What if the future of cycling journalism wasn’t found in glossy issues of Rouleur or Outside magazine, but right in your email? Cycling Substacks are carving out a niche for passionate journalists, fans, and writers of all kinds to share their voices.
Photo by Solen Feyissa (via Unsplash)
Cycling Substacks: a new era of cycling journalism.
The “couch peloton” of cycling fans, as it’s known on social networks, is changing. So is cycling media. Substacks are leading the charge.
Substack is an online platform that allows writers and journalists to create and publish newsletters directly to subscribers. The platform allows writers to build a direct relationship with their audience, bypassing traditional media publishing. The Substack company then handles the web and email interface, payment processing, and analytics for the newsletter, allowing creators to focus primarily on their content.
These days, many cycling journalists and other experts use Substacks to delve deeper into stories, offer exclusive insights, and create a more intimate, personal connection to their audience. Cycling content creators, many of whom have been in the industry for some time, can experiment with different formats, styles, and business models on the platform. Substack’s model also allows creators to be, well… creative with how they present their content. Currently, the web interface supports podcasts, meaning that many of the Substacks listed below also have listenable content!
But it’s not just journalists. Anyone can start a Substack! And a Substack author’s “voice” and popularity is limited only by the size of their subscriber base. Now, underrepresented groups in cycling have more opportunity to speak out by starting a Substack. Some of the Substacks we’ll share with you today focus on this mission and elevate voices that aren’t commonly heard in traditional cycling media.
What does all this mean for you? Traditional cycling outlets, like news websites or magazines, still have a lot of sway over the media landscape for cycling. However, if you want to get in touch with what’s really going on in the cycling world, Substacks are now an important part of that connection. If you aren’t subscribed to any cycling-related Substack, now is a great time to start!
Wait, how do I get into cycling’s Substack scene?
Many readers (including you?) might be thinking they don’t subscribe to ANY cycling Substacks!
… Yet, of course. 🙂
That’s okay! We’re here to help with some great recommendations to check out. Big and small, established and brand-new… we’ll give you a mix of what’s out there right now. That way, when you sign up with these fantastic creators and their platforms, you’ll be getting the full gamut of what the cycling Substack scene has to offer.
Are you ready? Let’s jump right into the list!
Our must-subscribe cycling Substacks:
2. Derailleur
5. Riding With
1. Beyond the Peloton
If you’ve ever tried to explain cycling to a friend, what I’m about to say won’t come as a surprise. One of the biggest challenges in introducing people to professional cycling is how complex and difficult the sport can be for newcomers to understand. Traditional cycling media often fails to bridge the gap between insiders and fans. That’s where Beyond the Peloton comes in.
This Substack was started by Spencer Martin, a longtime cycling fan and tactical analyst for pro cycling teams. As such, he knows a lot about team tactics… as well as making them accessible for his readers. Through his writing, he offers in-depth analysis for cycling enthusiasts and novices alike! The “Key Takeaways” posts, which serve as stage recaps, are a perfect entry point for anyone interested in cycling’s strategy and central tenets. Beyond the Peloton also features podcasts for folks who enjoy listening rather than reading.
What to read:
Tour de France Rest Day Reflections
Giro Reflections, TdF Predictions & Unbound Thoughts With Benji Naesen (Podcast)
2. Derailleur
We love Beyond the Peloton, but if we had to name only one Substack to follow, this is it! Derailleur has right around 8,000 subscribers according to Substack and offers a completely unique voice in the world of cycling media.
The founder of this Substack is Kate Wagner, best known for her architecture journalism and blog McMansion Hell. What sets her apart from others in the cycling media landscape is her storytelling ability. Wagner’s writing often blends history, art, literature, and so much more. We’re big Kate fans here at CyclingScoop, and if you subscribe to Derailleur, we’re pretty sure you will be, too!
Derailleur also features poetry from Dane Hamann. The fantastic prose brings cycling to life for subscribers. If poetry seems a little unexpected, that’s just Derailleur‘s style. After all, the tagline is “Stories for people who think time trials count as a genre of poetry.” If that speaks to you, then Derailleur will be right up your alley.
What to read:
Honestly What the F*** (Kate Wagner)
Exhausted Camaraderie (Dane Hamann)
3. The Outer Line
The Outer Line provides in-depth coverage of professional cycling and focuses on the economic, governance, structural, and ethical aspects of the sport. There are many controversial topics that traditional cycling outlets tend to shy away from. Not The Outer Line! If you want well-researched facts and in-depth longform reporting on important topics, this is a perfect newsletter and platform for you.
The Outer Line was started in 2013 by Steve Maxwell, Joe Harris and Spencer Martin. Each of these authors has a unique, diverse background and connection to cycling. The site also boasts some excellent outside contributors and guest writers, meaning that the audience gets a broad range of voices and perspectives from each article. The Substack posts weekly newsletters very consistently, aggregating news and articles, so you’ll always catch the latest from them in your inbox. If you like listening in, don’t worry — they also do podcast content!
What to read:
4. Endurance Collective
Most of these Substacks have been focused on pro racing news. What about Substacks for the folks who just love riding their bike? We’ve got you covered!
Endurance Collective offers insights into cycling, bike fitting, coaching and training, and sports nutrition. The primary author, Noa Deutsch, is a Vancouver-based bike fitter, endurance coach, and sports nutritionist. Her passion for cycling and photography really shines through on this Substack, which always features gorgeous camerawork and articles written from the heart. We particularly love Endurance Collective‘s dedication to women in cycling, but there’s something for everyone here. The fantastic, healthy recipes are a standout. Also, the training advice that Deutsch shares is very practical and implementable while still being information-rich. If you’re looking for amateur cycling content on Substack, this is our number one pick!
What to read:
New article topics + Cookie Bar Recipe
5. Riding With
Are you looking for more pro racing opinion and storytelling? Riding With by Jonathan Kaplan may be a good choice for you. Where this newsletter shines is in exploring the intricate interplay of cycling, media, business, and politics.
The author of this Substack, Jonathan E. Kaplan, initially started writing about the career paths of American cyclists who joined European pro teams. As an established journalist, Kaplan really knows how to bring these kinds of stories to life for the reader. However, Riding With has evolved beyond its original mission to encompass a broader spectrum of narratives… and it works perfectly. Many of the articles are interviews and there is also audio content available. As an American cycling fan, I love Kaplan’s authentic voice — and talking about Phil Liggett’s commentary during this year’s Tour de France.
What to read:
6. Daniel Benson
On Substack, folks love to hear from respected journalists. It feels so much more personal than traditional media. If Riding With appeals to you for that reason, this next Substack is one for you, too.
Daniel Benson is a veteran cycling journalist with decades of experience covering the sport. He has held top editorial positions at major cycling publications and reported on numerous Grand Tours and World Championships. With a wealth of knowledge and a big network of contacts from the biggest arenas in the sport, Benson decided to embark on more freelance work this year. This outlet, which opened around the start of the 2024 Tour de France, offers his personal and independent perspectives.
While this Substack is relatively new, expect to hear interviews from some of the respected and famous voices in the sport. A big area for Benson’s newsletter appears to be transfer rumors, reports, and analysis, which means fans will get a sneak peek of which riders may be moving teams from season to season. However, be aware that most of the posts require a subscription!
What to read:
Grading the WorldTour transfers on day one of the market
After a disappointing Tour de France, what next for Ineos Grenadiers?
7. Women’s Cycling Weekly
So far,mMost of the Substacks we’ve highlighted focus on the men’s side of pro cycling. However, women’s cycling is growing all the time, and so are the journalistic outlets covering it — including on Substack. Women’s Cycling Weekly is a neat weekly summary of the world of women’s cycling each week, along with articles and other written content available to subscribers. It is authored by Amy Jones and Matilda Price, both freelance cycling journalists. The URL of the Substack, “mamilrepeller,” may have a few scratching their heads. Here’s what Jones had to say:
“If you’re wondering what ‘Mamil Repeller’ means: I used to love the writing on the now-defunct fashion and lifestyle site Man Repeller. The original premise of which was to showcase the kind of out-there fashion that men usually don’t like or don’t ‘get’. So, when I got the idea to start a women’s cycling site or blog the name ‘Mamil (middle aged man in lycra) Repeller’ popped into my head.”
We love it! And we love the coverage of women’s pro racing that we get from Women’s Cycling Weekly. If you want to keep up with everything going on week-to-week in the women’s peloton, sign up for this newsletter!
8. WheelySports
Here, we’ve highlighted tons of Substacks authored by cycling journalists for cycling fans. WheelySports is a little different! Michael Baumann is an established sports journalist whose work has been featured in many well-known newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. In WheelySports, he turns his attention to cycling and writes for an audience completely new to cycling. Cycling fans know how confusing this sport can be for outsiders to understand! But Baumann simplifies it and makes it interesting even if you don’t know anything about tactics or race dynamics. Already a cycling superfan? You’ll still enjoy it!
What to read:
A Dilettante’s Guide to the 2024 Tour de France, Part 1
The 2024 Olympic Road Race Preview
9. Global Peloton
In a world dominated by European cycling narratives, Global Peloton offers a refreshing perspective. This Substack spotlights cycling stories from overlooked corners of the world. From Asia, Africa, South America and more — readers are invited to explore diverse cycling cultures. The author, Dan Challis, is a freelance journalist for Cycling News and other cycling outlets. We love how enthusiastic he is about diversity and equal opportunity in the sport! Global Peloton features athletes, races, and communities that rarely receive international attention. It just goes to show how cycling is a truly global phenomenon and will continues to grow around the world.
What to read:
‘I have no words’- Mauritius’ Kim Le Court makes her dream a reality at Giro d’Italia Women
10. Queen Stage
Note: this Substack has since been discontinued.
Queen Stage is billed as a “passion project of a group of cycling fans from around the world.” Their themed posts dive into life as a cycling fan, with personal stories and experiences with pro cycling and broader takes on the sport, its athletes, and what it means to the fan community. The moderator and primary author of this Substack is Malindy Hetfeld, a freelance video game journalist and cycling fan. We love the well-researched nature of Queen Stage’s essays, which are penned by a variety of authors with diverse experiences and perspectives. It’s clear that each post comes from the writer’s heart! If you enjoy the tone and stories of Derailleur, make this your next subscription.
What to read:
Let me love you: a personal look at pro cycling spectatorship
Cubism on Two Wheels: The many angles of Remco Evenepoel
11. The Cycle Scribe
Want to get in on the ground level of an up-and-coming cycling Substack? Here’s your chance! The last Substack on our list is Cycle Scribe, a relatively new Substack written by Mike Kirby, a long-distance cyclist and writer. Here, he shares a mix of personal cycling stories and pro news and analysis. He is currently inviting guest authors as well, meaning his subscribers will get a mix of perspectives as the Substack continues to grow. Even though this newsletter is new on the cycling scene, it is already shaping up to be full of interesting reads! Plus, there’s no subscription fee.
What to read:
The Extraordinary Tadej Pogacar
Are you following some cycling newsletters on Substack? Share your favorites! We’d love to hear from you. ★