Criterium Nation

In this conversation, Rob Kelly and Adam Mills discuss the multifaceted aspects of safety in cycling, particularly in criterium racing. They explore the physiological impacts of race neutralization, the identification of dangerous parts of a race, and the importance of technicality in making racing safer. The discussion also delves into course design, equipment regulations, and the role of speed in safety. They emphasize the need for rider education and responsibility, highlighting that safety is a collective obligation among all participants in the sport. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

In this conversation, Aline, a Swiss cyclist, shares her journey from Switzerland to racing in the U.S. She discusses her experiences in criterium racing, the importance of community, and her reflections on the Olympics. Aline emphasizes the significance of process goals in her racing strategy and expresses gratitude for the support she has received from her teammates and hosts. As she looks forward to future races, Aline remains focused on enjoying the sport and improving her skills. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

In this conversation, Erica Carney shares her journey as a competitive cyclist and the impact of motherhood on her identity and racing career. She discusses the challenges women face in cycling, especially after becoming mothers, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support for female athletes. Erica reflects on her transition from a focus on winning to enjoying the sport and fostering connections within the cycling community. She envisions a future where motherhood and cycling coexist harmoniously, advocating for more support and funding for women's cycling teams. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

We've paid for the hosting, and done the miles with the riders, so we might as well go all in; but this time we are not taking half answers. We are raising our game as a show, and expect the same out of the riders who race our roads. That's why we've got Brody McDonald of the Golden State Blazers on the podcast. He has raised his game a lot this year and really committed to criterium racing. From a win at Cry Baby Hill to being one of the major foils and threat to the dominance of Team Cadence, he's got a lot going on. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

In this conversation, Robert Kelly and Zach Gregg delve into the intricacies of aerodynamics in mass start bike racing, discussing how it impacts performance, the importance of bike fit, and the role of strength training. They explore the nuances of aerodynamic claims made by manufacturers, the significance of rider position, and the evolving metrics in cycling performance. The discussion also touches on the implications of UCI regulations on bike design and racing strategies, emphasizing the need for cyclists to understand the balance between aerodynamics and practical performance. We are brought to you by Hammerhead and the Karoo. Get you free HR strap by going to Hammerhead.io and use the promo code "CRITNATION" 

Two national champions, best friends, and teammates-- Lucas Bourgoyne and Luke Fetzer. However, where do they fit in our story, are they the heroes or villians, or maybe they are the bad good guys? Let's find out. 

Katherine Sarkisov of CCB/Levine Law Group is a rising talent in women's bike racing. She's not new on the scene because she literally grew up riding and racing her bike; but she's definitely made some big steps and improvements in the last couple of years. After stints on LUX and Cynisca Cycling, Katia came home and joined CCB. Little did any of us know that in signing up to race US races, that we were about to see her light up the podium.  

Canadian Sidney Swierenga is having a season most racers can only dream of. At 17 years old she became the youngest rider to podium the GC with second overall at the Redlands Bicycle Classic and then repeated the feat at the Tour of the Gila a week later. The next youngest rider to pull off that double podium was Mara Abbott at 21-and she went onto win the Giro D'Italia twice in her career.  Sidney then won a major junior race in France, a result that made her the number one-ranked junior in the world. Sidney talks about beating pros in running races at 12 years old, drops hilarious hot takes on the World Tour, and what it means to take on the world and win. Don't miss this one.  Photo Credit: Brian Knox Tour of the Gila 

Lights, Live stream, action. We are back. Criterium racing is back. It is time to get 2025 started in a huge way. For the first time ever we brought competitors together to talk about how the race happened. Ok, when it comes to Will Hardin and Clever Martinez, it is hard to call either of them competitors, they are more like friends who want to push each other's physical and mental limits to the max. Either way, it is great to get the inside view from the guys who won the race. 

From the top of one of the tallest points in Arizona we join our hero, Tyler Stites, as he prepares to set out on a new journey across the ocean to a fulltime spot in the European peloton. For the last 3 seasons we've got to enjoy his racing on Project Echelon but now he's signed a two-year deal with Caja Rural and he's ready to spread his wings. Before he does, we got a chance to talk with him about where he's been and how he's enjoyed the ride along the way. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today! By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We are also brought to you by Properties on the Potomac, the boutique real estate firm for all your needs in Northern Virginia, Washington, and Maryland. Check them out at PotPhomes.com.

Alexis Magner 100% stands on her own when it comes to accomplishments. With a win at Acht van Westerveld, second at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Ronde van Drenthe in 2018; along with third at Dwars der Vlaanderen in 2021 while racing for Canyon-SRAM you may be wondering, how did she end up on the American criterium scene? We've got those answers for you in this episode. Plus we have the story of how she parlayed back-to-back wins at her hometown Athen's Twilight Criterium into a new opportunity with the UCI Contintental squad Cynisca Cycling. It's a lot to pack in, but our man Jordan Cheyne is on top of it. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today! By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We are also brought to you by Properties on the Potomac, the boutique real estate firm for all your needs in Northern Virginia, Washington, and Maryland. Check them out at PotPhomes.com.

Seventy-five minutes of laughter, levity, cowboy hats, and some hot takes. It's Lucas Bourgoyne and he's 100% worth all of your time.  This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We also have a special guest sponsor this week, ! The cramp busting, hydration boasting, delicious treat that has 20X more sodium and 8X more potassium than normal sports drinks. With a new design and shot bottles coming, they've got you covered. Find them on Amazon or, this is amazing, at Walmart!!!

We are taking a step back in time to the original days of this podcast. Back in the heady days of 2018 and 2019, a team known as Elevate-KHS dominated the scene. Many of our guests, and even one host, came through that program, and even more were mentored and influenced by riders who had Paul Abrahams as their DS. Jordan talks with Paul all about that time and his experiences in the sport.  This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us!  

A discussion months in the making-- have we reached peak crit? The data has been compiled and the takes are all hot. It's time to give you the thesis and then let Allan Schroeder and Logan Jones Wilkins back it all up.  This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us!

One of our favorite Women's World Tour pros, and a true Canadian national treasure is back in the studio and ready to talk the Olympics, a full road and track season, and push-ups. So join Maggie Coles Lyster and Jordan Cheyne in this 100% pure maple syrup ride. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us!

Interview a classics PhD and another guest studying to get her PhD and you come up with intelligent titles with multi-tiers and meanings. The women of Work Hard Be Humble have risen, and turned what could have been the flaming wreck of a season into a meaningful quest and an opportunity to bond and grow. As a unit they have been born again, but born better.  This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit  right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We also have a special guest sponsor this week, ! The cramp busting, hydration boasting, delicious treat that has 20X more sodium and 8X more potassium than normal sports drinks. With a new design and shot bottles coming, they've got you covered. Find them on Amazon or, this is amazing, at Walmart!!!

The beauty of long-form journalism is that the person and the story evolve. You get to see and learn so much more because the time is dedicated, and we all end up better for it. The story of Chris Tolley is evolving and changing. The version that we interviewed in 2022 has given way to this more distinguished thought provoking one (that's not to say the 2022 version lacked anything in those categories). However, with more time we have more to work with, and we hope you enjoy the result. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us! We also have a special guest sponsor this week, Bob's Pickle Pops! The cramp busting, hydration boasting, delicious treat that has 20X more sodium and 8X more potassium than normal sports drinks. With a new design and shot bottles coming, they've got you covered. Find them on Amazon or, this is amazing, at Walmart!!!

Look up the road or at the front, that's where you'll find this week's guest Michael Garrison of NICH +SpeedClub. Singlehandly he animated, disrupted, and changed the outcome of races like Tulsa Tough this year. In a sport built around the best teams he has been a solo revelation and we are lucky enough to have him on the show. This week we are brought to you by the Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CRITNATION at checkout to get yours today!!!  By using the code CRITNATION you'll get a free heart rate monitor with your purchase of a Karoo. Go to Hammerhead.io today, add both items to your cart, and the HR monitor is on us!  

5 years or 5 episodes, it's all about celebration and a learning curve. Jordan Cheyne and Rob Kelly sit down and talk about what they've respectively learned about podcasting and North American bike racing over their respective tenures hosting a podcast about it. And yes, Taylor Swift can fix all problems.

As a rider, Mike Creed raced on some of the most storied teams in North American cycling history, from US Postal to Slipstream to Optum Kelly Benefits. As a director, he guided the Smartstop team to one of the great underdog seasons in recent memory, featuring a win at Nationals. He now leads the charge at Aevolo Cycling, the premier US based development squad which will be part of the EF Education First organization starting next season. Mike has lived this sport for decades. Fortunately for us, he isn't afraid to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tune in for insight, entertainment and some takes you won't hear anywhere else.