylines & Vintage Cycling Memories

Unbound 2026 Reactions, Keegan's Wheel Swap & Remembering Andy Bishop

Unbound 2026 is in the books, and we're unpacking one of the wildest editions in race history. From mud-covered drivetrains and chain guide debates to Keegan Swenson's wheel swap and Specialized's impressive results, there's plenty to discuss. We also look at the growing influence of team tactics in gravel racing, Sofia Gomez Villafañe's victory, and what the future of elite gravel competition might look like. Finally, Kurt reflects on the life and career of former professional cyclist Andy Bishop, sharing personal stories from their racing days together.

Unbound Predictions, Giro Storylines & Vintage Cycling Memories

This week on The Service Course Report, the crew dives into Unbound Gravel predictions, Giro d'Italia observations, cycling doppelgängers, and stories from the steel-bike era. From Binda toe straps and broken frames to Roman Bardet's gravel ambitions and Sofia Gomez Villafañe's chances in Emporia, this episode blends cycling history with today's biggest gravel race.

Giro Vibes, Gravel Miles & Russian River Check-Ins

The Giro d’Italia delivers again. Episode 33 covers the raw media energy surrounding the Giro, the rise of behind-the-scenes YouTube coverage from teams like Unibet Rockets, gravel tire trends from Sea Otter, Quick n Dirty MTB racing, and why Ed may officially be converted to e-MTB life after riding Skypark Santa’s Village. KS joins remotely from Russian River ahead of the Ukiah Hopper, while Derin breaks down Schwalbe Thunderbird tire testing and Giro race dynamics. Topics include: * Giro d’Italia coverage and cycling media * Unibet Rockets bus documentary * Schwalbe Thunderbird gravel tires * Sea Otter tire counts * Quick n Dirty MTB racing * E-bike climbing and handling * Campenaerts controversy * Cycling travel stories from Italy and Greece * Pliny the Elder and post-ride culture The Service Course Report — cycling culture from the parking lot to the podium.

Giro Chaos & Cycling’s High-Carb Revolution

The Giro d’Italia finally hits Italy and immediately delivers chaos. Ed, KS, and Derin break down Stage 5’s rain-soaked finale, UAE’s continued crash problems, and Visma’s controversial “back is the new front” strategy. The crew also dives into cycling’s high-carb fueling trend — from Maurten gels to maple syrup packets — debating what actually works for real riders versus the pros. Plus: • La Vuelta Femenina recap • Giro sprint stages and GC tactics • Old-school cycling memories from the 7-Eleven Giro era • Riding all the bikes • Why social rides still matter A mix of race analysis, cycling culture, gear talk, and stories from decades in the sport.

Service Course Report Ep. 31 | Seixas Tour Hype, Giro Preview & BWR California

The Service Course Report crew is back with a Giro-themed episode covering cycling’s next generation, the evolution of training and the future of grand tour racing. Ed Philbrick, Kurt Stockton and Derin Stockton discuss: * Paul Seixas and Tour de France expectations * Giro d’Italia storylines * BWR California and Southern California MTB racing * MTB World Cup downhill action * Tire technology and setup * Mert Lawwill’s legacy New episodes weekly from the trails, races and events shaping cycling culture.