In this week’s regular episode, Daniel Friebe, Lionel Birnie and Rob Hatch of GCN and Eurosport commentary fame reflect on two thrilling days of racing at Opening Weekend in Belgium. 

On Saturday, a dominant Jumbo-Visma performance culminated in victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad for a rider whose winning moves typically display all the stealth, cunning and deftness of a gemstone heist. This was followed on Sunday by another Jumbo masterclass and success for one of the team’s less prolific yet most versatile stars. 

As usual, there’s also a full round-up of the week’s news and we also look ahead to Strade Bianche next weekend.   

The 11.01 Cappuccino Our regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it’s after 11am).

Supersapiens Supersapiens is a continuous glucose monitoring system that helps you make the right fuelling choices. See supersapiens.com

Science in Sport The Cycling Podcast has been supported since 2016 by Science In Sport. World leading experts in endurance nutrition. Go to scienceinsport.com to see the whole range.

GCN+ Watch Strade Bianche and Strade Bianche Donne this Saturday with GCN+ Both races will be live and uninterrupted with GCN’s ad-free coverage. Go to globalcyclingnetwork.com or download the GCN app on your device to make sure you never miss a moment. All UK listeners can save 15% on an annual subscription at gcn.eu/cycling15

MAAP The Cycling Podcast x MAAP collection is available now. Go to maap.cc to see the full MAAP range.

D Vine Cellars To order The Cycling Podcast Highlights case, or any of the cases commemorating the 2022 Grand Tours visit dvinecellars.com

Friends of the Podcast Sign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to more than 60 exclusive episodes.