Bas Tietema and the Unibet Rose Rockets are two name synonymous with limit-pushing, fun-having, and big goals. The Rockets have captured fan attention are the world for their authenticity, relation to the public, and impact on cycling as a whole. Bas Tietema is the man behind the squad and one of the founders.

Cycling has long been viewed as a conservative and tradition-based but yet we have progressed so far in the sport in terms of technology, tactics, training, and nutrition. It's time for the sports business model to see a shake-up!

From concept to reality, what has the journey been like from those within? Is it actually beneficial to have more teams follow a "future-proof" branding style? What are the surprises

for first-time team managers in building a squad? How much does budget, logistics, and staff management play into day-to-day operations? And is a stage win at the Giro truly a bigger marketing boost than multiple days in breakaways and in front of the peloton?

Follow Bas Tietema on Instagram @bastietema

Follow the Rockets on Instagram: @rocketscycling

Join the Clipless in Canada Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/cliplessincanadapodcast

Noemi Rüegg has quickly becoming one of cycling’s fan favourites for her personality, charm, authenticity and genuine kindness, good-nature, and impact on the sport. Pair that with EF Education - Oatly’s growth to being the “fan’s team” and there is real room for impact, growth, and development for the sport.

We chat about Noemi’s development in the sport and her move from running to cyclocross to road, and where her career has come from and what the future holds. Noemi gives some insight into the differences felt and seen in developing in a Dutch team versus one more international like EF Education - Oatly. We also look into why authenticity is so important for career and brand building, why relationships and maturity are invaluable because we never know which young athlete is watching and admiring, as well as the ability for teams, brands, and athletes, to do so much more through being truly good.

All this and more on the episode!!

Released in May 2024, the Rudy Project Wingdream accelerated the idea of what an aero helmet could be. It changed the game for triathletes and cyclists all over the world, amateur and elite. The helmet is so fast, pros are going off-sponsor to race in it!

"Oversized" lids are a big deal now and Rudy Project really pushed that agenda forward. But how? Why? And with what R&D, engineering, testing and real-life knowledge goes into creating something like this? We decided to find out!

Mike Buenting; the Sports Marketing Manager for Rudy Project's North American division, Matt Hanson; pro triathlete and Rudy Project sponsored athlete, as well as Geoff Eaker; General Manager of A2 Wind Tunnel all join the show to give a deep dive into one of cycling's most exciting tech pieces.

We chat about the development of the helmet, bringing wind tunnel testing and real-world riding together, the impact of pro athlete input in the final product, the growth of a brand through a product like this, and what it means to riders, teams, and Rudy Project as a whole.

To stress, this is NOT a paid episode, nor am I, Carter Lewis, receiving any form of kickback, monetary or others. Cool cycling technology is what gets people into the sport and long-time athletes keep chasing goals. This episode is for all the tech nerds and marginal gain hunters!

Rudy Project Wingdream: https://www.rudyprojectna.com/collections/rudy-project-aero-helmets/products/wingdream

Mike Buenting Instagram: @buentingm

Matt Hanson: @matthansontri

Matt's coaching website: https://www.matthansontri.com/

Geoff Eaker/A2 Wind Tunnel: https://a2wt.com/

Instagram: @a2windtunnel