THEMOVE Podcast Summary Episode: Tour de France Stage 8 | The Sir Wiggo & Johan Show
Release Date: July 12, 2025
Hosts: Sir Bradley Wiggins & Johan Bruyneel

Introduction

In this episode of THEMOVE, hosts Sir Bradley Wiggins and Johan Bruyneel delve into the intricacies of Stage 8 of the Tour de France, offering expert analysis and insights into the day's events. The discussion covers race strategies, jersey competitions, rider performances, and the pressures of leading in one of cycling's most prestigious events.

Overview of Stage 8

Stage 8 was characterized as a flat stage stretching 171 km from Saint-Ménier-le-Grand to Laval. Both hosts approached the stage with specific expectations, anticipating strategic moves and potential outcomes based on rider strengths and team dynamics.

Bradley Wiggins [01:04]:
"The green jersey competition now is looking like it's going to be between a sprinter and the main GC guy."

Johan Bruyneel [30:05]:
"He's going to want to try to win a stage for sure, but it will not be at the detriment of his function for the team and in critical moments."

Green Jersey Competition

A significant focus was placed on the battle for the green jersey. Jonathan Milan emerged as a frontrunner, securing victory in the intermediate sprint and accumulating points that bolster his position in the competition. Bradley predicted a tight race for the green jersey, primarily between Milan and Tadej Pogačar, especially after Sacha Modolo fell out of contention.

Bradley Wiggins [01:38]:
"More importantly, the green jersey competition is shaping up, and Milan won the intermediate sprint again today."

Johan Bruyneel [01:44]:
"If Pogačar is a rival, this is not going to be easy."

Milan's performance was further scrutinized, especially regarding potential penalties for aggressive maneuvers near the sprint's end, which could influence his standing in the green jersey race.

Crashes and Team Impact

The stage saw several crashes, impacting key riders and altering team strategies:

• Joel Almeida: Despite crashing the previous day with a non-complicated rib fracture, Almeida started Stage 8 but rode at the back, raising concerns about his performance in the mountains with an injury.

  Bradley Wiggins [07:45]:
  "He was fortunate that it was a stage like it was, but part of me just doesn't know..."

• Mark Solaire and Dunbar: Both riders experienced crashes, with Dunbar sustaining a wrist fracture, leading to his withdrawal from the race.

  Johan Bruyneel [10:06]:
  "It's a big loss to Tadej in some way."

These incidents highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Tour and its potential to significantly impact team dynamics and championship outcomes.

Media Interaction and Athlete Stress

The conversation shifted to the pressures of being a Tour de France favorite, emphasizing the strain of constant media attention and interviews. Bradley shared his experiences from the 2012 Tour, expressing frustration with the overwhelming and sometimes intrusive nature of sports journalism.

Bradley Wiggins [17:50]:
"Sports journalism for me is dead. I feel that some of them... are really only there, blowhards seeking to make currency out of someone."

Johan Bruyneel [20:16]:
"It's hard... especially in the Tour de France, the Tour de France effect."

They discussed how media scrutiny can affect a rider's demeanor and performance, citing current tensions between teams as a byproduct of heightened public and journalistic focus.

Team Strategy and Sprint Analysis

A detailed analysis of Team Alpecin-Fenix's strategy centered around Jonathan Milan's sprint capabilities. Both hosts praised Milan's versatility and power, likening his sprinting style to that of Sir Bradley himself.

Bradley Wiggins [29:43]:
"He's such a versatile rider. I mean, he's Olympic team pursuit champion..."

The discussion also touched upon the team's decision to prioritize Milan over other sprinters like Mads Pedersen, addressing criticisms and emphasizing the professional nature of team strategies in achieving race objectives.

Johan Bruyneel [31:45]:
"They have Jonathan Milan. They made a much criticized decision to take him instead of Mats Pedersen..."

Incident Between Pogacha and Jorgensen

An incident in the feed zone involving Tadej Pogačar and Quinn Jorgensen sparked debate about team rivalries and strategic play during the race. Johan speculated whether Visma's strategy might be intentionally antagonizing Pogačar to induce mistakes.

Johan Bruyneel [14:30]:
"Could this be part of Visma's strategy in the long run to really annoy Pogacha, piss him off and push him to make mistakes?"

Bradley, however, remained skeptical, attributing the incident to the chaotic nature of feed zones rather than deliberate tactical maneuvers.

Bradley Wiggins [14:56]:
"I don't think there's much in those... it's not a love affair between, between UAE and Visma."

Women's Tour de France and Calendar Discussion

The hosts briefly touched upon the scheduling overlap between the men's Tour de France and the women's Giro d'Italia, questioning its impact on athlete participation and race logistics.

Johnson Wiggins [12:07]:
"It's kind of weird. I don't know how that is constructed, the women's calendar..."

They advocated for aligning the women's schedule with the men's Grand Tours to enhance coordination and visibility.

Conclusion

The episode concluded with reflections on Stage 8's outcomes, anticipation for Stage 9, and final thoughts on team performances and race strategies. Both hosts expressed optimism about upcoming stages and the evolving dynamics of the green jersey competition.

Johan Bruyneel [40:48]:
"Tim Melier... I think Tim will get redemption tomorrow."

Bradley Wiggins [41:16]:
"It's a confidence and it's a different demeanor... it's a confidence and it's a different demeanor."

Notable Quotes

• Bradley Wiggins [17:50]:
  "Sports journalism for me is dead."

• Johan Bruyneel [14:30]:
  "Could this be part of Visma's strategy...?"

• Bradley Wiggins [01:04]:
  "The green jersey competition now is looking like it's going to be between a sprinter and the main GC guy."

This episode of THEMOVE offers a comprehensive look into the strategic complexities of the Tour de France, enriched by the seasoned perspectives of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Johan Bruyneel. Their analysis provides listeners with an insider's view of the race's unfolding drama and competitive spirit.