Bespoke Endurance: Cycling Podcast

This Is Why Your Power Isn’t Improving (It's Not Your Training)

Most cyclists think getting faster means riding more. But what if the real limiter isn’t your training — it's your strength, nutrition, and durability?  In this episode, we sit down with a sports nutrition expert, Dr. Cindy Cassell to break down why power doesn’t equal strength, how metabolism and fueling impact performance, and why cyclists over 35 need to rethink how they train. If you’ve been training harder but not getting faster, struggling with recovery, or feeling like your power doesn’t match your effort — this episode will show you what’s really going on. What You’ll Learn: • Why strength training is critical for cyclists • How nutrition impacts cycling performance and recovery • The truth about low energy availability in cyclists • How to improve cycling durability and fatigue resistance • Why VO2 max declines with age and how to slow it down • How to build power that lasts deep into races and long rides Follow us:  * YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance  * INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_endurance * TIK TOK: @bespokeendurance  * STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307] & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044]  * SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0DPmxYGRCliSWspprQPo6j] * APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191 * IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/ [https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/]

A National Champion Failed a Drug Test — Is Masters Racing Clean?

Is TRT in Masters cycling an unfair advantage? Or is testosterone replacement therapy simply legitimate medical treatment? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most controversial topics in Masters racing: testosterone, doping rules, and whether aging athletes are competing on a level playing field. After a recent failed drug test in the Masters ranks sparked conversation, we step back and ask the bigger questions: • Does natural testosterone decline with age? • What does testosterone actually do for endurance performance? • Why is testosterone banned in competition? • What is testosterone replacement?  • Is Masters cycling clean? We break down how testosterone impacts muscle mass, red blood cell production, recovery, and long-term training capacity. If you’re racing Masters, thinking about racing, or just curious about the TRT debate in endurance sports, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Chapters 1:31 – Training plans 9:00 – Strade Bianchi recap  13:15 – Is Tadej good or bad for Strade Bianchi? 18:53 – VelonCC publishes Tadej's power zones 19:49 – USA road cycling on the decline Follow us:  * YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance  * INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_endurance * TIK TOK: @bespokeendurance  * STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307] & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044]  * SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0DPmxYGRCliSWspprQPo6j] * APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191 * IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/ [https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/]

Is Road Racing in the U.S. Dying? (USA Cycling Data)

Is road racing in the U.S. dying? We break down USA Cycling membership trends, disappearing road races, and the explosion of gravel racing to uncover what’s really happening in American cycling. In this episode, we look at the decline of traditional road racing and criteriums in the U.S., but the rise of gravel. If you're a recreational cyclist or a longtime racer wondering what’s happening to the sport, this episode is for you. For years, riders have said: • Road races are disappearing • Fields are getting smaller • The average racer is getting older But at the same time: • Gravel events are selling out • Crit racing is still strong at it's core  • Zwift racing has exploded • More adults are riding bikes than ever So is road racing actually dying… or just evolving? Follow us:  * YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance  * INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_endurance * TIK TOK: @bespokeendurance  * STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307] & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044]  * SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0DPmxYGRCliSWspprQPo6j] * APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191 * IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/ [https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/]

How much speed is your bike fit or lack thereof costing you?

If you’re serious about getting faster without just buying new gear, this is for you. In this episode, we sit down with Eric Peters, founder of ERG Cycling, to break down what a professional bike fitting actually does — and how details like cleat position, saddle height, crank length, and hip angles can either unlock free speed…or quietly steal watts from you.  If you’ve ever wondered:  - Is a bike fit worth it?  - Are shorter cranks really better?  - How important is cleat placement?  - What is CdA and does it matter?  - Can you fix your position at home? This episode answers all of it. Follow us:  * YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance  * INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_endurance * TIK TOK: @bespokeendurance  * STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307] & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044]  * SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0DPmxYGRCliSWspprQPo6j] * APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191 * IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/ [https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/]

What a Bike Lawyer Says to Do Immediately After a Crash

What should cyclists do immediately after a crash with a car? In this episode of Recreational Rider to Racer, we sit down with Chris Carville, an experienced bike lawyer, to break down exactly what cyclists should (and should NOT) say or do after a crash — and how one small mistake can cost you thousands of dollars. If you ride on the road, this episode is essential. We cover cycling vs cars, cyclist rights on the road, bike insurance, race waivers, medical bills, hit-and-runs, and the #1 mistake cyclists make after getting hit by a car. 🚴‍♂️ In this episode, you’ll learn: * What to do immediately after a bike crash * How cyclist vs car accidents are handled legally * Who usually wins when it’s a cyclist’s word vs a driver’s * What insurance cyclists should actually carry (UMI explained) * Whether bike insurance is worth it — and when it applies * How race waivers really work * What to do after a hit-and-run * How to know when you need a cycling accident lawyer * The rights cyclists already have on the road (but drivers don’t know) This conversation is must-watch for road cyclists, racers, commuters, and anyone riding in traffic. 🎙️ About the Guest Chris Carville has over 20 years of legal experience representing injured clients in Ohio and Kentucky. He has tried cases in both State and Federal courts and argued appeals in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. His approach is simple: put clients first and protect their rights — especially vulnerable road users like cyclists. Follow us:  * YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance  * INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_endurance * TIK TOK: @bespokeendurance  * STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307] & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 [https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044]  * SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0DPmxYGRCliSWspprQPo6j] * APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191 * IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/ [https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/]