Olympian Ben Kanute joins Neal Henderson to talk about starting over—new coach, new mindset, and the challenge of chasing podiums while balancing family, recovery, and long-course racing. This is what rebuilding at the elite level really looks like.

This one hits close to home. Taylor Phinney has been part of my coaching journey since the very beginning. From painting roads at the Tour de France as a kid to becoming a world champion, Olympian, and one of the most naturally gifted riders I’ve ever worked with — we’ve shared a lot of miles together. In this episode of The Reach Your APEX Podcast, we sat down to talk about the full story: the wins, the near-misses, life in the WorldTour, and what happens after the pro career ends. Taylor’s perspective is rare — and it’s exactly why I started this podcast. Honest conversations with athletes who’ve reached their apex — and figured out how to keep riding.

If you’ve been listening from the start—thank you. This little podcast experiment with Neal Henderson started as a way to bottle up decades of coaching wisdom and turn it into something useful for anyone chasing a better version of themselves. But we’re stepping it up now. More guests. More real talk. More episodes that go beyond watts and whoop scores. This week, we’ve got Leah Van der Linden—pro cyclist, coach, and absolute road-trip ninja. She joins Neal for a deep dive on how to travel like a pro and still race like one, too. From busted bikes to burrito mistakes, this episode is equal parts goldmine and group therapy for anyone who's ever tried to fly with a disc brake bike and a dream. We’re making a point with this one: Reach Your APEX isn’t just about training plans and FTP. It’s about showing up, fully. Even if that means floor pumps, air tags, or dodging gas station roulette. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube—or wherever you tune in. And if you’ve got ideas or questions you want covered, hit us up. This is your ride too. Support the network: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mygirona #ReachYourAPEX #Estranyoleft #CyclingLife #GravelTravel #PodcastFuel

Long gravel races test more than just your endurance—they challenge your training methods, bike handling, strength, fueling, and mental toughness. In this episode, coaches Neal Henderson and Jeff Hubler unpack their experiences and insights on training smarter, not harder, for long gravel events like Unbound and Trans Cordillera. Key takeaways include: Why longer training rides aren’t always better (and how to optimize duration) Essential strength training to handle unpredictable gravel terrain Proven fueling strategies that prevent mid-race disasters Crucial bike-handling and mechanical skills every gravel cyclist must master Prepare strategically, train intelligently, and ride your best gravel event yet. Listen now.

Rest isn’t weakness—it’s where the real gains happen. In this episode of Reach Your APEX, coach Neal Henderson is joined by endurance athlete and coach Andrea Deak for a deep dive into why recovery is the most underrated performance tool in the game. They break down: The difference between rest, recovery, and overtraining How to spot the signs of burnout and emotional fatigue Why elite athletes plan rest first—not last Real-world stories from Andrea’s time as a pro cyclist, swimmer, and Unbound finisher What to do when life forces you off the bike If you’re stuck in a plateau, dragging through workouts, or just afraid of taking a day off—this episode is your permission slip to train smarter, not harder.

What makes a gravel race start smooth—or turn instantly chaotic? In this episode of Reach Your APEX, Neal Henderson is joined by APEX Coaching’s Leah Van Der Linden, a former D1 soccer player, ski cross national champ, Ironman finisher, and now pro gravel racer. Together, they break down the start line dynamics that define success or disaster on course. From mass starts at Unbound to rolling timed segments at Paydirt, Leah shares what she’s learned across 50+ races—including how event formats are evolving, why women’s field dynamics matter, and how she plans her nutrition, positioning, and pacing to gain a competitive edge. With practical insight and honest storytelling, this episode maps out what every racer should know before their next gravel start line.

You’ve trained for weeks, maybe months. But race week? That’s where it can all fall apart—or come together perfectly. In this episode, Neal Henderson and Zach dive deep into the overlooked art of event week planning. We break down: The truth about tapering (spoiler: it’s not magic) What to do—and not do—Monday to Sunday How to plan gear, travel, and nutrition like a pro Why mental prep is your untapped superpower Whether you’re racing for a podium or just want to finish strong, this episode gives you the blueprint to show up sharp and ready. Boulder-born wisdom, world-class results. Precision meets performance. No fluff, just facts. No excuses.

In this episode of The Reach Your APEX Podcast, Neal Henderson sits down with Jeff Hoobler—expert strength, movement, and mechanics coach—to discuss why strength training is crucial for endurance athletes. They explore why proper technique and consistent, intentional strength training aren't just beneficial for performance, but essential for long-term health, injury prevention, and overall resilience. Discover how to correctly start your strength training journey, why maintaining a neutral spine and proper movement patterns are critical, and how consistent strength work positively impacts everything from injury prevention to bone density. Whether you're new to strength training or refining your current routine, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to enhance your performance and longevity.

Welcome to Reach Your Apex—the podcast where champions are made and limits get left in the dust! In this episode, Neal Henderson (world-renowned cycling coach and human performance guru) teams up with elite cyclist and coach Zack Gregg to dive headfirst into the fascinating, often misunderstood world of physiological testing. Ever wondered why some riders can just push harder, longer, and smarter? Neal and Zack crack open their decades of lab (and saddle) experience to help you unlock your true cycling potential. Whether you're a seasoned racer chasing podiums or just rolling into your cycling journey, this episode will help you navigate the mysteries of FTP, VO2 Max, lactate thresholds, and beyond—without overwhelming you with data you can't use. Expect laughs, real stories from Neal’s time as a self-proclaimed "human guinea pig," and plenty of insights that'll help you understand exactly why testing isn't just for pros—it's your personal blueprint to becoming faster, stronger, and smarter, no matter your starting point. So clip in, crank it up, and let’s crack the code to your true cycling potential! #EatRideSleep #CyclingLife #PerformanceTesting #CyclingCulture #ReachYourApex

Join world-renowned coach Neal Henderson on The Reach Your APEX Podcast, where cutting-edge sports science meets real-world training insights. Get expert coaching strategies, performance optimization tips, and elite athlete perspectives—all designed to help you train smarter and reach your peak. Listen now on estranyoleft.com.