Sir Bradley Wiggins Launches “Café Aficionado” Cycling Podcast
Cycling hero Sir Bradley Wiggins is back—this time not on two wheels, but behind the microphone. On 24 June 2025, he co-hosts Café Aficionado, a brand-new podcast produced by Atomized Studios and hosted on the Sport Social Podcast Network. Serving as a cozy, behind-the-scenes café for cycling fans, the show aims to blend nostalgia, insider insights, and legendary guest appearances.
Through in-depth discussions about road-racing culture, the podcast offers both seasoned cyclists and casual fans an intimate look at the sport’s most cherished events.
Why “Café Aficionado” Should Be on Every Cyclist’s Radar
1. Authentic Hosts with Real Chemistry
Sir Bradley Wiggins: Britain’s most decorated cyclist, whose career spans Olympic glory, Grand Tour wins, and transformative influence on UK cycling culture.
Graham Willgoss: Acclaimed cycling journalist and broadcaster; more than a co-host, he’s a longtime friend of Bradley’s, bringing wit, journalistic rigor, and shared memories.
These two voices set the tone for a show that feels like dropping into your favourite bike-shop café on race morning—relaxed, insider-fueled, and deeply knowledgeable.
2. A Vault of Cycling Legends
Listeners can look forward to candid, often untold tales from cycling giants, with confirmed guests including:
Geraint Thomas – Tour de France winner, teammate, and close friend of Wiggins.
Chris Froome – Four-time Tour champion.
Mark Cavendish – Sprint legend.
Pippa York – Former pro and journalist, known for bravery and arc‑shaping story.
3. Iconic Race Coverage & Unforgettable Stories
Each episode explores the history, drama, and rise of elite races:
Tour de France – legendary climbs, yellow-jersey moments
Giro d’Italia – Italian flair, Giro legends
Vuelta a España – late-season fire, steamy ascents
Expect deep dives that go beyond surface-level “race highlights”—unpacking strategies, controversies, personal challenges, and the culture around each event.
4. A Blend of Education and Entertainment
Historical echoes – like paying tribute to British cycling pioneer Tom Simpson
Personal insight – Bradley’s journey to rediscover the sport he once conquered
Humour & banter – organic chemistry between hosts keeps the tone light and engaging
Episode 1 & 2: Launching on 24 June
Featuring Geraint Thomas and Chris Sidwells
Geraint Thomas: Listeners can expect an intimate trip back to one of the sport’s greatest climbs—Alpe d’Huez. Geraint recounts the gruelling physical challenge, the mental battles, and purity of racing in the yellow jersey.
Chris Sidwells: As a cycling journalist with deep family roots, Chris brings perspective on his uncle, Tom Simpson, Britain’s first road-world champion who tragically died on Mont Ventoux. The story is a blend of triumph, tragedy, and legacy.
Episode Structure: What to Expect Each Week
1. Behind-the-Scenes Race Insights
Hidden strategies and racing psychology
Team dynamics and pressure
Technical gear walk-through
2. Fiery Anecdotes
In-race humour
Locker-room tales
Unfiltered confessions
3. History Lessons
Shuttle into storied pasts (e.g., 1967 World Championship on Ventoux)
Cycling legends often overlooked
4. Host Dialogues & Fresh Perspective
Bradley’s return to podcast life: “re-discovering my love for the sport…”
Graham’s café-style banter: “get the flat whites in…”
Weekly Release Schedule: Coffee Break Rides
Episodes 1 & 2 launch 24 June 2025
From 1 July onward: new episodes drop each Tuesday
Each instalment runs around 45–60 minutes—perfect for commutes or training rides
Hear It from the Hosts
Wiggins Says:
“I’m excited to be back behind the mic … re‑discovering my love for the sport that gave me everything … unearthing stories we’ve never heard before.”
Willgoss Adds:
“Think of our new podcast as if you were stopping at your favourite cycling café … sharing stories and having a giggle … only you can do it with us alongside some of the greatest riders … Get the flat whites in.”
Their combined tone is:
Friendly
Knowledgeable
Unpretentious
Rich with insider nuance
Networks & Producers
Atomized Studios brings technical expertise and polished production
Sport Social Podcast Network delivers reach to engaged sports audiences
Stefan Doyle (Head of Network): “a huge moment … offers listeners a perspective only someone who’s lived the highs and lows of elite sport can deliver.”
This alignment keeps the podcast both sharp in quality and broad in its audience reach.
Why This Matters for Cycling Fans
A. Legends Telling Their Own Stories
Cycling documentaries and articles only tell part of the story. Café Aficionado gives the floor to the athletes themselves—stories from within that breathe authenticity.
B. Context for Iconic Moments
Listeners gain a richer understanding of why certain victories resonate—and how mind, body, gear, and tactics came together in perfect storms.
C. Connecting Generations
From Tom Simpson’s tragic 1967 ventoux finish to modern British champions, the podcast connects cycling’s past, present, and future.
Ideal Listener Profile
Who should press play?
Ever-raced cyclists – gain insights into elite racecraft
Amateur weekend warriors – thrill in dramatic racing and guided storytelling
Cycling historians – enjoy preservation of legacy
Casual fans – drawn by personality, banter, and celebrity guests
Bottom line: Café Aficionado appeals to anyone curious about why cycling captivates—and how it shaped the men and women at its centre.
How to Tune In
Available 24 June on:
Sport Social Podcast Network
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
YouTube (audio)
Stitcher, Amazon Music, and more…
Subscribe now to get future episodes every Tuesday starting 1 July 2025.
What Sets It Apart from Other Cycling Podcasts?
Feature
Café Aficionado
Other Cycling Podcasts
Hosted by a sporting icon
✅ Sir Bradley Wiggins
Rare
Journalist co-host
✅ Graham Willgoss
Variable
Legendary guest list
✅ Froome, Thomas, Cavendish, York
Often less star-studded
Race-focused storytelling
✅ Deep dives into TdF, Giro, Vuelta
Broader/no themed focus
Blend of history + humour
✅ Yes
Varies
High-quality production
✅ Atomized Studios
Varies
Behind the Name: What Is a “Café Aficionado”?
Café draws on a communal, social space—where stories flow freely
Aficionado means devoted fan—someone who lives and breathes the culture
Together, it promises a podcast that’s both informal and enthusiast-grade
Think of it as your peloton-worthy chat-over-coffee… but with voice-over expertise and racing pedigree.
What to Watch for in Future Episodes
Upcoming guests could include:
Chris Froome – four‑time Tour de France champion
Mark Cavendish – fastest sprinter in cycling history
Pippa York – author, former pro rider, early advocate in trans and women’s sport
Plus, expect episodes tied to live races (July—Tour de France; May—Giro; August—Vuelta), offering timely commentary and fresh stories.
Top 5 Reasons You Need to Subscribe Today
Insider Access – stories you won’t read in race reports
Legendary Guests – personal connections -> candid interviews
Cultural Context – deeper appreciation for cycling’s traditions
Polished Production – studio-quality audio by Atomized
⏰ Launch Timeline (June–July 2025)
Launch day (24 June): Episodes 1 & 2
🎙️ Geraint Thomas on Alpe d’Huez
🎙️ Chris Sidwells on Tom Simpson legacy
From 1 July onward: New episodes every Tuesday
Season structure: Likely 8‑12 episodes (including future special live raceday editions)
Connect and Engage
Subscribe via your favorite podcast app
Follow on social media: Sport Social, Bradley Wiggins, Graham Willgoss
Share with fellow cycling fans
Submit questions or ideas for future episodes—your fav climbs, pro guests, or historical angles
Your Next Steps
Hit publish to your podcast feed on 24 June
Set a calendar reminder for the weekly Tuesday releases
Gear up for summer cycling with a hit of racing culture and insider stories
Final Thoughts
Sir Bradley Wiggins has always found success through curiosity, grit, and a storyteller’s instinct. By translating that same energy into Café Aficionado, he invites us all into a shared space: where every climb, sprint, and boardroom tactic becomes part of a richer narrative.
So grab your coffee, your bike gloves, or your favourite headset—and settle in for what promises to be the most intimate cycling podcast of the season.
