This is our first in a series of podcasts in which we are partnering with Shimano and for our first episode we headed to Hoogerheide for the final round of the Cyclo-cross World Cup. We hear from several of the main protagonists including Wout Van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and his father Adri, Katie Compton and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado as we sample and soak up the unique and exciting atmosphere at one of the biggest cylco-cross races of the year. 

We also talk componentry and kit, while for your amusement, we even send a cyclo-cross novice, editor in chief Daniel Benson, around the elite course, to test out the latest gear from Shimano. 

Sponsor message

Founded in Osaka, Japan in 1921, Shimano has been dedicated to helping people get closer to nature by bicycle for almost 100 years. That comes with the desire to create outstanding cycling products and apparel. 

 With decades of experience in creating internationally renowned bicycle components, Shimano is proud to have developed products that continue to take countless athletes to victory and provide the means for limitless global bicycle journeys. 

 Those athletes include superstars such as Chris Froome, Egan Bernal, Julian Alaphillipe, Tom Dumoulin, Mathieu Van Der Poel and many more. 

 From sun-soaked Grand Tours to wet and windy spring Classics and everything in between, Dura-Ace is powering these riders to victory. Professionals riding, testing and winning on Shimano all year round, proving the technology for you to use.

 For more on Shimano’s elite components and apparel see bike.shimano.com.