Sigma Sports presents Matt Stephens Unplugged

Rob Hatch is an ordinary man behind an extraordinary voice

Matt Stephens and Rob Hatch discuss the immense privilege they feel to have the opportunity to commentate on professional cycling for a living. While there might be a lot of ego in the business, Rob’s down-to-earth approach to life is refreshing and his mantra of "be nice to people" is something we can all learn from. With funny stories from behind the microphone, like when the fog at the 2021 Giro d’Italia meant he had to commentate without any pictures, this is a refreshing chat between two great friends. But how well does Rob know fellow Accringtonian Mystic Meg’s racehorse business?

Ella Harris from Zwift Academy Champion to Mont Ventoux Challenger

Matt Stephens welcomes proud Kiwi Ella Harris to the podcast in this turbo-charged chat about how much her life has changed since winning the 2018 Zwift Academy, which earned her a pro contract with Canyon SRAM. Comparing her riding style to an all-wheel-drive with a diesel engine, Ella can do everything but sprint. That’s when she’s fit, of course. Recovering from surgery at the time of recording, Ella was looking forward to her return to racing at the Mont Ventoux Challenge. But does she know the price of Kimchi Eggs on Sourdough in her local café, did she really invent the spatula, and will her hometown of Dunedin ever acknowledge her as their unofficial ambassador? 

Ben Turner on changing his attitude to have more fun racing

Matt Stephens and Ben Turner talk about his impressive first season with team INEOS Grenadiers, with his performance at Paris Roubaix a real highlight. Recorded in the lead-up to the British National Championships in June 2022, Ben’s dedication is evident from his preparation for that race, which would become another highlight of his season. But can he beat his good friend Connor Swift’s score in the Doncaster quiz? 

Tour De France Femmes Avec Zwift 2022 Special - A pivotal moment in cycling history is unfolding before our eyes

At the midpoint of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2022, Matt Stephens chats to Hannah Walker on the ground at the race. With every rider relishing the chance to be a part of history, it’s clear that we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in cycling. Then, with commercial sponsorship an increasingly essential component to race organisation, Matt speaks to Hollie Weatherstone of Muc-Off, who spearheaded a campaign to help charities support more women on bikes all around the world.

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 16 to 21 - Vingegaard crowned champion and Pogacar hits the decks

Looking back at the Tour de France 2022, Matt Stephens reckons it was one of the most memorable editions of all time. Not just for the breathtaking bike racing, but for all the wonderful sights and experiences he shares with us on this podcast. In this episode, we hear about the dog that sneezed mid-kiss, a nun gets kidnapped very briefly, and Bradley Wiggins suffers the after-effects of consuming too many yoghurt drinks. Matt also looks forward to what the future holds for the sporting pair, Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar, who both gained so many fans this season.

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 10 to 15 - Pidcock’s Alpe d’Huez victory makes Matt emotional

The second week of racing at the 2022 Tour de France was nothing short of breathtaking for so many reasons. From Jonas Vingegaard’s race-changing attack to Tom Pidcock’s Tour debut heroics, there’s so much for Matt Stephens to dissect. As usual, Matt has been recording his highlights throughout his time on the ground, including an in-car invasion from the Dutch Corner fans and a close call with an olive oil sample sachet fired from a caravan canon. Matt also looks forward to the final six stages of Le Tour, making some changes to his fantasy team to try and get them further up the leaderboard.

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 4 to 9 - Cobbles, Hills, Mountains and Mitch Docker

From the cobbled flatlands of Flanders to the mixed surface mountain top finish of La Super Planche des Belle Filles, the first full week of the Tour de France did not disappoint. Matt Stephens has been to every stage and brings us his personal highlights. From getting Mitch Docker’s opinion on the Belgian fans to clearing out a supermarket of yoghurt drinks with Bradley Wiggins, there’s never a dull moment on this epic edition of the Tour de France Unplugged. Matt looks back at the racing too, and offers some hot tips for your Fantasy Tour de France team as the race heads into the Alps.

Tour De France Unplugged Stages 1 to 3 - From Denmark with Love

From the heart of the Tour De France 2022, Matt Stephens looks back at the opening three stages in Denmark and takes us behind the scenes as he soaks up the atmosphere in Copenhagen. Matt shares his highlights so far with Geraint Thomas’ gilet, Bernie Eisel’s massive box of fries and Dylan Groenewegen’s tears all featuring, there’s something for everyone. But how are his team faring in the fantasy tour de france league?

Tour de France Unplugged - Preview and Fantasy Team Selection

A brand new series of special episodes following Matt Stephens around the 2022 Tour de France. With the first stage in Copenhagen just around the corner, Matt shares his favourite moments of the Tour from days gone by and looks forward to what should be a sensational three weeks of racing. Matt chooses his Fantasy Tour de France team on air, and there are some real surprises in his selection. To join his league and get involved, head to sigmasports.com/podcast.

Giro Unplugged Stages 16 to 21 - Bellisimo Giro di Hindley, mate

Matt Stephens joins us from behind the scenes of the Giro d’Italia 2022, in this the fourth and final podcast in this special series. Rarely has a Grand Tour left it so late to be decided, Jai Hindley can put the ghosts of 2020 to rest and the Australian can take home that Maglia Rosa for keeps. Matt reflects on the final six stages of this wonderful race picking out his highlights and key moments that will live long in his memory.