An early-season ramble | Episode 6

February 16 | A lull in the early season sees The Cycling Podcast go off-piste and discuss the prospects of Tom Boonen as he prepares for his final spring Classics campaign before his retirement at Paris-Roubaix, reflect on the early retirement of German former wunderkind Gerald Ciolek, and feature a special report on the diabetic team, Novo Nordisk.

We also hear from Mick Bennett, director of the Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour. At the launch of the latter in central London, where the final stage of the Women’s Tour will be held, Bennet tells us about their efforts to extend the race to seven days – a bid thwarted by British Cycling, the governing body. “We’re a bit baffled,” admits Bennett.

The Cycling Podcast is supported by Rapha and Science in Sport.