Why I Left GCN - Matt Stephens

Matt Stephens is an ex-professional cyclist and GCN presenter who now commentates and presents for Eurosport, Sigma Sports, Zwift and many other outlets.
Find me on Instagram: joe.reilly?hl=en
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We’ve all indirectly spent hours in Matt’s company through his work at GCN and Eurosport, and so I wanted to get a flavour of the man behind the microphone. We ended up having a broad-ranging conversation including some cycling topics, and some non-cycling topics such as language, art, reverence, and culture.
Matt gives an insight into his time in the police and how that helps him host conversations with the biggest names in cycling, what makes a bad interview and how he aims to bring the humanity of the riders to the fore, his use of emotion and language in the commentary box, how the history of art helps him as a presenter, the early days of GCN and why he moved on, and so much more.
There is a depth to Matt that I - and now you - get to enjoy, and it was a real pleasure to have an hour of Matt’s time. I don’t think there are many podcasts in the world where Mark Cavendish and Francis Bacon are both mentioned, but that’s the way we roll on the Joe Reilly Podcast.
If you’re new here, consider subscribing and leaving a 5-star review as it enables me to bring you more conversations like this.
Key Words: GCN, Eurosport, Zwift, Mark Cavendish, Amstel Gold, Tour de France, Language, Commentating,

[@dagatoe]

Matt, Si and Dan had a chemistry that really came through on camera and made GCN worth watching. It was kind of like Top Gear, just with bikes.

[@linesided]

exactly right

[@archiestapleton1081]

Couldn’t agree more with the topgear but with bikes!

[@kaitheus6951]

My favorite GCN 'era' was Matt, Si, Dan and Emma: great rapport, thanks for those memories.

[@stevedouglas3975]

100% Now it's a clown show unfortunately a lot of the time. And not in a good way.

[@warrenkingston7606]

What happened to Emma?

[@xAudiolith]

@@warrenkingston7606 I think she’s working in a geology related field. On Strava she sometimes posts about collecting ground samples etc. based in Switzerland I believe.

[@xAudiolith]

Yep, and all the other ones are horrible in front of the camera. Outside of those GCN is an unwatchable shill fest. I saw them reviewing bikes when all the presenters were barely approaching more than 5 hours of riding per week and most of them not riding at all.

[@bengarside79]

Totally. I really loved Emma’s home nutrition stuff as well as her undoubted pro credentials.

[@Frostbiker]

I always enjoyed Matt's contributions to GCN. He came across as a really friendly guy, much like Si.

[@TheRimBrakeGuy]

Back then it was more about the love of cycling, than just being a billboard for sponsors as it is now.

[@philthewriter]

Only ever enjoyed Matt, Si and Dan. Quite like Olly, but the rest I don't really care for. Seem like a nice team, but not the same as the old guard. Tom as well.

[@woozertoo]

@@philthewriteryeah, miss the Brick, even though he elected to stay behind the scenes mostly during his tenure.

[@panzerveps]

@@philthewriter I liked Ollie better when he was in Cycling Weekly. He was one of the reasons I unsubscribed from GCN.

[@alikabok-es4sx]

Matt, was one of the pillars of GCN's formative years. Dan, Simon, Matt and Tom and the great team behind them truly transformed cycling. I missed Matt, when he left, but I still support GCN due to Dan and Simon.

[@Thoth-of-Atlantis]

+Hank

[@jaibhardwaj4886]

they're the OG

[@raleighkellyc9375]

Hey don’t forget emma

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

GCN missed Matt way more than Matt missed GCN, was never the same without him.

[@djfler]

Also Jon, miss him a lot

[@oreocarlton3343]

​@@djfler is Jon the Brick? I miss their banter so much

[@TheRimBrakeGuy]

I think we miss seeing his "struggles" to clip in. :)

[@kubagornowicz]

Very true.

[@Andy_ATB]

@@oreocarlton3343 No, that's Tom Last, brother of XC MTB pro, Annie Last.

[@kenrodriguez3067]

I saw this on my feed and I immediately clicked on. Matt is a true professional and I thoroughly enjoy hearing him do race commentary. A great sense of humor and someone who doesn't take himself too seriously. Bravo, Matt!

[@kamucho]

Its worked out amazing for Matt. He is clearly very well respected in the industry and I look forward to following him as he continues to grow

[@Mordiiax]

I always felt that Si, Dan and Matt was the cycling equivalent to Clarkson, May and Hammond. Then I watched everything, now it is just the occasional stuff.

[@DesertObserver491]

I was thinking the same thing. In both cases, they were the trio that cemented the show and attracted its core following.

[@Mordiiax]

@@DesertObserver491Yeah, no matter if it is cycling or cars, when a trio has that special magic connection the material they produce will have “it”.

[@jansmith4284]

It was also better then because there was much less 'in your face' advertising going on. It was genuinely about building the brand at that point and trying to be fun/interesting, rather than attracting better sponsorships.

[@Mordiiax]

@@jansmith4284 Yeah… I remember one episode when Si just uses WD-40 for a degreaser and lube. A couple of videos later there was nothing better than muc off or whatever the brand was. Then I kind of lost faith in the product recommendations. Money need to come in, of course, but if I don’t know if a product is good or just being being told it is good because of money reasons I go to other sources for information.

[@DesertObserver491]

@@jansmith4284 Completely agree. In case of TG, it became less motoring journalism and more wacky clowning tasks with cars.

[@GelMibson-u2y]

Matts coffee ride series rule. Some of my favorite cycling content on KZbin

[@Y3riel]

I’ve been waiting for this for years!!!!!! Matt made GCN entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Always a highlight.

[@kalaalefaio5108]

me too!

[@leedorney]

I recall at the time he said he wanted to concentrate on commentating..so it wasnt that far from this 👍

[@generaphaelian8893]

Matt is the gold standard. A true pro.

[@jimjr4432]

Well I miss Matt, especially his clipping in !!! Loved the KZbin presentations.

[@LeMenuisier]

Absolutely great guy--Love your Sigma sports / commentating / Cafe ride videos. What a pleasure meeting & getting his autograph at this past years Tour de France. Thanks Matt!!

[@santiagobenites]

Nice interview, Joe. Matt Stephens is the best, and the cycling world is fortunate to have him.

[@LeonEvans_Guyver1]

Absolutely love Matt "clip in King" Stephens ❤👍👌

[@glennwilliams5869]

He seems to be one of the most humble men out there. Everyone loves Matt

[@Metal-Possum]

Early GCN was Top Gear on bikes. The most entertaining GCN has ever been.

[@wordupcornflake]

The early days of gcn were great

[@ulrikmortensen9426]

Yeah, the early years❤

[@christianholmstedt8770]

Yep. Now it basically sucks. Not funny at all.

[@HughDWallace]

Matt, Si & Dan were my favourite trio on GCN and it hasn't been the same since Matt left. But fair play to him because he has gone on to bigger and better things.

[@bradnail99]

I loved Matt when he was on GCN, missed him when he left. This video makes me realize how much he resembles Wallace from Wallace and Gromit. I’m also glad he has so many healthy interests (like art), and isn’t a one-dimensional athlete. I think that well-roundedness is what makes him such a relatable commentator.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Glad I'm not the only one to realize he is the real-life version of Wallace.

[@pixelpotato4874]

Starting following Sigma when you left, really good show to,cheers from Australia,👍😀

[@drummercrm]

Such a legend. I loved those old GCN days. Mad respect to this man

[@ianstewart8301]

Love Matt! Glad he addressed this. Thanks for doing it. He answered a bunch of my questions too

[@HF35752]

Thanks Matt for your contributions to old school GCN that is so close to home for all of us! Those episodes are absolute classic and are still the best ones to watch.

[@chrispig7748]

Great interview, loved Matt on GCN with Simon and Dan. They were so funny and entertaining. Got me me back into cycling so thanks so much for that. GCN was much better in those days with Matt, it’s a bit too serious now. Matt was always a good sport

[@JGRGilbert]

Love hearing Matt commentating. Wish I could hear him and Ned Boulting on the Giro world feed. Also miss Dan Lloyd's commentary on Discovery+

[@gravelbikemark]

Love Matt so funny and his cafe rides are epic

[@skinheads]

I watched GCN only with Matt in it, seems like fun guy to hang out with plus his laugh makes me laugh

[@petyrkowalski9887]

I still train to Matts GCN videos. I love his new stuff as well and he is one of the very best commentators.

[@dinodaniel2237]

Matt Stephen’s is a good interviewer in cycling. A good replacement for Phil Ligget since he retired.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Matt Stephens* - the "S" is part of the name, no apostrophe. Otherwise completely agreed.

[@Muppetkeeper]

I met Matt at the Cycle show this year, he's the only hero you should meet. Such a warm and open guy.

[@PumpkinVillage]

I always watch what he's in and glad to see his growth into a bigger side of the industry.

[@tonystroudlewis6333]

I always enjoy watching anything with Matt in it, I also enjoy his commentary, I was even lucky enough to receive an award from him at our Club AGM, he’s a lovely guy.

[@kublaios]

Truly a man of class. Thank you for the things you are doing for cycling, you are a true inspiration.

[@MrAndrewjdavis]

Matt came to a Kingston Wheelers event a decade ago - absolutely top bloke! Great presenter / commenter to. Best wishes for the future.

[@JohnMFlores]

It was sad to see you leave GCN but it may have been the best move of your career. Always interested in what projects you are working on.

[@Historyrevenge777]

Matt and si golden era of gcn with the funny top 10 vids

[@s3cr3td00rindar00m]

I think Matt's influence in the industry is inmense, he reached out to generations not necesarily as a rider buy as a presenter, commentator, cycling figure. So for folks like who started late on cycling and got to knew Matt though GCN and then you've made aware of his career and the highlight of being GB Champion it is kinda inspiring. Cycling today wouldn't be the same without Matt (and to GCN too)

[@royfinch8644]

Matt. Dan and Jez (with Fieldy on X) are my favourite commentators. All easy to understand, no histrionics and usually mention the "British" riders. PS Matt. sometimes drinks tea-wonderful.

[@rule3036]

Great to see Matt ! Alive and kicking! Was defo my favourite preenter on GCS😂

[@benedictearlson9044]

He was great on GCN, I remember him on-bike interviewing Alberto Contador on a team training climb with Matt struggling to keep up and gasping out of breath while trying to do the interview and Contador saying 'I thought you were a pro', 'I USED to be a pro' he gasped.

[@Windband1]

That was a great one!!

[@Samdav-fu2]

GCN was never the same without Matt. They tried to replace him with a bunch of other people but it wasn’t the same. GCN need either an incredibly funny loveable guy like Matt, or a very high level ex-pro that commands knowledge and respect. Without that, the glory days won’t return. Great to see Matt doing so well

[@JavierGalvez1978]

I love this guy, he was the SOUL of GCN !! greetings from Spain-Germany, the Cafe Ride with Andrew Ridgeley its absolutely fantastic

[@MorganBrown]

Now that gcn is independent I hope they may bring Matt back again

[@moobaz8675]

Best opportunity that was presented to you Matt. GCN’s loss was definitely your gain.

[@britCpower]

I really enjoyed your stuff on GCN and your cafe rides are epic. I think you were right to want to keep a diverse portfolio and they were fools for not seeing that. I wish you all the best with your activities in the future.

[@mikeowen5484]

The ride and interview he did with Pippa York in Glasgow was something he couldn't have done within the confines of GCN - informative, illuminating, funny and very moving.

[@richardhier5865]

Really enjoyed this and I too associate with what Matt’s saying here about wanting variety in my life. Plus, how wonderfully infectious is Matt!

[@3rwparks3]

I always enjoyed Matt's humor on GCN. " I'm not in yet "

[@vueltaskelter414]

I love Matt. His podcast he does on the Giro with Ned Boulting each year is something I look forward to as much as the race itself. And his hotel room photography is art.

[@mathewkirk1748]

GCN are sell-outs, more interested in repetitive content with clickbait thumb nails at the whim of the bike companies who pay them, than actually being cycling journalists and enthusiasts. I get they need to make money, but most of their content is just the same old diluted, rehashed, reskinned, and dross.

[@mikestafford74]

What a lovely guy he is! Si, Dan, and Matt were peak GCN. These days I'll always watch a Si and/or Dan video and Alex and Manon are pretty good but the rest I really can;t be doing with (that tediously macho aristo guy who's name I forget is a huge no for me).

[@DarrenPaul]

Brilliant presenter on GCN, loved his work and missed it. But one of the best commentators in the world! His Sigma stuff is great

[@joshebrown2575]

Matt does amazing in everything he does. His choices have been a benefit to him and his fans.

[@monday223]

Great commentary in recent tours Matt! Keep it going.

[@htukmumfie]

absolutely love listening to matt. i'd love to have a natter out on the road. great bloke.

[@BrettCunningham-g8n]

Going to miss Matt during the GCN shows and Eurosport broadcasts. He’s very knowledgeable bringing his pro experience into play, plus he has a great sense of humour. Comes across as a very personable individual and seems very modest. I’ll definitely follow him on Sigma. He brings a great reputation with him as well as a high level of professionalism.

[@DanCave]

Matt is genuine and sound.. the best thing was team TopBonkSchleppers.. that belgian guy he did was funny... Brilliantly captured. Not to mention Matt's laugh... infectious and cheers me up no end..

[@SnifferAlan1972]

Matt is great. So down to earth and I love his sense of humour. The cafe rides are so entertaining 👌😁👏

[@andyWEASEL]

Big loss for GCN, Matt was my favorite and he really did make every episode better. I'm happy for him that it all worked out well in the end.

[@lloydyno1]

Such a top bloke, always enjoyed his contributions & has great humour.

[@markanderson3870]

Awesome. So much respect for this guy.

[@cantsprintwontsprint]

Matt was the main reason for me getting to watch gcn

[@benjaminfox-shapiro4032]

GCN was truly idiotic to give Matt an ultimatum like that. Also it makes no sense since Dan Lloyd does Eurosport commentary and GCN.

[@strupotter]

Dan hasn’t commentated for Discovery/ES since June when playsportsnetwork got sold by discovery back to the original owners. He probably got the ultimatum of discovery/ES or GCN and chose GCN. It looks like Manon chose Discovery/ES as she left GCN just before TdFF and was part of the on ground coverage

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

@@strupotter Manon left before 2024.

[@caseyclausen2627]

​@@paddymurphy-oconnor8255Her last video was recorded in July 2024.

[@georgehugh3455]

@@paddymurphy-oconnor8255 Huh? The champagne from her going away party (in the Camelbak water bottle) is like 8 weeks old.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@strupotterIf Dan got that ultimatum, it came years later.

[@cd0u50c9]

Very insightful interview. Matt always did strike me as the most 'colourful' of the GCN presenters, and there's clearly a lot to the guy. Variety is the spice of life, and you can clearly see that he understands that well.

[@kingtubby999]

Gcn was never the same dynamic when he left. Top bloke

[@leedsunited007]

Nice things happen to nice guys. Enjoy Matt’s commentary, especially funny stories from his pro days.

[@ziggybantom]

I love Matt's commentating. He shows excitement and passion for the racing.....alot more than the boring GCN commentators do!

[@robinrdale8318]

Matt always had a genuine down to earth approach and appeal the othe guys as polite as they are just don’t have

[@tomrees4812]

I’m glad Matt opted out. Along with Robbie Mcewen and Jose Bene he’s my favourite commentator on Eurosport by miles.

[@Hubster65]

Matt is a top bloke with THE most wicked sense of humour…his “cyclists with food related names” thing still makes me chuckle (Peter Sagan Aloo and Nans Bread Peters stand out especially 🤣)…definitely the most entertaining cycling presenter/commentator for me 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jonb3311]

Matt is one of the best cycling commentators. Eurosport/Discovery have made a mess of their staff recently, with one who thinks he's the star of the show. Fortunately, Matt isn't one for shouting and screaming, make a fuss about nothing and doesn't do piss-pronunciation.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Matt is also of an age where he got into cycling before it became all high-tech focussed. He rode bicycles with steel frames and downtube shifters. Some of the younger presenters never knew anything else than carbon frames, disc brakes and electronic shifting and focus too much on the race-wortiness of bikes and all sorts of stupid data totally irrelevant to whether you enjoy riding a bike or not.

[@antonywilliams5703]

Discovery seem to love the "over emphasizing every word I say" style of commentary. I can't watch their coverage of grand tours as the commentary just ruins them.

[@BarryTaylor7591]

Love Matt's Sigma coffee rides. Always interesting with a slice of humor.

[@michaelcree1911]

Enjoyed Matt on GCN. Sigma was great too. Still do his sweet spot training on GCN.

[@Clem21]

I liked Matt on GCN but he really seemed to come alive after, especially as a podcaster and KZbinr. That man has true joie de vivre.

[@Tiss17979]

I love the Star Wars stuff in the background ❤

[@midtoad]

I always wondered why Matt suddenly disappeared from GCN videos and shows. And now I know! Thanks for this clip.

[@christianfricke1986]

I really missed Matt on GCN but the guys there like Hank and Manon fit the vibe they are trying to create much better. Matt is just an all round personality with genuine connection to the people he is talking to and working with.

[@DST-n7r]

Completely agree. Really sad how many comments on here saying it was better with Matt. That’s so disrespectful to Hank, Manon, Connor and others who have all brought so much to GCN. Back in Matt’s day it was just top 10 clips. Now they do some epic adventures

[@christianfricke1986]

@@DST-n7r That‘s not what I meant. Also: Matt did a series on how to do Cyclo Cross. His personality just did not fit in with GCN - Matt doesn‘t take himself to seriously and he makes fun content for Sigma or Discovery (his coffee rides are GOLD); the guys on GCN are simply a completely different crowd and they aim at the Drivetribe-type of cyclist.

[@toothlesspilgrim]

History of Art. Love it. Matt should do some non cycling videos about his new passion?

[@barrymccormick2483]

It’s like someone has a gun aimed at him and said “keep smiling’

[@rodneytrotter5656]

It is quite distracting and seems unnatural

[@Kahuczech]

I'm not saying that rest were rubbish, but Matt was the one with the Vitality that made it more engaging...

[@IdahoFatTireBikeFun]

Matt, thanks for making cycling fun videos!

[@gillbrown4077]

Love Matt great commentator, love the sigma podcasts and cafe rides. Also good kareoke

[@ahazell733]

There's nothing in my house about cycling "unless you go into the garage, or one particular room" I can just imagine the insane pain cave set ups in those places!

[@rd_rae]

Prime example of how an employer screws up by pressurizing valuable staff members. Good call Matt, chapeau for staying true to your passions and developing more. As many, I enjoy each and every of your contributions!

[@RyonBeachner]

Matt is an absolute treasure. It sounds like the two just grew apart, and that’s fine, it’s worked out well for both sides I think, and I’d imagine Matt felt like he dodged a massive bullet with the turmoil surrounding GCN’s investors and business structure recently.

[@ohnezuckerohnefett]

Good on you Matt, for not letting yourself get pressured into shoes that you had outgrown.

[@decayintheuk]

Always enjoyed Matt, he's an entertaining guy

[@spdaltid]

Matt Stephans comes across as a down to Earth gentleman. He deserves his continued success.

[@WilfShadow]

Top guy. Amazing how GCN let others commentate and do KZbin at the same time (and no disrespect to them as they are amazing too). But big loss to GCN. All the best for yiur endeavours Matt

[@yumyumhungry]

Good for him moving on. Making the 10th video on "how to ride in clipless pedals like a pro" video must be soul destroying.

[@saddleweary2777]

Matt influenced my life in cycling and just plain living in a good way

[@kiely4561]

Matt, Simon and Dan were like the Clarkson, Hammond and May of the cycling world, 3 guys with great on screen chemistry having a laugh together, (with the occasional appearance of “the Brick” lol) now GCN has a far more corporate feel to it and its over saturated with presenters who don’t have the charisma that Matt has.

[@Pingu2505]

Matt was GCN! Look back at the old videos before GCN lost their way, matts inputs, knowledge and all round nice guy is what put GCN where they are now. I’m really happy he’s enjoying life and built a successful commercial career.

[@linesided]

In the beginning GCN was so much fun to watch. I echo all the comments below about chemistry between Matt, Si and Dan. GCN honestly got bland and corporate feeling at a certain point. Good luck Matt, you've got loads of fans out here waiting on your next project!

[@DalstonVinyl]

Matt, I think you made the right decision about GCN...it's been going downhill (pardon the slight pun) for a while, to the extent that I unsubscribed from it this week. I shall always look out for the thoughtful insights that you provide though. Cheers!!

[@nickhutchinson9068]

Great interview Joe! ❤

[@eleycki]

Matt is great and GCN is great. It’s not a competition. More cycling content is always good.

[@petebrooks1223]

Cheers mate. Carry on the with your great leap forward. What about a ride with Billy Bragg?

[@damFr]

"Rumor has it that a team of former GCN presenters is reuniting for a special occasion soon, and they’re planning to release a revival episode on GCN and possibly another channel! 🤩 They're also on the lookout for a good cause to donate the proceeds to, which makes it even more exciting. Can't wait to see how this unfolds! 🚴‍♂️"