There is a thread that connects no fewer than eleven riders spread across eight teams at this year's Vuelta a España. George Bennett, Neilson Powless, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Nathan Van Hooydonck, Will Barta, Sam Bewley, Lawson Craddock, Logan Owen, Clément Chevrier, Ruben Guerreiro and Ben King all rode for the American development team that's run by Axel Merckx - who, as well as being a former rider, is the son of the cyclist who most agree is the greatest of all time, Eddy. The team started in 2009 and has been variously known as Trek-Livestrong, Bontrager, Bissell, Axeon and Axeon Hagens Berman. Throughout its eleven seasons, the team has kept its focus on developing talent under the watchful eye of the son of Eddy. In this episode we hear from Axel merckx and from some of his alumni: Powless, Hart, Van Hooydonck, Barta, Craddock, Owen and King, who was the first rider ever signed to the team. Kilometre 0 by The Cycling Podcast is supported by Hansgrohe.