10 Cycling Podcasts Worth Listening To: The Best Ear Companions for Your Commute

Introduction: Why Cyclists Need Podcasts

What do you listen to on long rides? How do you pass the time during a boring commute? Want to absorb cycling knowledge on rest days without staring at a screen? Podcasts are the perfect answer.

Unlike YouTube, which requires your eyes, podcasts only need your ears. You can listen while training on the indoor trainer, while commuting by bike (remember to use bone-conduction headphones to stay alert), or even while maintaining your bike with your hands busy.

This article curates 10 cycling podcasts covering different aspects, from race analysis to training guidance, from equipment reviews to cultural stories, to enrich your cycling life.

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1. The Cycling Podcast

Basic Info

• Language: English
• Frequency: Daily during race season, weekly in the off-season
• Length: 30-60 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Show Introduction

Hosted by former The Times journalist Lionel Birnie, former professional cyclist Richard Moore, and journalist Daniel Friebe. This is one of the most respected cycling podcasts in the English-speaking world, known for in-depth race analysis and excellent storytelling.

Why We Recommend It

• Daily updates during the Tour de France: Like having a group of friends analyze the day’s racing for you every day
• In-depth interviews: Has interviewed nearly every top current and retired rider
• Literary quality: The show’s narrative style feels like listening to a good book
• Friends series: Paid subscription unlocks more exclusive content

Target Audience

Fans who follow the WorldTour and listeners who enjoy in-depth content.

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2. TrainerRoad Podcast (Ask a Cycling Coach)

Basic Info

• Language: English
• Frequency: Weekly
• Length: 90-120 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Show Introduction

Hosted by the TrainerRoad (a well-known indoor training platform) team, focused on “how to make you ride faster.” Each episode answers training questions submitted by listeners and delves into training science.

Why We Recommend It

• Science-based: Cites sports science research to support arguments
• Extremely practical: Every episode offers training advice you can apply immediately
• Listener Q&A: You can submit your own training questions
• Data-driven: Uses TrainerRoad’s massive user data for analysis

Target Audience

Serious amateur riders and cyclists looking to improve their FTP and race performance.

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3. The Move

Basic Info

• Language: English
• Frequency: 2-3 episodes per week during race season
• Length: 45-75 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Show Introduction

Hosted by former professional cyclist Johan Bruyneel (who led multiple teams to Grand Tour victories), analyzing races from the perspective of a team manager and tactician.

Why We Recommend It

• Behind-the-scenes perspective: Stories shared by someone who actually made decisions in top-level racing
• Tactical analysis: Breaks down team tactics, rider positioning, and race strategy
• Historical stories: Plenty of fascinating pro peloton history retrospectives
• Outspoken: Doesn’t shy away from controversial topics

Target Audience

Fans who want a deeper understanding of how the professional peloton operates.

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4. Watts Bazooka (火力全開)

Basic Info

• Language: Chinese
• Frequency: 2-4 episodes per month
• Length: 40-80 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Show Introduction

One of the few Chinese-language podcasts in Taiwan focused on cycling training, discussing power training, FTP improvement, race strategy, and other topics, while inviting local Taiwanese riders and coaches to share their experience.

Why We Recommend It

• Chinese content: Taiwanese riders don’t have to worry about language barriers
• Localized: Discusses Taiwanese races, routes, and training environments
• Professional yet approachable: Discusses professional training topics in a relaxed tone
• Community connection: Frequently interacts with listeners, forming a small community

Target Audience

Serious amateur riders in Taiwan who want to learn training knowledge in Chinese.

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5. Nerd Alert

Basic Info

• Language: English
• Frequency: Weekly
• Length: 60-90 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Show Introduction

Hosted by the editorial team of CyclingTips (now Escape Collective), focused on equipment testing, industry trends, and technical analysis. If you’re a gear nerd, this is your paradise.

Why We Recommend It

• In-depth equipment testing: Doesn’t just tell you if something is good, but explains why
• Industry insights: Analyzes trends and changes in the cycling industry
• Technical science: Deep discussions on aerodynamics, materials science, and geometry design
• Independent perspective: Honest reviews unaffected by brand sponsorship

Target Audience

Gear enthusiasts, tech nerds, and readers who follow the cycling industry.

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6. Velonews Fast Talk

Basic Info

• Language: English
• Frequency: Weekly
• Length: 60-90 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Show Introduction

Produced by VeloNews, host Trevor Connor is joined by various expert guests to delve into sports science, nutrition, recovery, and training methodology.

Why We Recommend It

• Scientific rigor: Every claim is backed by research papers
• Expert lineup: Invites exercise physiologists, nutritionists, coaches, and other experts
• Diverse topics: Covers everything from interval training and nutrition strategies to the psychological aspects
• Pathways series: Connects multiple episodes on specific topics into a complete learning path

Target Audience

Riders and coaches who want to improve performance using scientific methods.

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7. Successful Aging in Cycling

Basic Info

• Language: English
• Frequency: 2-4 episodes per month
• Length: 30-60 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Show Introduction

A podcast designed specifically for riders over 40, discussing how to maintain or even improve cycling performance as you age. Topics include recovery strategies, injury prevention, and changing nutritional needs.

Why We Recommend It

• Unique positioning: Very few podcasts focus on older riders
• Practical advice: Provides specific strategies for the physical changes of 40+ riders
• Positive mindset: Not about “accepting decline,” but “progressing smartly”
• Life balance: Discusses how to balance work, family, and training

Target Audience

Cycling enthusiasts over 40 and the “masters rider” community.

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8. Life in the Peloton

Basic Info

• Language: English
• Frequency: Weekly
• Length: 60-90 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Show Introduction

Hosted by current or recently retired professional riders, sharing the real life of the pro peloton—training camp routines, pre-race nerves, transfer insider details, and injury recovery.

Why We Recommend It

• First-hand experience: Shared by people who actually ride in the “peloton”
• Real stories: Not the media-polished version, but riders’ honest words
• Humanizing: Shows you that pro riders are also ordinary people with emotions
• Entertainment value: The chemistry between riders is often hilarious

Target Audience

All fans who want to see the “behind the scenes” of the professional peloton.

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9. Off the Back Cycling

Basic Info

• Language: English
• Frequency: Weekly
• Length: 45-75 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Show Introduction

A podcast focused on amateur riding culture, covering everything from Gravel Riding and Bikepacking to commuting—the cycling world that’s “not about racing.”

Why We Recommend It

• Highly inclusive: No matter what bike you ride or how fast you go, you’re welcome
• Diverse topics: Covers gravel, touring, commuting, and urban riding
• Sense of community: Creates a warm atmosphere of “we’re all people who love cycling”
• Story-driven: Each episode revolves around an interesting riding story

Target Audience

Recreational riders and people looking to explore different ways of cycling.

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10. 自行車騎行筆記 (Taiwan)

Basic Info

• Language: Chinese
• Frequency: Irregular
• Length: 30-60 minutes
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Show Introduction

A Taiwanese local cycling culture podcast, sharing Taiwan’s riding routes, cycling culture, equipment experiences, and cycling travel stories through relaxed conversation.

Why We Recommend It

• All Chinese: The top choice for Taiwanese listeners
• Local perspective: First-hand sharing of Taiwanese routes, weather, and culture
• Down to earth: Not lofty professional analysis, but cycling chat between friends
• Diverse guests: Invites cyclists from different backgrounds to share their experiences

Target Audience

All cycling enthusiasts in Taiwan.

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Listening Tips: How to Maximize the Value of Podcasts

When to Listen

Timing	Suitable Show Type
Indoor training	Long-form in-depth shows (90+ minutes)
Commuting by bike	Light conversation shows (30-60 minutes)
Maintaining your bike	Equipment and tech shows
Relaxing before bed	Storytelling shows
Running/hiking	Training science shows (listen and think)

Safe Listening Equipment

Safety must come first when listening to podcasts while riding:

• Bone-conduction headphones (recommended: Shokz OpenRun): Don’t block the ear canal, allowing you to hear ambient sounds
• Single-ear Bluetooth earbuds: Keep one ear free to hear traffic
• Handlebar-mounted speakers: Some bike computers have external speaker functionality
• Absolutely avoid: In-ear noise-cancelling headphones (completely isolate ambient sound—extremely dangerous)

Make the Most of Podcast App Features

• 1.2-1.5x playback speed: Saves time; most talk shows remain clear at increased speed
• Skip silence: Automatically skips long pauses
• Chapter markers: Some shows have chapters, making it easy to jump to interesting sections
• Download for offline listening: Download before your ride to avoid using mobile data

Note-Taking and Application

When you hear useful training advice or route recommendations:

• Use your phone’s voice memo to quickly record key points
• Organize them into your training log when you get home
• Share and discuss with riding buddies

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Conclusion: Let Sound Enrich Your Cycling World

Podcasts add an entirely new dimension to cycling. When you’re alone on the trainer spinning the pedals, or repeating familiar routes on your commute, the stories and knowledge coming through your ears make every ride anything but boring.

Pick 2-3 from these 10 recommendations to start with, find the shows that best suit your taste, and let them become an indispensable part of your cycling life. Happy riding, happy learning!

Related Reading

• Cycling Books and Video Recommendations: Must-Read and Must-Watch Lists to Inspire Taiwanese Riders
• Cycling and Music: Should You Wear Headphones While Riding? Balancing Safety and Enjoyment
• Cycling Music Selection: BPM Recommendations for Different Training Intensities
• Urban Commuting by Bike: A Practical Guide and Route Suggestions for Cycling to Work in Taipei