Luke Rowe is, for many, the greatest road captain of the 21st century, playing a key role in 5 consecutive Tour de France wins for Teams Sky and Ineos between 2015 and 2019.

Focusing on one of the most dangerous elements in cycling - the cobbles - the Welshman tells Brad and Graham of his huge reservations about their continued use in the Tour de France. He explores whether the damage they do both to riders’ bodies and ambitions - and the fan experience - is worth it, despite his admiration for the few he’s watched who seemed, somehow, to thrive over them.

Luke also explores the mindset required to carry out one of the most selfless jobs in sport: putting in more work than even the most dedicated domestique to guide others to glory at the expense of your own, with very little recognition outside of the peloton.

Brad then explains how Luke's path to road captain always looked clear - even as an under-23 - while the 2012 Tour de France champion reveals, with a clear hint of regret, how he remains unsure of the exact reason why he was not selected to ride in the service of Chris Froome in 2014.

Meanwhile, a surprising twist emerges during this week’s Ultimate Cyclist, as Brad and Luke debate the rider who had the greatest bunch skills ever seen in cycling.

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Credits

Presented by⁠ Sir Bradley Wiggins⁠ and Graham Willgoss

Guest: Luke Rowe

Researcher: Luca Unwin

Production Manager: Ross Aitken

Social Video Producer: Rosie Mansfield

YouTube Editor: Théo Stöcklin

Produced and Edited by: Toby Gilles

Executive Producers: Faye Stewart, Ashley Unwin & Dominic de Terville

Recorded at: Podcast Room, London Bridge

Sir Bradley Wiggins' Café Aficionado is an Atomized Studios production

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