Here we go then, guys, this is Life In The Peloton’s Race Radio presented by SHOKZ.

Opening Weekend was a total monster start to the Spring Classics! It had everything: dramatic moments, dominant performances, and a healthy dose of that beautiful Belgian charm we’ve all missed over the winter. Man, it’s good to be back…on my sofa watching.

Whilst I was at home catching the replay on the TV with a coffee (I’m looking forward to a cleansing Jupiler when I’m there in person for De Ronde), my old mates Harry Dowdney and Stuart Downie were right there on the ground getting in amongst the action for Race Radio. They crossed the English Channel, braved the Flemish weather, and got stuck in across the weekend at Omloop Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne to bring you this amazing first episode of this new and exciting series, and I’m pumped to share it with you.

Here’s what you can look forward to in this episode, from the men behind it themselves:

Harry: I love the smell of cobbles in the morning! Especially after a wakeup call from our old friend Juan Antonio Flecha, surely the best Spanish classics rider of all time, and an absolute gentleman to boot. But there’s more – we met a couple more legends of the sport on our now-customary pitwalk, but I won’t spoil that just yet. We also had a bit of fun putting together a dramatic re-enactment of an edition of Kuurne that you’ll probably never see the likes of again.

Stu: What a way to start the year. I purposefully avoided watching anything live, knowing that my first fix was going to be live and direct into my eyeballs at Opening weekend, and it did not disappoint. I know some folks think MVDP turning up at the last minute is dull, but I totally disagree – there’s nothing like seeing a living legend surf a wall, against one of the sport’s most iconic backdrops. Unbelievable scenes. It also helps to have a boss who can point you in the direction of a really good beer, so this was truly a great start to a year of racing. We hope you love it as much as we did.

Life In The Peloton’s Race Radio presented by SHOKZ is taking it up a level this year; the boys are going to be right there at the roadside throughout the year, soaking it all in and sharing it with you guys. The coolest races, for the real bike racing fans. I loved listening to this episode; it really did take me back to the Motherland. I could almost smell the frites and taste the grit in between my teeth.

Of course, none of this would be possible without support from our presenting partner SHOKZ. If you’re after the best sports headphones - be it for cycling, running, or even swimming - get across to SHOKZ’s website, and enjoy a cheeky discount for being a LITP listener.

Also, if you want to be in with a chance to WIN a pair of SHOKZ headphones, fill in the survey below and you could bag yourself one of three pairs up for grabs: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQjNx-Xyc1jjj8cqVrWLrORQq-VDa6WZIniD_x4R__BYx3tg/viewform

Guys, I know I always say this, but I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I do. If you live and breathe all things Flandrien and loved hearing about it from Harry & Stu, drop the boys a line at raceradio@lifeinthepeloton.com and let them know! Harry & Stu’s next outing will be in May to one of my favourite races – the hipster’s Paris-Roubaix, Tro-Bro Léon. I can’t wait.

Cheers,

Mitch