France's new cycling star Axel Laurance on joining INEOS, his cycling family, and his Tour de France goals

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

#Fitness #Lifestyle #Crowd Network #Cycling #Sports #Endurance Sports

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

19 days ago 50:55

MP3•Episode home

LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT! Yes, we're planning another live show - and this one will be our biggest ever.

We're hosting a retirement party for G at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff on Sunday 16th November. Pre-sale tickets are available at the link from 10am, Wednesday 5th March: https://www.wmc.org.uk/geraint-priority

Before then though, G's got some big bike races to ride - and plenty of pods to record.

Today, we're welcoming INEOS' new recruit Axel Laurance to the GTCC. When G first met Axel, he knew that he would be a brilliant pod guest - and he didn't disappoint.

Just 23, and with the cycling world at his feet, we can see some big wins on the horizon for Axel in 2025. Enjoy getting to know him.

In the land of ROUVY, we're heading to Wales for this week's GTCC social ride. Sign up for a spin along the Pembrokeshire coastline here: https://riders.rouvy.com/events/aeb15efd-5f82-4928-bd76-d24a3fc234ab

And don't forget to use our code GTCC1M for a free month on us when you sign up for the first time.

See you next week.

Music courtesy of BMG Music Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

229 episodes

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

France's new cycling star Axel Laurance on joining INEOS, his cycling family, and his Tour de France goals

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

385 subscribers

published 19 days ago

MP3•Episode home

LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT! Yes, we're planning another live show - and this one will be our biggest ever.

Before then though, G's got some big bike races to ride - and plenty of pods to record.

Today, we're welcoming INEOS' new recruit Axel Laurance to the GTCC. When G first met Axel, he knew that he would be a brilliant pod guest - and he didn't disappoint.

Just 23, and with the cycling world at his feet, we can see some big wins on the horizon for Axel in 2025. Enjoy getting to know him.

And don't forget to use our code GTCC1M for a free month on us when you sign up for the first time.

See you next week.

Music courtesy of BMG Music Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

229 episodes

#Fitness #Lifestyle #Crowd Network #Cycling #Sports #Endurance Sports

All episodes

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Ben Swift on his shared cycling journey with G, transitioning from sprinter to domestique, and taking a trip down memory lane 1:01:14

5 days ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Can you imagine racing against each other as kids round a park in Manchester and just a few years later you find yourselves at the top of the sport, winning some of the biggest races around? That's G and Swifty. With G's career coming to an end we thought it was time to finally welcome 'Swifty' to the GTCC - and take a big old trip down memory lane. It didn't disappoint. From leading Swifty out to his first major win at the Tour Down Under many moons ago, to Swifty becoming domestique deluxe to help G to a multitude of big wins over the years, these two have been through a lot together since those early days racing as juniors. And to be honest, Tom could have let them chat away for hours. Maybe we will one day. In the land of ROUVY, we're tackling part of the IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire route for this week's GTCC social ride. Sign up to join us for the spin here: https://riders.rouvy.com/events/a6eb8b98-5774-4c81-bd6e-ae12111ecc57 And don't forget to use our code GTCC1M for a free month on ROUVY when you sign up for the first time. We're also hosting a retirement party for G at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff on Sunday 16th November! Tickets are available here : https://www.livenation.co.uk/geraint-thomas-tickets-adp1206752 Finally, don't forget you can pre-order G's new book, Geraint Thomas According to G, right here: https://geni.us/AccordingToG_Signed See you next week. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Luke's BACK to chat Strade and his new book | GTCC Book Club 48:38

12 days ago48:38

48:38

This week we're welcoming Luke back to the pod, for our very own GTCC Book Club. Yes, as you may have seen, both Luke and G have new books coming out in 2025! You can pre-order Luke's book, Road Captain, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0857507826 And you can pre-order G's new book, Geraint Thomas According to G, right here: https://geni.us/AccordingToG_Signed The boys chatting through their respective books and also did a deep dive into a fascinating Strade Bianche that saw Pog win (of course) but Brits Tom Pidcock and Conor Swift put in memorable rides to challenge him. We also toasted Luke on his 35th birthday! In the land of ROUVY, we're heading to the iconic Horseshoe Pass for this week's GTCC social ride. Sign up to join us for the spin here: https://riders.rouvy.com/events/4b7378d1-1d0a-450a-b33a-82f34db4e3cc And don't forget to use our code GTCC1M for a free month on us when you sign up for the first time. We're also hosting a retirement party for G at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff on Sunday 16th November! Tickets are available here : https://www.livenation.co.uk/geraint-thomas-tickets-adp1206752 See you next week. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Geraint Thomas: The Retirement Party | Tickets on sale now! 2:55

16 days ago2:55

2:55

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! As we told you on Tuesday, we're planning our next live show: G's retirement party! And tickets went on general sale this morning. Get yours here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geraint-thomas-tickets-adp1206752 At the Millenium Centre in Cardiff on Sunday 16th November, G and Tom will be looking back on his incredible career - and we'll have plenty of surprises up our sleeve on the night. Let us know if you're coming by emailing gtcc@crowdnetwork.co.uk and we'll shout you out on an upcoming pod. See you in November! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
France's new cycling star Axel Laurance on joining INEOS, his cycling family, and his Tour de France goals 50:55

19 days ago50:55

50:55

LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT! Yes, we're planning another live show - and this one will be our biggest ever. We're hosting a retirement party for G at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff on Sunday 16th November. Pre-sale tickets are available at the link from 10am, Wednesday 5th March: https://www.wmc.org.uk/geraint-priority Before then though, G's got some big bike races to ride - and plenty of pods to record. Today, we're welcoming INEOS' new recruit Axel Laurance to the GTCC. When G first met Axel, he knew that he would be a brilliant pod guest - and he didn't disappoint. Just 23, and with the cycling world at his feet, we can see some big wins on the horizon for Axel in 2025. Enjoy getting to know him. In the land of ROUVY, we're heading to Wales for this week's GTCC social ride. Sign up for a spin along the Pembrokeshire coastline here: https://riders.rouvy.com/events/aeb15efd-5f82-4928-bd76-d24a3fc234ab And don't forget to use our code GTCC1M for a free month on us when you sign up for the first time. See you next week. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Caleb Ewan on joining INEOS Grenadiers, his ambitions for 2025, and how Pog can win Milan-San Remo 1:00:28

26 days ago1:00:28

1:00:28

The cycling world wondered what would happen to Caleb Ewan this season. Seemingly on his way out of Jayco Alula, where was he going to end up? INEOS swooped in, midway through January, and now have themselves a top level sprinter. Exciting, right? G certainly thinks so, and is delighted the team have signed a close friend. He called him up and, following the move, we thought it was the right time to get Caleb back to talk about it. Why did he leave Jayco? Did he ever consider stopping? What can we expect in 2025? Will he be at the Tour? He answers all of those - and plenty more besides. Enjoy. In the land of ROUVY, a new update went live last week which allows full compatibility with Zwift hardware on the platform. Until now, the Ride plus Click and Cog were only compatible with Zwift software. However, with the introduction of ROUVY’s virtual shifting compatibility, riders using Zwift hardware can now access ROUVY software and ride any of the 1,500+ immersive routes on the app. Riders will have full use of all 24 virtual gears, which are displayed on-screen to indicate their current gear status, alongside the already existing on-screen data including power, heart rate and cadence. If you've been waiting for this tweak to give ROUVY a try then use our code GTCC1M for a free month on us when you sign up. See you next week. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
De Pluski's back with some hot gossip and our 2025 season preview 48:55

5 weeks ago48:55

48:55

It's been far too long. GTCC members the world over have been writing in to ask: when will he be back? Well, he's back. Yes, Ambassador De Pluski is back on the pod - and he's back in action with G. The Volta ao Algarve kicks off this week and the duo will be tackling the climbs of southern Portugal against the likes of Roglic, Vingegaard and Wout van Aert. It should be a cracker. With De Pluski back on the pod, we thought we'd take the opportunity to pick his brain and hold our first GTCC preview of the season. Can Pog win San Remo? Will he ride Roubaix? Can Vingegaard reclaim his Tour throne? Why is Roglic riding the Giro? There's lots to discuss and boy oh boy are we excited for the 2025 season. In the land of ROUVY, a new update went live this week which allows full compatibility with Zwift hardware on the platform. Until now, the Ride plus Click and Cog were only compatible with Zwift software. However, with the introduction of ROUVY’s virtual shifting compatibility, riders using Zwift hardware can now access ROUVY software and ride any of the 1,500+ immersive routes on the app. Riders will have full use of all 24 virtual gears, which are displayed on-screen to indicate their current gear status, alongside the already existing on-screen data including power, heart rate and cadence. If you've been waiting for this tweak to give ROUVY a try then use our code GTCC1M for a free month on us when you sign up. See you next week. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
ANNOUNCEMENT: G's got some big news for you all 43:42

5 weeks ago43:42

43:42

Yes, that's right: G's got some big news for you all today. This year in the peloton will be his last. A pro career that started in 2007 will finish at the end of this season. It's been a pretty good run hasn't it?! He sat down to tell Tom all about his decision and his plans for the final year. It's gonna be a good'un. There'll be plenty of time to reflect come the end of the year but, for now, if you want to send in your favourite memories from G's career we'd love to hear them: gtcc@crowdnetwork.co.uk. The GTCC is sponsored by ROUVY. Get a free month on us using the code GTCC1M when you sign up - and join our weekly ROUVY rides every Wednesday at 18:30 UK time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Michael Woods on switching from running to cycling, winning big, and the worlds in Canada 1:01:57

6 weeks ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Last week we brought you Stevie Williams and this week we're bringing you his teammate, and another man you've wanted to hear from for ages: Michael Woods. His story is a relatively well known one at this point: elite runner turned cyclist. But we got to dig a bit deeper with Woodsy, spending 40 minutes with the charismatic Canadian. Michael now has 16 wins to his name, having joined the WorldTour just nine years ago. His story is a remarkable one. He also happens to be Tom's favourite rider, so he really enjoyed today's chat. In other news, G's finally back from the land Down Under. He's got a Cadel Evans Road Race debrief for us, and the guys get stuck into the chaos that unfolded at Etoile de Besseges last week. We are also very excited to confirm that our ROUVY rides are back for 2025. Come and join the fun every Wednesday at 18:30 UK time. You can sign up for tomorrow's ride (12th February) by clicking here. And if you haven't signed up for ROUVY yet, use the code GTCC1M for a free month on us. See you next week. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Stevie Williams on living up to his brilliant 2024, growing up in Aberystwyth, and his Welsh idols growing up 1:00:23

7 weeks ago1:00:23

1:00:23

One man's name came up time and again when we asked you who you'd love to hear on the pod this season: Stevie Williams. G's compatriot Stevie had a stunning 2024 season and he joined the guys to tell them how he overcame a debilitating knee issue after he turned pro to realise his potential. This season? Just the small matter of repeating the feats of last season. It'll be fascinating to see how he copes with the challenge. Meanwhile, G's safely home from a great month in Australia. He gave Tom an in-depth rundown of the action. Who else would you like to hear from on the GTCC? Let us know by emailing gtcc@crowdnetwork.co.uk. We are also very excited to confirm that our ROUVY rides are back for 2025. Come and join the fun every Wednesday at 18:30 UK time. You can sign up for tomorrow's ride (5th February) by clicking here. And if you haven't signed up for ROUVY yet, use the code GTCC1M for a free month on us. See you next week. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Demi Vollering on reclaiming her Tour de France crown, that heartbreaking 2024 finale, and moving teams for 2025 48:52

8 weeks ago48:52

48:52

We've partnered with BrewDog for January to help bring some balance to our GTCC members. You can get 15% off BrewDog's alcohol free range by visiting: https://brewdog.com/collections/geraint-thomas-cycling-club We thought it was about time we welcomed another Tour de France winner to the GTCC... Come on in, Demi Vollering! The Dutch superstar came within an agonising four seconds of retaining her TDFF crown this summer, but she'll return to the race in 2025 as the hot favourite on her new team, FDJ-Suez. Demi joined us from training camp and was open and honest about her tumultuous 2024, the crash that defined last year's Tour, and her plans for the future. It's fair to say, G and Tom were big fans. Meanwhile G's been battling hard against a bout of illness in Australia, but remains in good spirits. To be fair, who wouldn't be spending January in Adelaide. It's the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race next up for him. Who else would you like to hear from on the GTCC? Let us know by emailing gtcc@crowdnetwork.co.uk. We are also very excited to confirm that our ROUVY rides are back for 2025. Come and join the fun every Wednesday at 18:30 UK time. You can sign up for tomorrow's ride (29th January) by clicking here. And if you haven't signed up for ROUVY yet, use the code GTCC1M for a free month on us. See you next week. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Luke Plapp on the Tour Down Under, his Grand Tour ambitions, and being a proper Aussie farmer mate 52:12

9 weeks ago52:12

52:12

We've partnered with BrewDog for January to help bring some balance to our GTCC members. You can get 15% off BrewDog's alcohol free range by visiting: https://brewdog.com/collections/geraint-thomas-cycling-club Yes, G's season starts here - and as he's in Australia, we've chosen a ripper of an Aussie for today's guest. We're sure you've heard of Luke Plapp - he was G's teammates for two years, after all - but how well do you know him? Today you'll find out all about one of the nicest fellas in the bunch, his Grand Tour ambitions for 2025, his gnarly crash in the Paris Olympics, and plenty more. Can he win Tour Down Under to kick-start his year in style? We will find out. We are also very excited to confirm that our ROUVY rides are back for 2025 - and last week's first weekly ride was a big success! Come and join the fun every Wednesday at 18:30 UK time. You can sign up for tomorrow's ride (22nd January) by clicking here. And if you haven't signed up for ROUVY yet, use the code GTCC1M for a free month on us. Enjoy Plappy. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Greg van Avermaet on clashing with G, that Gold medal in Rio, and being a Belgian Classics star 1:02:13

10 weeks ago1:02:13

1:02:13

We've partnered with BrewDog for January to help bring some balance to our GTCC members. You can get 15% off BrewDog's alcohol free range by visiting: https://brewdog.com/collections/geraint-thomas-cycling-club G'day GTCCers. G's still living it up in the heat of Adelaide ahead of the Tour Down Under, while Tom and Producer George continue to do battle with the elements in Greater Manchester. It's alright for some, isn't it? As a legend of the cobbles, today's guest was no stranger to the cold and rain during his career either - albeit his biggest ever win came in the summer Olympic heat on the Copacabana beach. Yes, that's right - today we welcome Greg van Avermaet to the GTCC! GVA is one of those riders that we feel like must have been on before - but has somehow never made it to the GTCC, until now. He chatted to the guys about that incredible Gold medal ride, his remarkable run of success in 2017, his gravel exploits today and so much more. We are also very excited to confirm that our ROUVY rides are back for 2025 - and will take place each and every Wednesday at 18:30 UK time. You can sign up for tomorrow's ride (15th January) by clicking here. And if you haven't signed up for ROUVY yet, use the code GTCC1M for a free month on us. Enjoy Greg. Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Pavel Sivakov on why he left the INEOS Grenadiers, riding for Pog, and training with G 1:00:41

11 weeks ago1:00:41

1:00:41

We've partnered with BrewDog for January to help bring some balance to our GTCC members. You can get 15% off BrewDog's alcohol free range by visiting: https://brewdog.com/collections/geraint-thomas-cycling-club Happy New Year! We are back for 2025 and joined for our first episode of the year by G's old teammate, Pavel Sivakov. Pavel was a long-time teammate of G's, having started his pro career at Team Sky, before spreading his wings and joining UAE at the start of 2024. He speaks honestly about why he made that move, tells us what it's really like to ride for Pog - and lots more. You'll enjoy this one. Meanwhile, G's in Australia prepping for the Tour Down Under, and Tom's in full training mode for our next GTCC Rouvy ride. More details on that next week. See you then. Want to try ROUVY ? Get a free month on us using the code GTCC1M at this link: https://rouvy.com?utm_source=geraint-thomas-cycling-club&utm_medium=direct-buy&utm_campaign=chasing-goals&utm_term=podcast Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Kristen Faulkner on winning Olympic Gold, turning pro at 28, and overcoming the odds in Paris 1:01:05

14 weeks ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Want to try ROUVY ? Get a free month on us using the code GTCC1M at this link: https://rouvy.com?utm_source=geraint-thomas-cycling-club&utm_medium=direct-buy&utm_campaign=chasing-goals&utm_term=podcast Merry Christmas! Yes, we're a little early, but this is the last pod from us this year - so a huge thank you to everyone who has listened along the way. And what's our Christmas present to you all? Well, it's a chat with Olympic Road Race winner and Team EF–Oatly–Cannondale rider Kristen Faulkner. You may not know much about Kristen, aside from seeing her win Gold over heavyweights Kopecky and Vos in Paris this summer, but her story is remarkable. She'd barely ridden a bike aged 24, turned pro at 28, and now? She's a two-time Olympic Gold medallist. There's also chat about halibut and bears. What more do you need? We will see you all in 2025. From G, Tom, Luke, and Producer George Music courtesy of BMG Music Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Geraint Thomas Cycling Club

1
Alberto Contador on his rivalry with Team Sky, becoming a team boss, and taking on that teammate 58:37

15 weeks ago58:37