Sigma Sports presents Matt Stephens Unplugged

Flora Duffy on winning Gold at the Tokyo Olympics

Matt Stephens learns how quickly Flora Duffy’s life changed when she crossed the finish line of the Women’s Triathlon in first place at the Tokyo Olympics. The eerie quiet of a crowdless event helped her focus on her performance, while the wild celebrations in her native Bermuda were taking the roof off her local bar. Matt is also keen to know how Flora’s Mountain Biking skills improve her Triathlon bike handling, what her favourite post-race snack might be, and the Random Question Generator throws out an equine doozy. 

Rouleur Live Special with Pfeiffer Georgi, Rob Hatch and Ian Cleverly

In a special episode recorded at Rouleur Live, Matt Stephens chats to the recently crowned women’s British Road Champion, Team DSM rider Pfeiffer Georgi, about the moment she realised she would take the national jersey home with her. Executive Editor at Rouleur Magazine, Ian Cleverly, drops into the green room unable to contain his excitement at the return of this special event. And Rob Hatch talks to Matt all about the buzz of seeing people with smiles on their faces again, and his Ian Curtis style coat.

50th Episode Special - Reviewing highlights with Perry Ap Gwynedd

Matt Stephens is joined by the guest that kicked off the entire series - Pendulum and Faithless guitarist Perry Ap Gwynedd - as they chat through some of their favourite moments in the first fifty episodes. With highlights from the likes of Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, Bradley Wiggins, Justin Williams, Orla Chennaoui and Mitch Docker - there’s a mix of thought-provoking debate and a huge dash of humour too. But Matt couldn’t visit Perry’s studio without taking the opportunity to record some new theme music for this fresh batch of podcasts.

AJ Bell Women‘s Tour Special with Lizzie Deignan, Tom Varney and Mick Bennett

Defending champion Lizzie Deignan speaks to Matt Stephens about her iconic win at the inaugural Paris Roubaix Femmes, the buzz of riding for Trek-Segafredo with home support and the current status of her hotel biscuits. Also in this AJ Bell Women's Tour special, we hear how Race Organiser Mick Bennett manages to get the most out of his staff using a mix of good humour and motivational appreciation, while the General Manager of team Drops-Lecol supported by TEMPUR, Tom Varney, explains just how important the race is for his team. Brought to you by Sigma Sports, sponsors of the Points Leader’s jersey and retail partner of the AJ Bell Women’s Tour.

AJ Bell Tour Of Britain Special

A Tour of Britain Rider, a rival Directeur Sportif, and the Race Director all walk into a podcast… That’s right, it’s the AJ Bell Tour of Britain special. From the massage table, Arkéa–Samsic rider Connor Swift tells Matt Stephens how it feels to ride the 2021 edition of the race, which has seen unseasonably hot weather. We learn all about Cherie Pridham’s penchants for getting locked out of her hotel room, something the Israel Start-Up Nation’s Director Sportif admits is just a small part of her busy day. And Route Director Andy Hawes gives Matt the lowdown on how he creates the perfect parcours - it helps that he’s one of the most dedicated professionals in the business.

Jake Stewart on being the only British rider on a French team

Jake Stewart tells Matt Stephens how joining the French Groupama–FDJ cycling development team took some getting used to, before making his impressive breakthrough for the WorldTour team in the past year and really feeling part of the family. Question marks are raised around the Coventry quiz, when the legitimacy of a local delicacy is put under scrutiny. And with his recent heroics at the Tokyo Olympics, Jake wants to know why Tom Pidcock won't share a little bit of his talent with the rest of the peloton.

Kristin Armstrong on the Olympics, competition and closure

Kristin Armstrong and Matt Stephens chat about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, and how she is preparing her athletes to compete in the women's Mountain Biking and Team Pursuit cycling events. With three Olympic gold medals to her name as well as two World Championships in Time Trial, Kristin admits she now cares a little too much about her athletes and explains how that competitive feeling never really goes away. Never afraid of a tangent, the duo converse on the themes of time travel, tracksuits and pizza too.

Peter Stetina shares his passion for gravel riding and craft beer

Pete Stetina and Matt Stephens shoot the breeze about gravel, beer, and Boulder. A former World Tour road racer turned Privateer, Pete is now one of the most successful gravel racers in the world, accrediting the switch to gravel grinding as the best career decision of his life. Find out why he loves it so dearly, and how his passion for craft beer is somewhat complementary to the carnival feeling you only get in the American gravel scene. Having come back from a potentially career-ending injury, Pete’s professional focus on returning to health provides a hint toward his ability to suffer, and how that brings him success. There’s a stewards inquiry on the Boulder quiz, and if you’re wondering what Peter would print with a magic printer, you’ve come to the right place.

Nathan Haas on inspiring people to ride bikes

Nathan Haas chats to Matt Stephens from the comfort of his Pod-pod - a room specially modified for podcasting. We hear the Australian’s take on why you can’t compare Cav to Eddie Merckx and why he’s as much of a cycling fan as he is an athlete. Plus, he shares his take on why there have been so many crashes at the opening stages of the 2021 Tour de France. Find out what led the Cofidis rider to admit that he just doesn’t understand cycling anymore, how it’s better for everyone to think you’re stupid and say nothing than to open your mouth and prove it, and how in his fully enjoyable career - timing has been everything.

Russ Ellis on his iconic pro peloton photography

Russ Ellis explains to Matt Stephens that by giving a little, he gained a lot, when a generous gesture to Chris Froome led to a chance of a lifetime; shooting with then Team Sky. Now revered as one of the most talented cycling photographers around, Russ is a regular at the Grand Tours and Spring Classics alike, updating his @cyclingimages Instagram account with frequent masterpieces that capture action and emotion in equal measures. Australian arachnids, octopuses, and exploding pigeons also feature along with the first-ever Mansfield quiz.