Sigma Sports is proud to present Matt Stephens Unplugged, a regular catch-up with cycling’s favourite character, Matt Stephens, as he chats with special guests ...
Oscar Onley on the importance of consistency at World Tour level
Matt Stephens chats to DSM-Firmenich PostNL rider Oscar Onley about his sharp rise to the top step of the World Tour podium. The young Scottish rider had a setback at the 2023 Vuelta Espana, but could focus solely on his recovery thanks to the faith his team showed in him by offering him a long contract. He has since gone on to race a fantastic season in 2024, including a stage win at the Tour Down Under, and helping teammate Roman Bardet to win stage one of the Tour de France. In the Kelso quiz, Matt awards a Rugby-related bonus point - but you’ll have to listen to find out why!
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1:11:43
Joe Blackmore on stepping up a level and never looking back
Matt Stephens discusses a trailblazing first season at pro level for Joseph Blackmore, which saw him jump up a level from Conti Tour to Pro Tour for Israel Premier-Tech. He had a string of fantastic results along the way, including the general classification and points jersey at the tour de l’Avenir, he also won the tour of Rwanda, tour of Taiwan and the Circuit des Ardennes, and the U23 Liège–Bastogne–Liège! He really can do it all - so it’s no surprise that he smashed the hometown quiz!
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1:16:51
David Millar on second chances and the role of the bike in his recovery
Matt Stephens chats to David Millar about retirement, maturity and finding solace in the quiet life. The former British national champion won multiple stages and wore the leader's jersey of all three grand tours during his illustrious career. In a candid and honest conversation, David opens up about his recent alcohol problem, and how the bike played a big role in his rehabilitation. Now in a much better place thanks in no small part to the help of his sister Fran, he has fallen in love with the bike again by tackling challenges that scare him.
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1:21:54
Victor Campenaerts on his switch to Visma Lease a Bike
Matt Stephens discusses career highlights with Victor Campenaerts, including his UCI Hour Record and that amazing victory on stage 18 of the 2024 Tour de France, which he credits to the joyous psychological boost that came with the birth of his son. Recorded in the off-season, Victor is about to move from Lotto Dstny to Visma Lease a Bike, where he explains his goals for 2025 include helping Jonas Vingegaard beat Tadej Pogacar at the Tour. In the hometown quiz, the Belgian phones a friend in the Antwerp diamond trade and convinces him he’s actually on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - this one is not to be missed folks!
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1:13:45
Nathan Van Hooydonck on second chances and new beginnings
Matt Stephens chats to Nathan Van Hooydonck about the heart attack that changed his life forever, prematurely ending his professional cycling career for Team Jumbo Visma. Having enjoyed a hugely successful career with highlights that include helping Jonas Vingegaard win the Tour de France in 2023, he is now embracing life as a business development manager for Team Visma Lease a Bike. Discussing the importance of treating team members as people, Nathan explains that their philosophy of ‘helping each other win’ extends beyond the peloton and into life itself.
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About Sigma Sports presents Matt Stephens Unplugged
Sigma Sports is proud to present Matt Stephens Unplugged, a regular catch-up with cycling’s favourite character, Matt Stephens, as he chats with special guests and explores the bowels of his own fruity mind. With lots of surprises along the way, the route-map has been torn up; so who knows what direction we’re going in, or where we’ll end up!
UK