Show Notes
This week on The Domestiques, we’re joined by Australian WorldTour rider Josie Talbot for a chaotic, insightful and occasionally internet-challenged conversation from Girona. We break down a wild Giro d’Italia Women, from Lorena Wiebes’ bike-weight disqualification to Demi Vollering’s final-stage heist, Anna van der Breggen’s heartbreak, Elisa Longo Borghini’s home victory, and the continued rise of Antonia Niedermaier, Celia Gery and Lauren Dickson. Josie gives us a rare look inside the women’s peloton, including her shift from sprint-focused rider to climbing domestique, life at Jayco AlUla, the rising level of women’s racing, safety in the bunch, Tour de France selection, Worlds ambitions, time trialling, altitude camps, and why doing a job for someone else is still an art form. Plus, Hollywood reviews Sydney, Marco wins Bendigo, Luke Tuckwell gets a shoutout, Talia Appleton takes a win, and we ask the big questions: is erg mode good, is Melbourne better than Sydney, and can we crowdfund Josie better internet?
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Matilda takes a well-earned breather, leaving Mark O'Brien and Lee with the keys to the zoo. Lee recounts Around the Bay and a puncture saga, while Mark tells the story of Harry Leask putting the bunch under pressure at Glenvale. The pair look ahead to the Tour of Bright and Gravelista, debate why big participation rides don't always translate into race entries, and weigh up Mark's next World Championships adventure. There's also a wrap of the international season and a little speculation about who might turn up for the Australian summer.
Fresh from the Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Marko O'Brien joins Tils to unpack the race from inside the front group: relentless climbs, huge efforts, a crash into the bush and the long fight to the finish. Tils brings the view from the commentary box as they discuss Marianne Vos's victory, Tiffany Cromwell's attacking ride and Magnus Bak Klaris's surprise men's title. Hollywood Lee Turner arrives late with his own version of events, before the conversation turns to Paul Seixas at Il Lombardia, a big weekend of endurance sport and the latest Australian cycling news. Powered by Black Sheep Cycling.
Powered by Black Sheep. Use code DOMESTIQUES for 20% off. Gravel Worlds is coming to Nannup, and Tasman Nankervis joins Matilda Reynolds and Mark O'Brien to break down the course from a racer's perspective. From the fight onto the first gravel sector to Brockman's climb, slippery descents and the punishing final loop, the crew explain where the race could be won, and where it could unravel. Tasman shares the lost-bike adventure behind his SEVEN victory and his return from a kangaroo crash. Marko talks taper nerves, tyre choices and taking on the world's best, while Tils reports from Western Australia. Plus, the contenders, trade teams versus national teams, practical race-week advice and a quick European road championships debrief.
Brandon McNulty lands the rainbow jersey, Demi Vollering wins a thriller and Michael “Bling” Matthews makes Hollywood eat his words. Matilda Reynolds, Mark O’Brien and Lee “Hollywood” Turner unpack a gripping Road Worlds in Montréal: the USA’s teamwork, the chase that stalled, the women’s tactical battle and the questions that remain over Australia’s team selection. Plus, the next generation makes its mark, race radios divide opinion, and Marko reveals how his Gravel Worlds preparation is tracking ahead of Nannup. Tils shares a moving roadside encounter with a listener, and the team looks ahead to Black Sheep’s tenth-anniversary Man Ride. Powered by Black Sheep Cycling. Use code DOMESTIQUES for 20% off Black Sheep Cycling.
Australia’s Worlds team has given The Domestiques plenty to debate. Matilda Reynolds, Mark O’Brien and Lee Turner unpack the selections, question the omissions of Luke Plapp and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, and look at the opportunities for Australia’s younger riders. Then it’s time to pick the rainbow jerseys. The crew weigh up the women’s favourites, debate the tactics that could decide the men’s race in Montréal and make their podium predictions. Plus, a Vuelta debrief, Marko’s Gravel Worlds training, Lee’s Around the Bay preparation and a salute to everyone who rode Amy’s Gran Fondo. Powered by Black Sheep Cycling. Use code DOMESTIQUES for 20% off Black Sheep Cycling.