The Wheelhouse Cycling Podcast with Kate and Joel

The Summer of cycling has begun, and Kate Bates and Henk Vogel’s are on the ground in Perth for the 2025 Aussie National Road Champs.They chat:* What’s the story on Luke Durbridge missing the turn?* Lucas Plapp wins with a broken bone* Record crowds at the criterium* Sam Welsford gives the fans what they want* The road race course is a cracker - who does it suit?* Is Perth the perfect spot for Aussie Nationals?
* And Peter Sagan's surprise new project 

Get ready for a jam-packed episode of The Wheelhouse Cycling Podcast! This week, Kate, Henk and Merckxy dive into the latest cycling stories and controversies, proving there’s no such thing as an off-season. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
Matthew Richardson’s Lifetime Ban
Is Strava The New Scouting Tool?
Is Remco Evenepoel changing disciplines
Cycling Royalty at the Tour Down Under
Blackline Track League Coming to Brisbane
Christmas Trees and Cycling Lanes
Join us for the chat, some laughs, and everything you love about cycling. 
Don’t forget to visit bikebug.com/wheelhouse for your chance to win a Styrkr nutrition pack!
 
Keywords:
Cycling podcast, Matthew Richardson ban, Strava cycling, Remco Evenepoel, Tour Down Under, Geraint Thomas, Anna Meares, Blackline Track League, Brisbane cycling, Christmas tree cycling lane, bike decorations, Aussie cycling events, Katherine Bates, Henk Vogels, Merckxy 

Katherine Bates, Joel Spreadborough, and Merckxy are back with this week’s hottest cycling stories.
Here’s the lineup:
The retiring class of 2024: From Mark Cavendish to Grace Brown, Thomas De Gendt to Rachel Neylan, how have they left their mark on cycling.
Tour de France Femmes Drama: Kasia Vs Demi—an epic race and a frosty finish.
Bendigo Madison Cancelled: What happened to this Aussie classic?
BikeBug Giveaway: Win a $17,500 Colnago and check out STRYKER, the latest in on-bike fuel.
Murarrie Cycle Park Opens: Brisbane’s $35M cycling hub launches Friday—game-changer for Aussie cycling and an early Olympic legacy
All the big stories, plenty of laughs, and a few surprises—don’t miss this week’s ride with The Wheelhouse!https://www.bikebug.com/

This week on The Wheelhouse Cycling Podcast, Kate Bates, Henk Vogels, and Merckxy dive headfirst into the hottest topics in cycling:
· NSW bids farewell to track cycling – We break down the surprising decision and its potential impact on the sport.· Gravel bike goals – Find out how you could win a $17,500 Colnago dream machine.· Dirty Warny delivers again – Highlights from another action-packed year.· Cavendish calls it a day (again!) – Did the Manx Missile leave at the perfect time, and would he dominate in today’s peloton?·Carbon Monoxide rebreathing – Legit training hack or overhyped myth?· Remco goes viral – The TikTok antics of cycling’s newest social media star.· Big contracts, fresh signatures – Who’s moving where as the transfer season heats up?Grab a coffee, clip in, and join us for an unmissable episode packed with insider insights, hot takes, and a touch of banter.
Don't forget to head to www.bikebug.com for some HUGE Black Friday deals, spend $149.99 or more on Shimano, Lazer and Pro to go into the draw to win the incredible Colnago C68 Gravel Bike - and sign up at bikebug.com/wheelhouse to go into the draw for a Styrkr bundle pack.
Ts&C's apply.

Henk Vogels joins Kate and Merckxy in Studio B today for a very relaxed chat about:
 
Pogacar signs an historic (MASSIVE!) contract with Team UAE 
Remco rejects big dollars for Belgium
Is it time for a salary cap in World Tour racing?
What's going on at Team Ineos?
Lotte Kopecky eyes off the Tour de France yellow jersey!
Bikebug is about to kick off their epic Black Friday sales.
www.bikebug.com
 

Katey Bates & Henk Vogels join Joel Spreadborough in the Wheelhouse Bunker with Merckxy behind the controls for one wild show! This week:
Tour de France 2025 - a very French affair
TDF Femme 2025 - an extra day and a lot of climbing for the ladies
Where’s Demi going?
The latest with ProVelo Super League
Wout IS the squirrel
Merckxy found Henks nudes…..

In this packed episode, Katherine Bates, Joel Spreadborough and Henk Vogels are joined by Merckxy to cover the biggest news and stories from this week in cycling.
Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast ride to Cure Cancer: Our rough ride experience, but all for a great cause
Gerry Ryan’s Legacy: The cycling philanthropist is inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Heartbreaking News from Chris Hoy: A look at the personal challenges faced by the legendary track cyclist and his family.
Bowral Classic Cancelled: What went wrong? 
Comm Games Controversy: Why road cycling and mountain biking were cut from the 2026 Commonwealth Games and what it means for the sport.
SD Worx in Transition: Key leadership changes for the women’s team—a Dr in psychology comes into the fray.
2024 UCI Track World Championships: Highlights from Denmark's golden performances and Australia’s showing.
Cadel Evans Races Confirmed: Two exciting races on the Surf Coast— what it means for the world tour riders.
Tune in as we break down the latest and greatest in the world of cycling!
As always it's all thanks to the legends at BikeBug! www.bikebug.com
Find out more about Sisters of the Saddle at www.sistersofthesaddle.com
 

Henk Vogels joins Kate and Merckxy in The Bunker this week chewing the fat about:
 
* Are Gravel Worlds gravelly enough ?
* Should roadies even be racing there?
* Sir Cav's final race ever as he graces the Cover of Vanity Fair magazine
* Lombardia this weekend
* Blackline Track League kicks off in Sydney
* Whacky cycling records 
PLUS -  in a World Exclusive Henk reveals all about his fully nude photo shoot.
 
As always it's with thanks to the legends at BikeBug!
 
www.bikebug.com
 

Roads Worlds are done for 2024 and Kate, Joel and Merckxy cover:
Is Pogacar now the GOAT? Eddie Merckx says yes - kind of…
How did Tadej not get caught?
Ben O’Connor says “hold my beer” at worlds and kicks arse!
Should MVDP have been disqualified in Zurich?
Lotte makes it two in a row 
Demi and the Dutch demoralised
Grace, Neve and Ruby rock
Gravel’s time to shine
Brissy snares UCI Track Worlds
Winners galore thanks to BikeBug 
www.bikebug.com

Welcome back! After some well-deserved international travel, Joel, Katey Henk Vogels  and Merckxy reunite in the Wheelhouse bunker. They share their recent travel stories, with Henk detailing the extreme heat conditions faced during races in China, including extreme temperature protocols and the challenges riders faced.
The team also discusses the upcoming World Championships in Zurich, with insights into key contenders like Pogacar, Van der Poel, and Michael Matthews. They delve into the dynamics of national teams versus trade teams and highlight the potential for history-making performances from riders like Demi Vollering and Lotte Kopecky.
Kate shares her experience at Amy's Gran Fondo, discussing the evolving nature of the race and the spirit of having pace partners. The team also talks about the importance of the World Championships, the dynamics of time trials, and Grace Brown's quest for the rainbow jersey.
Additionally, the episode covers young Australian talents making their mark, contract updates, and the excitement around the Tour de France starting in Britain in 2027. The team also highlights the inspiring journey of Lachie Morton and the incredible achievement of Lael Wilcox, who cycled around the world.
Join us for an engaging and insightful episode as we traverse the world of cycling, from extreme heat races to championship previews and inspiring long-distance feats.