The Cycling Brief Mon, 04 May 2026 14:04:10 +1000 https://www.semiprocycling.com/ en-au © 2026 SEMIPRO CYCLING yes e954d9f3-09da-597d-96fe-199c7018d226 SEMIPRO CYCLING episodic false The cycling world moves fast. The Cycling Brief makes sense of it. Every day, in under 10 minutes, we break down the stories that matter — product launches, race results, tech shifts, industry trends — and connect the dots most people miss. Powered by data, delivered daily. A SEMIPRO Cycling production.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) cycling podcast, pro-cycling podcast, cycling, training and racing with a power meter, hunter allen, steve hogg, cycling training, cycling coach, road racing, training plans, bike coach, SEMIPRO CYCLING https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ca2qxukhb8m3ly3wp1wahyfsoe4r?.jpg The Cycling Brief https://www.semiprocycling.com/ [BRIEF] 120 Grams Per Hour Is Changing Who Wins [BRIEF] 120 Grams Per Hour Is Changing Who Wins https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/r2tnh2 --- A new review highlights elite cyclists consuming 120g of carbs per hour during races. We break down why this isn't just a nutrition story — it's reshaping which body types win Grand Tours and widening the gap between super-teams and the rest.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/r2tnh2 --- A new review highlights elite cyclists consuming 120g of carbs per hour during races. We break down why this isn't just a nutrition story — it's reshaping which body types win Grand Tours and widening the gap between super-teams and the rest.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19116940 Mon, 04 May 2026 06:00:00 +1000 441 cycling 1 47 full false [SUNDAY] The riders who trained easier got faster [SUNDAY] The riders who trained easier got faster Study referenced: Rønnestad, B.R., et al. (2025). Block training with moderate- or high-intensity intervals both improve endurance performance in well-trained cyclists. 

European Journal of Sport Science, 25(7), e70067.



This week's video: Are You Too Slow for Aero? (What the Research Says)

EIGHT Programme: semiprocycling.com/eight

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Study referenced: Rønnestad, B.R., et al. (2025). Block training with moderate- or high-intensity intervals both improve endurance performance in well-trained cyclists. 

European Journal of Sport Science, 25(7), e70067.



This week's video: Are You Too Slow for Aero? (What the Research Says)

EIGHT Programme: semiprocycling.com/eight

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19111788 Sun, 03 May 2026 06:00:00 +1000 540 cycling,SEMIPRO,sunday show,block training,moderate intensity,interval training,durability,masters cycling full false [DEBRIEF] Pogačar's "Relaxation" Race and the Giro GC Problem [DEBRIEF] Pogačar's "Relaxation" Race and the Giro GC Problem We build durable cyclists. New performance videos every week on YouTube: 👉 https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/a665v9 

Alex and Sam debate what Pogačar's dominance at Tour de Romandie means for July, whether anyone can challenge Vingegaard at the Giro d'Italia, and why Tour of Türkiye is producing the best racing nobody's watching. Plus hot takes on Grand Tour competitiveness.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> We build durable cyclists. New performance videos every week on YouTube: 👉 https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/a665v9 

Alex and Sam debate what Pogačar's dominance at Tour de Romandie means for July, whether anyone can challenge Vingegaard at the Giro d'Italia, and why Tour of Türkiye is producing the best racing nobody's watching. Plus hot takes on Grand Tour competitiveness.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19111457 Sat, 02 May 2026 06:00:00 +1000 722 cycling 1 46 full false [BRIEF] Vingegaard's Giro Problem: Winning Too Easily [BRIEF] Vingegaard's Giro Problem: Winning Too Easily https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/3wk4e2 --- With Carapaz and Almeida both withdrawing from the Giro d'Italia, Jonas Vingegaard faces an increasingly depleted GC field. We argue that an unchallenged Giro might actually hurt his Tour de France preparation — and explain why the asymmetry with Pogačar's spring matters.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/3wk4e2 --- With Carapaz and Almeida both withdrawing from the Giro d'Italia, Jonas Vingegaard faces an increasingly depleted GC field. We argue that an unchallenged Giro might actually hurt his Tour de France preparation — and explain why the asymmetry with Pogačar's spring matters.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19104990 Fri, 01 May 2026 06:00:00 +1000 382 cycling 1 45 full false [BRIEF] Pogačar's Criterium Tells Us More Than You Think [BRIEF] Pogačar's Criterium Tells Us More Than You Think https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/2kkwyg --- Pogačar nearly wins a criterium while barely trying — and that's the most revealing data point of his spring. We break down why his post-Classics form trajectory should worry every Grand Tour contender ahead of the Giro and Tour de France.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/2kkwyg --- Pogačar nearly wins a criterium while barely trying — and that's the most revealing data point of his spring. We break down why his post-Classics form trajectory should worry every Grand Tour contender ahead of the Giro and Tour de France.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19098920 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 403 cycling 1 44 full false [BRIEF] Bernal's Decline and INEOS's Identity Crisis [BRIEF] Bernal's Decline and INEOS's Identity Crisis https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/jdjwvr --- A provocative comparison of Egan Bernal to a ProTeam rider sparks a deeper question — is the real problem Bernal's form, or INEOS Grenadiers' structural collapse as a Grand Tour force? We make the call on Bernal's 2026 ceiling.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/jdjwvr --- A provocative comparison of Egan Bernal to a ProTeam rider sparks a deeper question — is the real problem Bernal's form, or INEOS Grenadiers' structural collapse as a Grand Tour force? We make the call on Bernal's 2026 ceiling.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19092486 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 380 cycling 1 43 full false [BRIEF] Durability Is Broken: Cycling's Most Misused Metric [BRIEF] Durability Is Broken: Cycling's Most Misused Metric https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/a9v6yc --- A new Journal of Sports Sciences paper on durability and cycling performance exposes how the sport's hottest concept is being oversimplified. We break down why durability isn't one number but three — and what Pogačar's Monument spring reveals about the dimension that actually matters.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/a9v6yc --- A new Journal of Sports Sciences paper on durability and cycling performance exposes how the sport's hottest concept is being oversimplified. We break down why durability isn't one number but three — and what Pogačar's Monument spring reveals about the dimension that actually matters.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19085517 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 404 cycling 1 42 full false [BRIEF] Groves' Giro Gamble: Why This Comeback Won't Work [BRIEF] Groves' Giro Gamble: Why This Comeback Won't Work https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/rxa5ed --- Kaden Groves plans to return from a two-month knee layoff at the Giro d'Italia. We break down why using a Grand Tour as a comeback race is a massive gamble, what it reveals about Alpecin-Premier Tech's roster problems, and why the sprinter is unlikely to finish three weeks.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/rxa5ed --- Kaden Groves plans to return from a two-month knee layoff at the Giro d'Italia. We break down why using a Grand Tour as a comeback race is a massive gamble, what it reveals about Alpecin-Premier Tech's roster problems, and why the sprinter is unlikely to finish three weeks.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19078908 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 421 cycling 1 41 full false [SUNDAY] The Session That's Killing Your Fitness Happens in Bed [SUNDAY] The Session That's Killing Your Fitness Happens in Bed 12-Week Plan — https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/8j4dgw

This week: a 2025 meta-analysis on sleep deprivation and cycling performance — why aerobic endurance takes the biggest hit, why everything feels harder before it actually gets harder, and why partial sleep loss might be costing you more watts than skipping a week of training. 

Plus: what to do when a bad race gets in your head. 

Study: Gong et al. (2025). Effects of sleep deprivation on sports performance and perceived exertion. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1544286. 

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> 12-Week Plan — https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/8j4dgw

This week: a 2025 meta-analysis on sleep deprivation and cycling performance — why aerobic endurance takes the biggest hit, why everything feels harder before it actually gets harder, and why partial sleep loss might be costing you more watts than skipping a week of training. 

Plus: what to do when a bad race gets in your head. 

Study: Gong et al. (2025). Effects of sleep deprivation on sports performance and perceived exertion. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1544286. 

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19073763 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 468 cycling,sleep,recovery,durability,SEMIPRO,sunday show full false [RACE RECON] Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026 [RACE RECON] Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026 We build durable cyclists. New performance videos every week on YouTube: 👉 https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/dw89u5 

Alex and Sam break down the tactical scenarios for Liège-Bastogne-Liège, mapping Pogačar's attack options across Roche-aux-Faucons and Saint-Nicolas, Pidcock's punch potential at Q36.5, and how a northeast headwind could reshape the 15km run-in to the finish. A tactical race recon to watch tomorrow's race smarter.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> We build durable cyclists. New performance videos every week on YouTube: 👉 https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/dw89u5 

Alex and Sam break down the tactical scenarios for Liège-Bastogne-Liège, mapping Pogačar's attack options across Roche-aux-Faucons and Saint-Nicolas, Pidcock's punch potential at Q36.5, and how a northeast headwind could reshape the 15km run-in to the finish. A tactical race recon to watch tomorrow's race smarter.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19074243 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +1000 555 cycling 1 40 full false [DEBRIEF] Pellizzari Announces Himself: Tour of the Alps & Giro Stakes [DEBRIEF] Pellizzari Announces Himself: Tour of the Alps & Giro Stakes https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/p8zzhb --- Alex and Sam debate Giulio Pellizzari's breakthrough Tour of the Alps GC win and what it means for the Giro d'Italia, the Vingegaard preparation controversy, Pogačar's shot at a historic four-Monument spring at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Van Aert's pivot toward the World Championships.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/p8zzhb --- Alex and Sam debate Giulio Pellizzari's breakthrough Tour of the Alps GC win and what it means for the Giro d'Italia, the Vingegaard preparation controversy, Pogačar's shot at a historic four-Monument spring at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Van Aert's pivot toward the World Championships.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19072464 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 620 cycling 1 37 full false [BRIEF] Tour de Suisse Shrinks: What Five Days Really Means [BRIEF] Tour de Suisse Shrinks: What Five Days Really Means https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/t9gfkb --- The Tour de Suisse drops to just five days for 2026, and that's not just a scheduling tweak — it fundamentally changes the race's role as a Tour de France preparation event. We break down what the compression means for GC teams' periodisation and why this is part of a bigger calendar trend.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/t9gfkb --- The Tour de Suisse drops to just five days for 2026, and that's not just a scheduling tweak — it fundamentally changes the race's role as a Tour de France preparation event. We break down what the compression means for GC teams' periodisation and why this is part of a bigger calendar trend.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19067286 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 406 cycling 1 36 full false [BRIEF] Crypto Chaos Hits Canyon-SRAM: Cycling's Sponsor Problem [BRIEF] Crypto Chaos Hits Canyon-SRAM: Cycling's Sponsor Problem https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/x285p7 --- Zondacrypto's financial turmoil puts Canyon-SRAM's future in question — again exposing cycling's dangerous dependence on volatile sponsors. We look at why the UCI's licensing system can't prevent this, and what it means for the women's peloton.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/x285p7 --- Zondacrypto's financial turmoil puts Canyon-SRAM's future in question — again exposing cycling's dangerous dependence on volatile sponsors. We look at why the UCI's licensing system can't prevent this, and what it means for the women's peloton.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19061379 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 394 cycling 1 35 full false [BRIEF] Pogačar's Liège Paradox: Why Fewer Teammates Helps [BRIEF] Pogačar's Liège Paradox: Why Fewer Teammates Helps https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/h6mec7 --- UAE Emirates-XRG's injury crisis might actually make Pogačar more dangerous at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Plus: why the Merckx comparison is being framed wrong, and where Evenepoel's real chance lies on Sunday.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/h6mec7 --- UAE Emirates-XRG's injury crisis might actually make Pogačar more dangerous at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Plus: why the Merckx comparison is being framed wrong, and where Evenepoel's real chance lies on Sunday.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19054909 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 406 cycling 1 34 full false [BRIEF] Eurobike's Identity Crisis: Germany Splits the Bike Show [BRIEF] Eurobike's Identity Crisis: Germany Splits the Bike Show https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/mm3p2w --- The German cycling industry association announces a rival trade fair to Eurobike, and Shimano's already walked away. Why this isn't just trade show drama — it's a fight over cycling's future identity between specialist roots and urban-mobility ambitions.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/mm3p2w --- The German cycling industry association announces a rival trade fair to Eurobike, and Shimano's already walked away. Why this isn't just trade show drama — it's a fight over cycling's future identity between specialist roots and urban-mobility ambitions.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19047967 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 396 cycling 1 33 full false [BRIEF] Brembo's MTB Brake Launch Signals a Cycling Tipping Point [BRIEF] Brembo's MTB Brake Launch Signals a Cycling Tipping Point https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/dpzf88 --- Brembo officially launched its GR-Pro gravity brake after months of World Cup testing with Specialized. We break down why an automotive giant entering cycling components signals a fundamental shift in where the money — and the technology — is really flowing in this sport.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/dpzf88 --- Brembo officially launched its GR-Pro gravity brake after months of World Cup testing with Specialized. We break down why an automotive giant entering cycling components signals a fundamental shift in where the money — and the technology — is really flowing in this sport.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19040567 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 438 cycling 1 32 full false [SUNDAY] Your Five-Minute Intervals Might Be a Waste of Time [SUNDAY] Your Five-Minute Intervals Might Be a Waste of Time Newsletter (Free): https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/xt6k76

A meta-analysis of 51 studies puts a number on the optimal interval length for VO2max. Here is what that means, why it lines up with what I see in coaching, and how to think about it. Plus: confidence, proving it to yourself, and why comfort is the enemy of progress.


Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Newsletter (Free): https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/xt6k76

A meta-analysis of 51 studies puts a number on the optimal interval length for VO2max. Here is what that means, why it lines up with what I see in coaching, and how to think about it. Plus: confidence, proving it to yourself, and why comfort is the enemy of progress.


Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19035006 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 701 intervals, VO2max, research, training, cycling 1 3 full false [RACE RECON] Amstel Gold Race 2026 [RACE RECON] Amstel Gold Race 2026 We build durable cyclists. New performance videos every week on YouTube: 👉 https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/hnf62p 

The Big Three are absent and Amstel Gold Race 2026 is wide open. Let's break down the Keutenberg's 22% maximum gradient, map three tactical scenarios — from vacuum attacks to Cauberg committee sprints — and identify who could step into the power void. A tactical race recon from The DeBrief.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> We build durable cyclists. New performance videos every week on YouTube: 👉 https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/hnf62p 

The Big Three are absent and Amstel Gold Race 2026 is wide open. Let's break down the Keutenberg's 22% maximum gradient, map three tactical scenarios — from vacuum attacks to Cauberg committee sprints — and identify who could step into the power void. A tactical race recon from The DeBrief.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19035461 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +1000 523 cycling 1 31 full false [DEBRIEF] Foldager's Brabantse Pijl Surprise & Yates Climbs Into Form [DEBRIEF] Foldager's Brabantse Pijl Surprise & Yates Climbs Into Form https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/nw3dze --- The Saturday debrief covers Anders Foldager's unexpected Brabantse Pijl victory, Adam Yates winning the queen stage at O Gran Camiño, Soudal Quick-Step's reported switch to Merida, and previews Amstel Gold Race with the Pogačar question looming over the Ardennes.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/nw3dze --- The Saturday debrief covers Anders Foldager's unexpected Brabantse Pijl victory, Adam Yates winning the queen stage at O Gran Camiño, Soudal Quick-Step's reported switch to Merida, and previews Amstel Gold Race with the Pogačar question looming over the Ardennes.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19033701 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 682 cycling 1 27 full false [BRIEF] Canyon's Endurace Just Killed the Aero Bike Category [BRIEF] Canyon's Endurace Just Killed the Aero Bike Category https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/9uhwu6 --- Canyon's revamped Endurace has made the Aeroad nearly obsolete, and it's not just a Canyon problem — the entire aero bike category is under threat. Plus, SRAM's courtroom battle with the UCI over gear restrictions connects to the same story about technology outrunning the industry's old boundaries.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> https://go.semiprocycling.com/go/9uhwu6 --- Canyon's revamped Endurace has made the Aeroad nearly obsolete, and it's not just a Canyon problem — the entire aero bike category is under threat. Plus, SRAM's courtroom battle with the UCI over gear restrictions connects to the same story about technology outrunning the industry's old boundaries.

Daily cycling intelligence, produced by SEMIPRO CYCLING. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19028475 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1000 430 cycling 1 25 full false