Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast

This is the information you need, from Canadian riders, before the world championships.
Just ahead of the road cycling world championships in Montreal, four elite Canadian riders on the men’s squad spoke about what they’d face. All of them discussed what home-road advantage could mean.
Derek Gee-West says he had images of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal shaping his perception of the world championships, but as the days draw nearer to worlds, Gee-West is appreciating just how big the weeklong event is going to be.
Pier-André Côté is looking to balance the focus required for racing against the best in the world and enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with worlds in his home province.
Nickolas Zukowsky thinks it’s a different style of rider who can win the world championship road race compared with the type who wins the Montreal GP.
Michael Leonard knows the style of racing will be different from WorldTour events as second-tier riders step into leadership positions for their national teams.
Rider videos by Nick Iwanyshyn. https://nickiwanyshyn.format.com/
This episode is supported by Altitude Sports. [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Altitude Sports.]
Save up to 20 per cent off on your first order with code CYCLINGMAGAZINE2026
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CHAPTERS
7:47 Derek Gee-West: Team Canada leadership and the scope of the world championships
12:36: Pier-André Côté: Balancing the business of racing with a special opportunity
16:47 Nickolas Zukowsky: Hard to say who can win the worlds, which makes the racing exciting
21:59 Michael Leonard: ‘The best riders don’t necessarily have the best teams’

In this episode, world champion Magdeleine Vallières Mill looks back at her year in the rainbow jersey and ahead to defending it in Montreal. Her win in Kigali at the 2025 road world championships meant she was no longer an “incognito” rider, as she describes herself prior to that achievement. She went from playing the role of a key domestique to a leader, a position that doesn’t come naturally to her, but one she’s continuing to hone. She gives a glimpse as to how things might play out on the roads of Montérégie and Montreal this September.
Also, she talks about corn, her favourite, and is presented with a dad joke to go with her new helmet.
This episode is supported by Altitude Sports. [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Altitude Sports.]
Save up to 20 per cent off on your first order with code CYCLINGMAGAZINE2026
Shop at Altitude Sports: https://bit.ly/altitude-cyclingmagazine2026
Valid on regular-priced items only. Limited-time offer. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotions or membership discounts.
CHAPTERS
13:21 A custom helmet leads to a fantastic, or terrible, dad joke
20:26 Surprising aspects of being a world champion
24:29 A look at Canada’s elite women’s team for worlds in Montreal
26:34 The style of race that could benefit the Canadians
29:36 The part of the world championship route that Magdeleine Vallières Mill is looking forward to

In this episode, an expert aerodynamicist looks at the major improvements you can make using the latest in aero advancements to go faster on your bike. Ingmar Jungnickel was once on-staff at Specialized and is now the founder of AiRO, an app that a bike fitter can use to improve your on-bike aerodynamics. His approach to making gains is simple: go for the big improvements. That philosophy runs counter to the oft-cited “marginal gains” theory of going faster. Find out Jungnickel’s thinking behind those big gains. 

He also discusses the topic of chest fairings and/or bra doping that came to the fore at this year's Tour de France Femmes. He’s run the numbers, which take some of the stuffing out of the theory.

For all riders looking to improve their speed, Jungnickel has recommendations and approaches you can all explore. 

This episode is supported by Altitude Sports. [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Altitude Sports.]

Save up to 20 per cent off on your first order with code CYCLINGMAGAZINE2026

Shop at Altitude Sports: https://bit.ly/altitude-cyclingmagazine2026

Valid on regular-priced items only. Limited-time offer. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotions or membership discounts.

CHAPTERS

13:30 Bra doping and effectiveness of chest fairings

26:37 How trustworthy are bike manufacturers’ aero claims

33:53 Why it’s more effective to go after big gains instead of marginal gains

37:24 How the AiRO app works

42:07 Work on your form, not just your fitness

54:03 What equipment gives you the more significant aero gains

57:39 How to improve your aerodynamic form on-bike

In this episode, Canadian cycling legend Svein Tuft shares insights on staying fast and healthy approaching 50, his views on longevity and AI, and his latest adventures in FKTs and remote rides. He draws on his extensive experience in bikepacking and ultra-distance riding, offering insights into route planning and personal resilience. He also delves into his evolving relationship with technology and gear.

Plus, updates from the cycling world including concerns about bra doping at the Tour de France Femmes, highlights from Crankworx Whistler and a notable performance at the Commonwealth Games.

This episode is supported by Altitude Sports. [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Altitude Sports.]

Save up to 20 per cent off on your first order with code CYCLINGMAGAZINE2026

Shop at Altitude Sports: https://bit.ly/altitude-cyclingmagazine2026

Valid on regular-priced items only. Limited-time offer. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotions or membership discounts.

CHAPTERS

10:21 Svein Tuft Introduction and his Jumbo Wild 600 Route

16:55 Tips for Planning Big Bikepacking Routes

23:55 Honing the Critical Skill of Responding to Life-Threatening Situations on the Trail

29:00 Staying Fast and Healthy as 50 Approaches

36:33 True Longevity vs. Longevity Bro Bio-hacks

44:33 Svein Tuft’s Relationship with Gear: Past and Present

52:31 Getting Started in Bikepacking: Equipment Tips

Meaghan Hackinen has a habit of breaking ultra-distance cycling records. Recently, the Kelowna, B.C., rider set the women’s fastest known time for the iconic Tour Divide route. On this episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast, Hackinen shares her journey to setting new records in ultra-cycling, training strategies, gear choices and the importance of sleep and sobriety in performance. Check out her insights into managing long-distance rides and preparing for unpredictable conditions.

Also, editors Matthew Pioro and Matt Hansen discuss cross country nationals and the Tour de l’Abitibi. There’s up-and-coming talent to look out for.

This episode is supported by Altitude Sports. [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Altitude Sports.]

Save up to 20 per cent off on your first order with code CYCLINGMAGAZINE2026

Shop at Altitude Sports: https://bit.ly/altitude-cyclingmagazine2026

Valid on regular-priced items only. Limited-time offer. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotions or membership discounts.

Chapters

13:39 Meaghan Hackinen: Training for an ultra-distance ride like the Tour Divide

16:56 Getting started in ultra cycling: Tips for beginners

21:37 The importance of sleep in ultra-racing

31:11 What happens when you give your bike a name

37:07 Where a beginner should start with ultra-cycling gear

39:26 The impact of sobriety on performance

44:20 Safety tips for solo female travellers