Rosael Torres-Davis, Molly Hurford, and Betsy Welch break down the epic 200-mile Life Time's UNBOUND Gravel presented by Shimano. The team discusses the chaotic course conditions across the Kansas Flint Hills, the tactical brilliance of the lead group, and how riders out-thought the competition with 3D-printed tools. Plus, Betsy joins directly from the finish line in Emporia to share the shattered post-race vibes, the med tent chaos, and behind-the-scenes details you didn't see on the live stream.

Chapter Markers & Timestamps

[04:27] The 20th Anniversary Course: Breaking down the 207-mile route combining the north and south paths, over 9,000 feet of climbing, and the gnarly new W Road.

[11:30] Apocalyptic Conditions: Surviving the early mud, thunder, lightning, and 35 mph headwinds.

[14:26] Tech Talk & Mud Scrapers: How riders like Cecily Decker and Paige Onweller used custom and 3D-printed mud scrapers to survive the chaos.

[20:46] Texting in the Peloton: Analyzing the mid-race text from Sofia Gomez Villafane to teammate Jerica Schurz.

[23:58] The Final Sprint: Sofia Gomez Villafane's perfectly timed attack to secure her second Unbound victory in a five-up sprint.

[27:52] On the Ground with Betsy Welch: Post-race vibes, med tent eye-washes, pro-only feed zones, and the endless line at the bike wash.

Race Results: Women's 200 Top 5

Sofia Gomez Villafane

Geerike Schreurs

Cecily Decker

Paige Onweller

Rosa Kloser

Support the Show

The best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. Have a hot take on the race or a question for the team? Email us at info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc.

Sponsors & Partners

Liv Cycling This episode is proudly presented by Liv Cycling, one of the only cycling brands built from the ground up exclusively for women. A huge thank you to Liv for their support of women's cycling on the start line, in the design studio, and everywhere in between. For more, visit https://www.liv-cycling.com/us

Ruckus Composites The home of Queen Stage. Ruckus Composites specializes in carbon fiber repair, inspection, and engineering, keeping high-performance gear on the road and out of the landfill through science-backed carbon repair. Find them at Ruckuscomp.com

The conversation starts at cyclocross nationals in Tacoma (2019), where Maude crashed in front of Sarah, and winds through the Rapha Prestige in Aspen, navigating grief after losing Mo, a move to Durango, team camp in Girona, and a training ride where Maude found out Sarah was pregnant mid-interval. They discuss the Rapha privateer collective, feed zone logistics as a competitive differentiator, and the intersection of Instagram and relationships.

This is Part Two of Queen Stage's four-episode series with Rapha and Zwift on fierce friendships and rivalries in women's cycling.

Episode Link: Zwift Queen Stage Pod

In This Episode

• How They Met: Tacoma Nationals (2019) mud crash; connecting at Rapha Prestige Aspen; bonding after losing Moriah Wilson at Unbound.
• The Unbound Plan: Maude's decision to work for Sarah at Unbound 2024; navigating Sarah’s concussion; adapting race tactics dynamically.
• Durango & Rapha Collective: Maude's move to Durango; forming the Rapha collective with Sarah, Ellen, and Maude; defining the hybrid privateer space.
• Feed Zones: Meticulous aid station support as a modern gravel advantage; Cam Zink’s parents helping at Unbound.
• Women Don't Owe You a Smile: Performance vs. performative niceness; road peloton vs. gravel culture; navigating internet commentary.
• The Media Athlete: Managing long-term sponsor relationships and the privateer-influencer overlap in a small industry.
• Friendship & Girona: Off-bike bonding; Maude discovering Sarah’s pregnancy mid-interval in zip code 81301; riding together at team camp before Traka.

Sponsors and Partners

• Rapha and Zwift: This episode is part of a four-episode Queen Stage series presented by Rapha and Zwift, built around the theme of fierce friendships and rivalries in women's cycling. The series builds toward the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, August 1–9, and the Rapha Women's 100, September 5–6. Tune in for the next episodes on June 24 and July 29, and join the Zwift community ride on June 24.
• Ruckus Composites: The home of Queen Stage. Experts in carbon fiber repair, inspection, and engineering.

Support the Show

Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Email us at info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram at @queenstage.cc.

This is the first episode in our four-part series with Rapha and Zwift, and the theme couldn't be more fitting for the final spring classic. Rosael Torres-Davis, Betsy Welch, and Anne-Marije Rook break down the 10th edition of the Women's Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where Demi Vollering put in one of the performances of the spring season and left the chase group with no answer. The team goes deep on whether that group could have ridden differently, what Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's early exit says about the form picture heading into summer, and why Puck Pieterse is winning in ways that still don't get enough attention.

Then we sit down with Beth Duryea, co-founder and marketing and communications manager of Canyon//SRAM Racing, for a wide-ranging conversation about what rivalry looks like inside one of women's cycling's most successful teams. From what really drives Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney in those final kilometers to the delicate team dynamics when twenty-six athletes share a roster and overlapping ambitions, to the best rivalry in the history of the women's peloton.

This episode is also part of our first community ride on Zwift, kicking off a series of rides leading into the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in August and the Rapha Women's 100 in September. More details below.

Zwift + Rapha Series: Episode One

This episode opens our four-part collaboration with Rapha and Zwift, exploring what rivalry means in women's cycling on the road, in the peloton, and in the lives of the people who build the sport. Each episode pairs a race or theme with a community Zwift ride; this month's ride is live now. https://www.zwift.com/events/tag/queenstagepod 

Next Dates: May 27, June 24, and July 29

Sponsors and Partners

Rapha and Zwift

This four-episode series is made possible by Rapha and Zwift, two brands that have invested in women's cycling when it mattered. Rapha is a longtime supporter of women's racing through events like the Rapha Women's 100, and Zwift has provided infrastructure and visibility for riders and fans across the world through the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. We're proud to be riding alongside both of them. Join the monthly community Zwift ride tied to this series and be part of what we're building. https://www.zwift.com/events/tag/queenstagepod 

Ruckus Composites

The home of Queen Stage. Ruckus Composites specializes in carbon fiber repair, inspection, and engineering, keeping high-performance gear on the road and out of the landfill through science-backed carbon repair. Find them at RuckusComposites.com.

Support the Show

The best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review. Have a hot take on the race or a question for the team? Email us at info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc.

Takeaways

• Insights into Wheel Manufacturing and Technology
• Significance of Women's Cycling and Racing
• Challenges and Advancements in Wheel Design Tire width and wheel selection are influenced by the type of terrain and riding conditions.
• Pro teams and riders have a significant influence on the development of cycling products, including wheels and tires.
• The balance between aerodynamics, weight, and comfort is crucial in wheel selection for different riding conditions.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to ZIPP and Cycling Technology
• 09:22 Innovation in Wheel Technology
• 14:32 Consumer Preferences in Wheel Design
• 21:09 Performance and Expectations in Cycling Races
• 27:25 Pro Teams and Product Influence
• 33:04 Aerodynamics and Weight Balance in Wheel Selection
• 39:26 Diversity and Evolution in Cycling Industry

Franziska Koch wins Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026 in a photo-finish sprint that nobody saw coming. We watched it live, stress-texted each other through the whole thing, and still weren't ready for that ending. Rosael, Molly, and Rook break down every kilometer of the Hell of the North, then sit down with Silca CEO Josh Poertner to talk tire pressure, flat tires, and what gravel tech is doing to the Spring Classics.

What Happened at Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026

Franziska Koch of FDJ United-SUEZ won in one of the most dramatic finishes the race has seen, edging out Marianne Vos and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot in a three-up sprint at the Roubaix velodrome. We've been calling Koch since last summer; she did an enormous amount of work, launched her sprint early, and held on for the win in her fourth career pro victory.

Vos had every tactical advantage, including a leadout from defending champion Ferrand-Prévot, but couldn't close the gap. We discuss what went right for Koch, what went wrong for Visma-Lease a Bike, and how this result shifts the power balance in the peloton. We also touch on Marianne Vos racing weeks after losing her father—an emotional performance that had the whole sport rooting for her.

Paris-Roubaix Femmes Broadcast Controversy

Before the sprint, Rosa Klöser (Canyon-SRAM ZondaCrypto) went solo for over 100km—racing that essentially nobody got to watch. ASO broadcast only 90 minutes of the women's race, meaning fans missed nine entire cobbled sectors, while the junior men received full coverage. We break down who made that decision, why blaming Peacock or FloBikes misses the point, and the impact of Zwift's departure as title sponsor.

Race Highlights and Key Moments

• Lucinda Brand's crash caused by a fan raises ongoing safety questions regarding spectator access.
• Lotte Kopecky and Megan Jastrab led a hard chase group that never quite made contact.
• Arlenis Sierra (Movistar) finished ninth; Elisa Balsamo flatted early as Lidl-Trek faced another difficult day.

Silca Tech Segment: Tire Pressure, Flat Tires, and the Classics

Silca CEO Josh Poertner joins us to explain the high volume of flats in 2026. We talk about the balance between rim protection and casing cuts, what happens when inserts fail, and why teams are now gluing tubeless tires directly to their rims. We also explore how gravel tech is influencing the Spring Classics and why wider tires are the inevitable future of road racing.

Also Discussed

• Is FDJ United-SUEZ the new SD Worx-Protime?
• What's going wrong for Lidl-Trek this spring?
• Fan access: Beloved tradition or growing safety risk?
• Queen Stage is heading to Sea Otter Classic next week!

Keywords: Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026, Franziska Koch, Marianne Vos, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, women's cycling, Paris-Roubaix results, FDJ United-SUEZ, Visma-Lease a Bike, Silca, Josh Poertner, tire pressure, Spring Classics 2026, Rosa Klöser, Canyon-SRAM, Lotte Kopecky, ASO broadcast controversy.

Links and Resources

• Silca
• Questions & Hot Takes: info@queenstage.cc
• Instagram: @queenstage.cc

This episode is sponsored by Silca, precision performance tools that serious riders trust.

What we cover

• The course: at elevation like Denver or Andorra, with two brutal climbs, long cobbles, no radios = chaos
• How the winning move formed and why the favorites stalled
• Historic junior results from Ethiopia and why development pathways matter
• Travel, logistics, and safety in Rwanda—myths vs. realities
• Altitude camps, iron levels, and why “sleep high” isn’t a magic bullet
• Africa’s momentum: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Benin, and the need for more races
• Looking ahead to Montreal 2026 and LA 2028

Guest Kimberly Coats — CEO, Team Africa Rising (working in African cycling development since 2009)

Chapters (approx.)00:00 Cold open & intro01:00 Guest intro: Kimberly Coats05:05 Race recap & podium10:30 Why the break stuck / favorites hesitated13:30 Altitude, cobbles, and equipment notes17:30 Development realities for African riders23:30 Rwanda hosting: costs, safety, and impact29:30 Maryland Cycling Classic takeaways34:15 Who’s next in African cycling37:00 What we want from future Worlds courses40:20 Access to bikes & infrastructure43:30 Final thoughts & what’s next

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

This episode is brought to you by SRAM.

Support the Show

The best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review. Have a race or tech question? Email info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram @queenstage.cc.

In This Episode

• Ronde History: The race’s evolution into a 2026 Monument with equal prize money.
• Race Recap:
  • The Breakaway: Why the peloton let the early move go.
  • The Crash: The pile-up before the Koppenberg that took out Reusser and Le Court-Pienaar.
  • The Attack: Franziska Koch’s lead-out for Vollering’s winning move at 18km.
  • The Podium: Ferrand-Prévot 2nd, Pieterse 3rd, and Kopecky 4th.
  • Absences: Marianne Vos’s late withdrawal and Anna van der Breggen’s DNS.
• On Sensationalism: A discussion on the ethics of replaying crash footage on loop.
• Tech Segment: Why teams like Visma and Uno-X are using the SRAM RED XPLR gravel groupset for 1x reliability on the bergs.
• Gravel-to-Road Pipeline: How gravel racing is becoming the premier talent factory for the pro peloton.
• Advocacy: The new Life Time Grand Prix pregnancy policy sparked by Sophia Storm.
• Congratulations: Queen Stage’s own Anne-Marije Rook has welcomed a new baby!
• Roubaix Preview: Tire talk and wildcard picks (Zoe Backstedt).

Sponsors and Partners

• SRAM: Supporting women's cycling from the pro peloton to gravel privateers. Their components are built for the toughest cobbles.
• Ruckus Composites: Experts in carbon fiber repair and engineering. Ruckus keeps high-performance gear on the road and out of landfills.

Next Episode: Paris-Roubaix Femmes recap, Sunday, April 12th.

The QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast is live! Join Molly Hurford, Anne-Marije Rook, Rosael Torres-Davis, and Betsy Welch as they discuss the upcoming 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The race starts July 26 and runs through August 3, with no rest days. The team recaps the 2024 race, highlighting key stages and riders like Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. They predict the 2025 race will be competitive, with stages designed to test riders' abilities. The team also discusses the importance of team tactics and the potential for upsets, and share their hot takes for the General Classification and who will be taking stage wins this year.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc, @queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc, @queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

This wraps up Season 1 of the QueenStage and we want to hear from you about where we should go from here. Let us know over on Instagram (@queenstage.cc) or by emailing us a note at queenstage@ruckuscomp.com. (We’re also actively seeking sponsors for the show!)

And of course, make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss us when we return!

The 2026 women’s road season is officially underway, and Queen Stage is back.

In this episode, Rosael Torres-Davis is joined by Molly Hurford and Anne-Marije Rook to break down the opening races of the Spring Classics season. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the drama, tactics, and standout performances at Strade Bianche Donne, before turning to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, where Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney delivered the first major duel of the year.

The team also launches a new recurring tech segment supported by SILCA, kicking things off with ultra-endurance racer Lael Wilcox’s wind-tunnel testing ahead of her upcoming around-the-world record attempt in June.

The best way to support the show is to subscribe wherever you listen and leave us a rating or review. If you have a tech or mechanic question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode, send us an email at info@queenstage.cc or reach out on Instagram or Threads @queenstage.cc.

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

And of course, make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss us when we return!

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.

What we cover

• The course: at elevation like Denver or Andorra, with two brutal climbs, long cobbles, no radios = chaos
• How the winning move formed and why the favorites stalled
• Historic junior results from Ethiopia and why development pathways matter
• Travel, logistics, and safety in Rwanda—myths vs. realities
• Altitude camps, iron levels, and why “sleep high” isn’t a magic bullet
• Africa’s momentum: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Benin, and the need for more races
• Looking ahead to Montreal 2026 and LA 2028

Guest Kimberly Coats — CEO, Team Africa Rising (working in African cycling development since 2009)

Chapters (approx.) 00:00 Cold open & intro 01:00 Guest intro: Kimberly Coats 05:05 Race recap & podium 10:30 Why the break stuck / favorites hesitated 13:30 Altitude, cobbles, and equipment notes 17:30 Development realities for African riders 23:30 Rwanda hosting: costs, safety, and impact 29:30 Maryland Cycling Classic takeaways 34:15 Who’s next in African cycling 37:00 What we want from future Worlds courses 40:20 Access to bikes & infrastructure 43:30 Final thoughts & what’s next

The 2026 Spring Classics continue with one of the most prestigious—and longest—days on the calendar. Rosael Torres-Davis is joined by Molly Hurford and Anne-Marije Rook to break down a thrilling edition of Milano-Sanremo Donne. The team analyzes how the race was won (and lost) on the iconic climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio, including the tactical masterclass by SD Worx-Protime and the heart-stopping moments that thinned out the peloton.

We also dive into a high-stakes “Smooth is Fast” Pop Quiz sponsored by SILCA, testing Rook and Molly’s knowledge on drivetrain efficiency and why "dry lube" is a scam you should avoid at all costs.

Support the Show:

The best way to support Queen Stage is to subscribe and leave a rating or review. Have a tech question or a hot take on the race? Email us at info@queenstage.cc or find us on Instagram and Threads @queenstage.cc.

Milano-Sanremo Donne Recap

• Cipressa Chaos: Analyzing the crash that took out Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and the terrifying somersaults over the barriers.
• The Poggio Selection: How Puck Pieterse exploded the race and who had the legs to follow.
• The Via Roma Sprint: Lotte Kopecky’s clinical patience vs. Noemi Rüegg’s grit.
• SD Worx Dominance: Lorena Wiebes celebrating a 6th place finish like a win—the power of team culture.

Tech Talk Pop Quiz: Powered by SILCA

• Wax vs. Oil: Why solid lubricants are the secret to keeping a clean bike and a fast drivetrain.
• The Wattage Penalty: How a dirty chain can cost you 12+ watts when it matters most.
• Tie-Breaker (The "Sanremo" Special): Learn what kind of lube is best for wet conditions

SILCA

Supporting our tech segments and pop quizzes this season. From Secret Chain Blend Hot Melt Wax to the Super Secret Drip Lube, SILCA is dedicated to making every watt count through world-class engineering and a deep commitment to the growth of women’s cycling. Check them out at Silca.cc.

Ruckus Composites

The home of Queen Stage. Experts in carbon fiber repair, inspection, and engineering. Ruckus keeps high-performance gear on the road and out of the landfill by bringing damaged frames back to life with science-backed carbon repair.

In This EpisodeSponsors & Partners

The Sea Otter Women’s Race: GP Year Five The Grand Prix season kicked off with Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Lauren Stephens breaking away on the final climb at Barloy Canyon. Sofia took the win in a sprint, with Karolina Mignon rounding out the podium.Michelle notes that the field's depth is shifting significantly, with stars like Kate Courtney, Jennifer Jackson, and Tiffany Cromwell entering the mix. Notably, three German riders cracked the top 18, including Rosa Klöser, who arrived fresh off a solo attack at Paris-Roubaix Femmes.Addressing the "Villain" Narrative The episode pushes back against the "villain" label recently attached to Sofia Gomez Villafañe. The hosts argue that Sofia is simply a professional performing at the highest level—a standard rarely criticized in male counterparts like Keegan Swenson. Her dominance creates a "benchmark" that makes the chase more meaningful for the rest of the field.Evolution of the Life Time Grand Prix Michelle breaks down structural changes aimed at professionalizing the series:Expanded Purses: Five-deep prize money at every individual event.Finisher Compensation: A new $2,500 payment for professional athletes who complete the season but finish outside the top ten.Community Focus: Keeping events rooted in local culture (Emporia, Leadville, Monterey) to maintain a unique identity.

Growth and Inclusion Women’s participation at Unbound has surged by 44%, largely driven by 25- and 50-mile distances. Michelle identifies two major needs for the sport's future: increased financial investment in the women’s side and a crackdown on toxic commentary in live broadcast chats.

Marley Blonsky’s Big Spring Molly talks with Marley Blonsky about her new children’s book, Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club. The book tells a story—mirrored by Marley’s own life—of a rider told she is "too slow" who eventually finds her own crew and builds something better.

All Bodies on Bikes & Industry Inclusion The All Bodies on Bikes nonprofit now supports 14 chapters and a new documentary, We Are Cyclists (available on YouTube). Marley doesn't pull punches regarding the industry’s lack of size inclusion, noting that many brands still cap at XL and blame supply chains—a claim she debunks via her partnership with Shredly, which offers a full range of technical apparel.

Quick Hits E-bikes: A defense of e-bikes for accessibility, despite the separate debate regarding podiums.32-inch wheels: Marley (5'1") confirmed they are surprisingly accessible for shorter riders.Cyclocross: The joy of competing and "catting up" even when finishing at the back of the pack.

Resources & Links:Advocacy: allbodiesonbikes.com

Documentary: We Are Cyclists on YouTubeBook: ragtagbestfriendsbicycleclub.com

Apparel: shredly.com

Socials: @marleyblonsky | @queenstage.cc

Sponsor: Ruckus Composites (Carbon fiber repair)

Make sure you’re following along at queenstage.cc,@queenstage.cc on Instagram, and of course, the QueenStage Women’s Cycling Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for launch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily episodes starting the first day of TdFFaZ. Let the (real) race coverage begin.