Do they know it’s Christmas? Well, no, not at most pro team training camps, where thoughts are a million miles away from brandy cream and mince pies. We sent our intrepid reporter to the Costa Blanca to get the latest from the peloton's stars... Mark Cavendish says he's ready for his final hurrah: Motivated by the desire of his Astana-Qazaqstan to see him race for one more season and also by his competitiveness at this year's Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, the Manx sprinter says he's happy and relaxed as he goes into what is likely to be his final season. He also admits he's humbled at being described as the best sprinter of all time. Lidl-Trek’s GC hopes pinned on Tao Geoghegan-Hart: The Briton tells us that he's recovered well from the pelvis fracture that he sustained at the Giro and will go into 2024 with his focus set very squarely on the Tour de France, where his objective is nothing less than the yellow jersey. We also hear from Italian climber Giulio Ciccone, who believes he's got the qualities to challenge for victory in the Giro d'Italia, thanks to his team's increased investment in training preparation and tech. One Cycling’s sense of déjà vu: Last week's WorldTour seminar in Lausanne led to further developments in the project to revamp the men's professional scene. We detail the latest, including the rumoured sidelining of Jumbo-Visma boss Richard Plugge,  the emergence of a new player at the project's head, and, in another significant shift, reports of contact with the women's side of the sport... This podcast is brought to you with the support of our sponsor, Saddle Skedaddle.   Support the show