13 Years of Pro Riding: What Amateurs Don't Know | Dowsett

[@ccbanger1414]

It’s great to see a ex pro back in the amateur ranks not giving a shit if it’s going to get hammered or not.

[@jyalpert]

David Foster Wallace, in “How Tracy Austin Broke My Heart,” also advances the theory that the kind of athlete that can win under huge pressure is a person that inherently can’t process the immensity of the moment, because if they could, they’d choke. He believes this is why so many athlete autobiographies are boring and dry.

[@johnnydarko8031]

This an insightful and interesting comment. ta.

[@rlm4471]

It's also possible that most athlete autobiographies are boring because athletes are often not very interesting people, and because many of these books are ghostwritten. I remember reading autobiographies from Michael Jordan and Michael Johnson as a kid, and thinking even then that there was no way these guys wrote this stuff in their own words.

[@MarcusWellstead]

@@jyalpert How many actually write their own though? Mike Tyson’s is riveting but actually written by someone far more articulate. No slur on him. He’s a champion boxer, not a champion writer. The theory is half baked though. Top athletes have developed coping strategies for dealing with it. Sports Psychologists are the norm these days. If Mr Wallace thinks Federer or Nadal or any great champion who wins repeatedly does not realise the immensity of the moment in a Grand Slam or say Olympic final then think again!. Ironically champions recite these kind of experiences and how they cope in their autobiographies which is often what renders them interesting rather than boring! Perhaps he somehow missed all that! It shows the athlete’s vulnerability, fear and anxiety but ability to overcome that mentally. Read Chris Hoy’s for example and you’ll understand just how wrong and reductive (not to mention condescending) this ´theory’ is.

[@Shelleysnail]

I've seen quite a few of his vlogs. A real star and such a gent.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Great chat; I found Alex point about being tested so much very insightful. Whenever I either watch his channel or see him interviewed he always comes across has being very modest.

[@markmark2469]

There is always masters racing when you get older, and age group national champions! Don't under-estimate the importance of staying competitive! I look at former athletes and they are so plump, and I am like how did that happen? Something special about when you get older, and you can still consider yourself an athlete.

[@rlm4471]

Masters racing is rad. It's completely inspiring to watch super fit 60-year-olds race for national and international championships. Being the fastest 60- or 70-year-old in the world has got to feel great.

[@andrewboyd730]

Until a french rider wins the Tour the french media will always throw doping allegations against the winner.

[@stanlee-eq7lu]

I always saw France as absolutely jealous one of their own citizens can't bring home the bacon they prepare each year.

[@MarcusWellstead]

@@andrewboyd730 True. And I doubt the fans will throw piss on and spit and their own home champion too!

[@gilleek2]

Great chat. Deffo should have him on again. Fair play

[@Darthshearer]

Great episode. Alex is such a humble guy. I love his videos too.

[@IslandPink]

Alex very watchable as always. Good to see a stout defence of Froome.

[@lfoster7601]

Corking episode. LOve Alex and he always comes across well on "Soshul Meeja" but Ant brought out a really contempative, knowledgeable side of him too. Needless to say, since recording, Sir Cav has taken that record... :-)

[@Deep_stew]

Team Sky’s edge was spotting riders with asthma

[@MarcusWellstead]

@@Deep_stew Yes they crossed an ethical line there and exploited a loophole like others were doing. I lost respect for Dave and Co over that. It wasn’t an edge they were gaining though. A significant number of riders in the peleton were doing the same in other teams too.

[@SamHocking]

@@MarcusWellstead I think it depends how you viewed Brailsford's announcement in the throws of Armstrong's fall from grace that they would win clean within 5 years. Some took it to mean literally win with bread and water only and when they discovered it was bread and water + everything else legal and within the rules of the sport at the time got upset. The obvious 'line' on their jerseys since day 1 as far as I remember symbolised the WADA illegal line they wouldn't cross. In terms of their riders they didn't seem to cross it. Ethically crossing is a very blurry line and imo immaterial because anti-doping is only a legal matter, there's almost no ethical aspect to the anti-doping fight other than perhaps MPCC and their members are continually testing + for epo and roids anyway while pointing the finger to Brailsford which is as hypocritical as any team could get when it comes to anti-doping and ethics.

[@MegaNugent]

Such a gentleman and true professional to our sport.

[@peterthomas8053]

Great interview and interaction between you pair. I also follow Alex's KZbin videos, and thoroughly enjoy them. On the Lemond comment about Froome and 'motordoping', I understood his comment, in your interview will him, is that he was comparing Froome's power numbers falling as he was attacking on the famous 80km breakaway. Hence why he was convinced about him motordoping. Whatever was happening, if anything, it didn't stop me enjoying that attack.

[@bowwowrapha7790]

He knows exactly what was said, as do we. He's playing games with his audience, Alex and Greg. That might stop Greg talking to him again

[@redkeyspoke]

Rohan Dennis, that's a name I haven't heard in awhile. What a podcast guest that could be, litigation pending.

[@user-xh7rz6sh7t]

😂 That might not be right, but it’s correct.

[@richjlaw]

As an amateur I crashed a lot in crit and track racing in my 20s and 30s. I dedfinitely got better at avoiding them as I aged but most of the times they just explode. The last big crash (in my 40s) made me quit outdoor racing as I realised that the kids racing around me had no idea or care to race safely, and with job and family, the risk/reward just stopped being fun or worth it.

[@RoadBikeCC]

Yes I'm on a Cervelo S5, 7.6KG Shimano Groupset BananaWax TDF Chain Wax 25c Panaracer Evo Tyres on Hunt Carbon Rims. I may go upto 28c tyres purely for Comfort.

[@rlm4471]

Just reading this was enough to make me KOM. You must have a very well established practice.

[@stevenbalderstone709]

Alex's biography arrived a few weeks ago; it is a good read, unique story.

[@jamesmoylan9042]

Lemond said Froome motor dope looking at his wattage and speed up the certain mountains in the Tour

[@markdeane8385]

downloaded his book a few days ago..bloody minded...😊...fantastic read...

[@sruckel]

I was an elite athlete in a number of sports, but never at the pro level. for instance I had a golf handicap of 3 which put me in the top 99% of golfers, but miles away from top pros. Fame and identity are for Messi et al. For the rest of us, there is no notoriety except in our own mind. Every time I tell a story to my grandchildren the “fish” gets bigger and bigger. :)

[@demianseale501]

Wow you’re amazing. I’m so glad you posted.

[@rlm4471]

One of the big downsides of living in a fully interconnected, globalized world. Everything you do gets compared to everyone else in the world, so you're nothing unless you're one of the best on the entire planet. No more local heroes.

[@MarcusWellstead]

@@sruckel The top 1% of golfers you mean?!

[@peternoble3691]

@@rlm4471great point! It’s also at the expense of local sports teams - who can’t compare to watching videos of Real Madrid / Barca

[@bvanherck]

I think 99% of the people belong to the top 99% no big deal 😂

[@TheWilliamBogart]

Anthony has a Dublin accent when he isn't even speaking.

[@rourkeyliiid4769]

😂

[@alphamrc309]

Chapeau to such a Gent

[@bowwowrapha7790]

Perfs Pedal!! First thing I thought of. I was one year out.

[@owenlane517]

Did I miss them talk about the thumbnail ? I have always been curious as to what the riders are drinking right after stages in the grand tours

[@recordednowhere]

i think it's tart cherry juice. A comment on a different video mentioned it, I did a bit of research and it seems very plausible (who knows what the whole secret formula is...)

[@starlitshadows]

​@@recordednowhereyeah I read on the Visma page they drink tart cherry juice first. Then they have a recovery drink from the supplement company they use. Cherry juice is anti-inflammatory, has sugar and some potassium.

[@brendancycling12]

Do you know if they always drink it or just post race?

[@recordednowhere]

@@brendancycling12 I don't know. Google "Tart Cherry Trainingpeaks", there's a nice article to start your research. I've been drinking it for the last couple of days Post exercise and at random times during the day 😅

[@starlitshadows]

@@brendancycling12 just post race as far as I know.

[@Odiariowes]

Amazing chat 😮‍💨☝️

[@robp3431]

(5) months out of the year, we have no alternative but to heat-train if you want to ride outdoors (here) in S. Florida. HR add 20-25 bpm as no chance to cool

[@sunburntknees2904]

The old ‘there’s so much testing they can’t be doping’ trope….where have I heard that before????

[@SamHocking]

Riders have only been saying that the last few years and I would agree. In Armstrong's and Contadors day the testing was non-existent or UCI was complicit with warning the riders 24 hours before it would happen.

[@bb-r5710]

Such good information. I truly enjoy your podcasts🥰

[@christiankeim]

Anyone else feel there should be a tour of legends? A multiple stage race that top rated amateurs can race former pros like mark Cavendish and g. Thomas. Would kinda give a level playing ground for the in between

[@dbw1000]

Whe you're asked if you are famous, you should say yes. The niche is bigger than you think.

[@curtvaughan2836]

I appreciate the dialog about Froome. I really had hopes he would make the 5-win club with the TdF. I hope Lemond is wrong about the motor-doping. I have a lot of respect for Greg Lemond, having followed him with his Tour wins back in the 80's, but I think he's wrong about Chris Froome.

[@dlamaster]

I also wonder about Greg LeMond not riding and staying fit vs. Alex still wanting to test his 400 watt time trial position as a retired pro and still riding as an amateur. But perhaps the answer is simple: Greg met and surpassed his goals that he wrote out as a young teenager. He’s an outlier. He obviously shifted his attention to other challenges after conquering most everything he set out to do. The diets, weight targets and fitness tests were no longer necessary. Alex is the next lower tier champion and top level cyclist who remains inside the international cyclist bubble. Absolutely no shame in that.

[@G4ll4RDO24]

Don’t forget, Greg still has buck shot in his body and tough for him to do anything some days

[@timothymitchell9936]

I think Greg would be on his bike on the regular and pushing it had he never been shot. He still seems to have a love of all things cycling. It must be so frustrating not to be able to ride intensely all these years. But he has found a way to stay connected to and involved in cycling as an interviewee and manufacturer.

[@collinsnyder8682]

Regarding the center line rule in the US, part of that was due to some tragic accidents from races due to people going over the line, thus USAC tends to be pretty strict.

[@richjlaw]

p.s. agree on roads lines on UK vs US. Most of my early racing was in the US, then didn't race for years, and was shcoked about this when I came to race in the UK in my 40s.

[@steveprice9737]

I got a foul scowl from Cav a few years ago as I shouted encouragement from the side of the, still think he's great😂

[@MarcusWellstead]

Alex handled the whole Lemond suggestion of Froome motor doping well. Lemond’s comments are libellous. What was Greg thinking voicing that with no proof on KZbin. V disappointed in him for that. Alex’s comments are calm, measured, insightful. Enjoyed this.

[@Chris-xv2gm]

Lemond is like a kid.

[@jaybobd]

Lemond is trying to stay relevant and simultaneously tarnish any rider who wasn't "clean" like he supposedly was.

[@thefollandgnat]

If You Know You Know tarnishes every single rider, so that it no longer becomes tarnishing.

[@corydaddydoras]

Great advice and better bloke. Does look like Hugh Grant if he pushed 400w too long and retired in 10 yrs...

[@spookygears]

Thanks!

[@TriathlonTomi-r5z]

I’m so glad Alex has been able to give his perspective on Froome’s ‘motor doping’ accusation from Lemond. The biggest issue with doping not being as punished and under control as it should be is that people no longer have the capacity to accept or believe that some people, such as Froome or Vingegaard, are just exceptionally gifted. I honestly think there should be backlash to anyone such as Lemond who throws out such lazy baseless accusations. Something similar also happened quite recently in triathlon where Sam Laidlow who won Kona last year couldn’t even enjoy his win because a bitter parent of one of his competitors called him out for doping without a drop of evidence, just lazy speculation. I honestly hate this kind of behaviour as it’s ruining sports. Exceptional people exist. I guess some people just have a hard time accepting that they are not.

[@iamwearingacup]

You can be exceptionally talented and dopping at the same time.

[@TriathlonTomi-r5z]

That’s true, but when can you be just exceptionally talented?

[@alexswan7255]

The football is a funny one…didn’t Leicester have a cycling doc on the books for their black swan season when they won the premier league?

[@jeffreypeters1902]

My understanding was that many of the blood bags in operation Puerto belonged to footballers, and some to a tennis star.

[@kevincockburn7805]

Pro football teams are full of former cycling doctors

[@jeffreypeters1902]

Love the podcast, but do feel compelled to call you out- I feel you were a little disingenuous regarding your conversation with Lemond regarding allegations he laid out on Froome's motor-doping suspicion. I have no idea whether Froome did or didn't- there were some accelerations that just looked odd. Lemond, as you recall got into the the watts analysis to underscore his belief. I've watched every tour since 1985 and found this really odd at the time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6qZhHZ7btiArZo

[@bowwowrapha7790]

A little is not the word!! He's a spoofer.

[@aomana]

A GOOD TIP: If cant understand what Alex say put the video speed on 0,75 😉

[@mikewilliams6086]

That's a great question ,who am I now?

[@thejollypoacher1074]

Who was the Kiwi pulling massive watts when Alex was in NZ? Was it Vink? It sounds like Vink.

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

It was

[@thejollypoacher1074]

Thanks for replying Alex. Vink is pure class. Just unlucky he got to the party 10 years late.

[@lazlo2511]

It seems all of a sudden you like trying to discredit Greg? The guy knows stuff, you don’t think his going to blow up all his inside info for some dude chasing YT numbers! LOL.

[@dieterloos7382]

that gb heat training protocol is fucking rough wth

[@yvesgysel9834]

The level is so ridiculous high in professional cycling that you need to be outstanding as a junior to even get a contract nowadays. Before, there was no such thing as a minimum wage as a professional rider. So the professional teams gave easier a contract. Then, the equipment, nutrition, special diet, kine... It has al become very professional. Try that to match as an amateur.

[@michaeloconnor9809]

Hey roadmen Hey lads Wonder ehat da wimin think.

[@macht4turbo]

Saying one should not have a keen eye on doping in cycling, because it isnt as discussed in football is cery odd. It is the other way around. There is good reason to have strict doping protocolls in cycling and other sports should take an example of that. Not the other way around...Dowsett is obviously very biased in his view, as he totally can be, it is understandable, because the test protocols are so strict and a burden to the riders. But it is also part of the game and historically necessary.

[@stevecrane7233]

X pros racing with ametuers is BS

[@RyonBeachner]

I have to say I lost a lot of respect for the podcast after the Lemond episode. It’s good to know that he’s just as credible as I had supposed from listening to him speak. An old man grasping for continued relevance in the modern era. Alex however is excellent. Loved this, and really enjoyed how humble and realistic he is.

[@andarenbici]

Glad Alex still competes as an amateur. The baseless doping accusations are terrible. What does Lemonde get for defaming Froome? What does Netflix get? No evidence? Then don't make BS accusations to seem righteous and interesting. With a little more luck, Froome would have had 5. With that said, this is a much better era for racing.

[@andrewsandoz8005]

Really don't get the point he's attempting to make? Sort of rattles on and on.

[@KennyBellau]

Amateurs ALWAYS take all the risks on the descent.... Just FYI. They might not be as good at it as Pogocar (he's better than Pidcock, sorry), but an amateur will take even more risks than a pro with a contract.