Show Notes
Cyclist Kylee Hanel joins the Bonk Babes to talk about her rise from local racing to competing across road, gravel, and mountain biking—and how racing multiple disciplines has helped shape her into a smarter, more well-rounded athlete. Kylie shares how she first got into cycling, the rapid progression she’s made through structured training and coaching, and why top-end power, handling skills, and race tactics have become major focuses in her development. She breaks down the differences between racing road, gravel, and mountain bikes, from navigating group dynamics and making tactical decisions to staying confident when lining up against some of the best riders in the sport. The conversation also dives into the mental side of racing, managing expectations, learning from every start line, and why a little nervousness can actually be a good thing. Kylie shares how family support has influenced her journey, what keeps training fun, and the goals she’s chasing heading into the upcoming season and Grand Prix. In this episode:
How Kylie got started in cycling
Transitioning between road, gravel, and mountain biking
Building top-end power and endurance
Why race tactics and group dynamics matter
Developing better handling and bike-control skills
Racing with confidence while managing expectations
The value of structured coaching and consistent training
How racing different disciplines makes you a better cyclist
Family support and staying motivated
Kylie’s goals for the upcoming season and Grand Prix
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kylie Hanel and her cycling background01:59 How Kylie got into cycling03:57 Racing and results in 202605:58 Transitioning from road to gravel and mountain biking07:57 Training top-end strength and endurance09:59 Coaching and structured training12:04 Race tactics and group dynamics13:57 Handling skills and technical riding16:03 Balancing multiple disciplines18:00 Goals for the upcoming season and Grand Prix19:56 Mindset, nerves, and expectations21:55 Family support and motivation23:53 Racing lessons and what’s next
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Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes. Find us on the socials: Bonk Babes - IG - @bonkbabespodcast Grace Washburn - IG - @gracewashburn Danni Shrosbree - IG - @danni_shrosbree Esma Taylor - IG - @_esmataylor Like what you hear? Help us keep the pod going by supporting our sponsors!! (See the most recent video upload for most up-to-date codes & deals) ROAD ID This episode is brought to you by Road iD—simple, durable ID gear designed to keep you safe and give you peace of mind on every ride or run. Built from a real-life close call, Road iD helps ensure first responders have the info they need when it matters most. Use code BonkBabes15 for 15% off your order. roadid.com/bonkbabes BIKE TIRES DIRECT If you listen to the Bonk Bros, you know that they're big fans of both of our shows and we're so grateful for their support. Need something bike related? They've got it all. Head to Biketiresdirect.com/bonkbabes to get 10% off your order. TRAINING PEAKS Train with purpose so you’re ready for your endurance events and adventures. Train indoors on TrainingPeaks Virtual in high-energy immersive environments with real-world physics.
Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes.
Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes.
Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes.
Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes. Find us on the socials: Bonk Babes - IG - @bonkbabespodcast Grace Washburn - IG - @gracewashburn Danni Shrosbree - IG - @danni_shrosbree Esma Taylor - IG - @_esmataylor Like what you hear? Help us keep the pod going by supporting our sponsors!! (See the most recent video upload for most up-to-date codes & deals) ROAD ID This episode is brought to you by Road iD—simple, durable ID gear designed to keep you safe and give you peace of mind on every ride or run. Built from a real-life close call, Road iD helps ensure first responders have the info they need when it matters most. Use code BonkBabes15 for 15% off your order. roadid.com/bonkbabes BIKE TIRES DIRECT If you listen to the Bonk Bros, you know that they're big fans of both of our shows and we're so grateful for their support. Need something bike related, they've got it all. Head to BiketiresDirect.com and use code BONKBABES in all caps to get 10% off your order. TRAINING PEAKS Train with purpose so you’re ready for your endurance events and adventures. Train indoors on TrainingPeaks Virtual in high-energy immersive environments with real-world physics. In this episode, hosts discuss the complexities of international travel for athletes, race organization issues, and the state of gravel cycling, including race logistics, federation support, and industry insights.