EP8: Luke Rowe, The Folly Of Tour De France Cobbles, And The Art Of Road Captaincy

Luke Rowe is, for many, the greatest road captain of the 21st century, playing a key role in 5 consecutive Tour de France wins for Teams Sky and Ineos between 2015 and 2019. Focusing on one of the most dangerous elements in cycling - the cobbles - the Welshman tells Brad and Graham of his huge reservations about their continued use in the Tour de France. He explores whether the damage they do both to riders’ bodies and ambitions - and the fan experience - is worth it, despite his admiration for the few he’s watched who seemed, somehow, to thrive over them. Luke also explores the mindset required to carry out one of the most selfless jobs in sport: putting in more work than even the most dedicated domestique to guide others to glory at the expense of your own, with very little recognition outside of the peloton. Brad then explains how Luke's path to road captain always looked clear - even as an under-23 - while the 2012 Tour de France champion reveals, with a clear hint of regret, how he remains unsure of the exact reason why he was not selected to ride in the service of Chris Froome in 2014. Meanwhile, a surprising twist emerges during this week’s Ultimate Cyclist, as Brad and Luke debate the rider who had the greatest bunch skills ever seen in cycling. Hit FOLLOW to make sure you never miss an episode and join the Café Aficionado community on social: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠ | Strava Add your favourite cycle café stop to the ⁠Café Aficionado map Contact us: ⁠[email protected]⁠  CAMS: Café Aficionado is sponsored by CAMS - helping thousands of cyclists get back on the roads. For more information visit the CAMS website APPLIED NUTRITION: Use code SIRBRAD30 for 30% off your next order at Applied Nutrition - fuelled by science, trusted by Champions BUY LUKE ROWE’S NEW BOOK: “Road Captain: My Life At The Heart Of The Peloton” HERE Credits Presented by⁠ Sir Bradley Wiggins⁠ and Graham Willgoss Guest: Luke Rowe Researcher: Luca Unwin Production Manager: Ross Aitken Social Video Producer: Rosie Mansfield YouTube Editor: Théo Stöcklin Produced and Edited by: Toby Gilles Executive Producers: Faye Stewart, Ashley Unwin & Dominic de Terville Recorded at: Podcast Room, London Bridge Sir Bradley Wiggins' Café Aficionado is an Atomized Studios production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices