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

Ansel Smolund and his Couchview creation are fast becoming one of cycling's premier media outlets. Bringing a new style, vibe, and personality, Ansel showcases what cycling can be if we imagine it in an updated fashion. From crazy edits on Instagram, to spontaneous interviews and volts on YouTube, Couchview challenges the norm, all in good, energetic ways.

I, Carter Lewis, chat with Ansel about his vision for the brand, building it into what it is now and where it can go, how the merch game is massively important in today's world, and the need and desire for brands to reach audiences in new, exciting, differentiating ways.

Ansel and this very show share a very similar vision for building the sport, growing bike racing worldwide, and enabling new riders to get into the sport. It's not about changing cycling, it's about altering the status quo to see change, push the sport in the right direction, and create something in the sport we can all be proud of.

Follow Ansel on Instagram @ansel.smo

Follow Couchview on Instagram @couchview.cc

Shop Couchview merch at https://couchview.cc

Being paid to race bikes is a privilege and something that very few of us will ever get the chance to say they did. But what is it like to make the Junior - WorldTour jump? How does one train for something they are yet to find out about? Is becoming pro "as seen on TV"? Young riders face these questions and many more on their potential path to the biggest races in the world.

Alex Volstad raced a strong rookie 2025 season with EF Education - Oatly, and is set to make in impact in her sophomore season this year. We chat about her rookie year, the learning curve that is being a young rider in a well-developed peloton, and what she looks back on as areas to improve.

At the end of the day, cycling is a sport, a game, and something to enjoy. Alex keeps the "happiness watts" high and the mental aspect of cycling at the forefront of what she does. She'll be racing her second Paris-Roubiax in her young career, so just imagine the success that could be coming down the road!