The Stable Cyclist

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Lifetime Grand Prix rider Zach Calton joins JP for an honest conversation about stepping away from professional cycling—and what it took to find his way back. Zach reflects on leaving the pro ranks to work full time, the pull that eventually brought him back to racing full time, and the difficult stretch that followed. From a brutal Cape Epic to a tough Unbound, Zach walks through a season that didn’t go to plan and how learning to laugh through the lows became part of the process.

The conversation centers on the turning point in June of 2025, when Zach hit the reset button, changed how he was approaching the sport, and went on a tear through the rest of the season—ultimately earning his way back into the Lifetime Grand Prix. We talk about what actually changed, how perspective reshaped performance, and what it means to rebuild confidence after public setbacks. The episode wraps with one of the most entertaining Random Fire segments yet, as Zach’s analytical sense of humor and easygoing vibe shine through.

 

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

 

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm

Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p

Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended

 

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, French-Canadian pro gravel racer Julien Gagné joins the show to talk about his path through the sport — from XCO mountain biking, to pro road racing, and ultimately to finding his place in gravel. Julien reflects on the process of reinvention that comes with changing disciplines, learning how to stay grounded while chasing big results, and what it’s taken to carve out a sustainable career in one of the most competitive eras of gravel racing.

We also dig into Julien’s breakout wins at Gravel Locos and CORE4, his move from privateer life with a local Canadian shop to joining Lunchbox Racing, and how he balances a naturally calm personality with the need to flip the switch when it’s time to race all-out. Along the way, Julien opens up about creativity, art, and why having an outlet away from the bike has become essential to both his happiness and performance — before wrapping things up with a classic round of Random Fire.

 https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or use the code is "thestablecyclistpod"

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

 

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm

Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p

Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended

 

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Cécile Lejeune joins JP for an honest conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the long road to the Lifetime Grand Prix. Cécile reflects on her early years as an endurance runner, the college injury that forced her to step away from the sport, and how cycling slowly became a new outlet for competition and self-discovery. Rather than a straight line, her path into gravel racing was shaped by patience, curiosity, and a willingness to rebuild from the ground up.

The conversation goes deeper as Cécile opens up about athlete health, including disordered eating, RED-S, and the pressures that can arise when performance and identity become intertwined. We also explore her progression in gravel racing—from racing on a tight budget to earning a place with Trek Factory Racing for the 2026 season—and what that evolution has taught her about sustainability, confidence, and growth. As always, the episode wraps with Random Fire, offering a lighter glimpse into Cécile’s personality beyond the results.

 https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod

 or use the code is "thestablecyclistpod"

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

 

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOH...

Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm

Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p

Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended

 

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:
Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/
Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm

Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p

Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

#GravelWorlds #GravelCycling #CyclingNews

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, JP sits down in person with professional gravel racer Chase Wark for a candid conversation about performance, health, and perspective. 

Fresh off major results at Gravel Worlds and Gravel Nationals, Chase opens up about developing AFIB during the summer and the surreal moment he found himself in the emergency room just days before hosting the Day Across Minnesota. Together, they talk candidly about racing at a high level, listening to your body, and navigating uncertainty when everything feels like it’s moving fast.

Beyond racing and health, the conversation explores growth, perspective, and hope. Chase shares how Lunchbox Racing expanded from a two-person operation into a four-rider team alongside Drew Dillman, what the second half of last year taught him about balance, and how his mindset heading into this season feels fundamentally different. The episode wraps with some much-needed levity during Random Fire, including Chase’s all-time wild karaoke pick — a reminder that even in heavy seasons, joy still has a seat at the table.

https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or the code is "thestablecyclistpod"

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm

Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p

Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

#cycling #mentalhealth #enduranceathlete