Digest

In this episode of the podcast, Jimmy Bullard and Michael Fenners discuss the recent Giro d'Italia, where Bullard finished third. They talk about the race's highlights, including the dominant performance of the winner, Tadej Pogačar, and the impressive ride of Michael Bergmayr on stage 20. Bullard also reflects on the mental challenges of a Grand Tour, particularly in the final week, and the importance of team harmony. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the Tour de France, where Bullard will be racing alongside Carlos Rodríguez and Egan Bernal. He discusses his plans for the race, including his desire to be in the best shape possible and his excitement for the new challenge.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast hosts, Jimmy Bullard and Michael Fenners, and sets the stage for their discussion about the Giro d'Italia.

00:00:08

FC Bullard: A Football Club in Podcast Form

This Chapter introduces the concept of FC Bullard, a football club that will be discussed and developed throughout the podcast.

00:01:45

Giro d'Italia Recap

This Chapter dives into a detailed recap of the Giro d'Italia, focusing on Bullard's experience and performance. Bullard discusses his emotions after finishing third, the dominant performance of Tadej Pogačar, and the close battle for second place with Danny Martinez.

00:08:24

Michael Bergmayr's Stage 20 Ride

This Chapter highlights the impressive performance of Michael Bergmayr on stage 20, where he rode at an incredibly high wattage for an extended period. Bullard describes Bergmayr's effort as the ride of the stage.

00:11:04

The Mental Challenges of a Grand Tour

This Chapter explores the mental challenges of a Grand Tour, particularly in the final week. Bullard emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and how it can be more demanding than the physical aspect of the race.

00:13:02

The Stress of Sprint Days

This Chapter discusses the stress of sprint days in a Grand Tour, even for GC riders. Bullard explains how staying in position and avoiding crashes can be more stressful than the climbing stages.

00:31:48

Looking Ahead to the Tour de France

This Chapter transitions to a discussion about Bullard's upcoming plans for the Tour de France. He talks about his training schedule, his goals for the race, and his excitement for the new challenge.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the most impressive performance in the Giro d'Italia, according to Jimmy Bullard?

  Bullard highlights Michael Bergmayr's ride on stage 20 as the most impressive performance. Bergmayr rode at an incredibly high wattage for an extended period, showcasing his exceptional climbing abilities.

• What are the mental challenges of a Grand Tour, particularly in the final week?

  Bullard emphasizes that the mental challenges of a Grand Tour can be more demanding than the physical aspect, especially in the final week. He explains that dealing with fluctuating physical sensations and maintaining focus can be incredibly difficult.

• What are Jimmy Bullard's plans for the Tour de France?

  Bullard plans to be in the best shape possible for the Tour de France, aiming to support his teammates Carlos Rodríguez and Egan Bernal. He is open to different race tactics, including trying to stay in contention for the general classification or focusing on stage wins.

• What is unique about the Tour de France this year?

  Bullard mentions that the Tour de France this year will be particularly exciting due to the recent crashes and injuries of several top riders, making the race more unpredictable and open.

• What is the significance of the team classification in a Grand Tour?

  Bullard explains that while the team classification is not the primary focus for GC riders, it is a significant achievement for the team's domestiques and helpers. It allows them to share in the glory of the race and celebrate their contributions.

Show Notes