The OG trio is back (mostly). Sam has survived his battle with a stump, David returns from the void, and Pat is running on patio-remodel spite.

In Episode 535 of the Packfiller Podcast, we break down the absolute chaos of the opening days of the 2026 Tour de France. We analyze Visma's clinical Team Time Trial, Tadej Pogačar’s early flex in the Pyrenees, Mads Pedersen surviving the mountains, and the reality of a 100-degree Occitania heatwave baking the peloton.

Plus, in Pat's Pulpit, we dismantle the "purity of sport." While the White House is speed-dialing FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card, the UCI is busy banning ice-socks because they alter a rider's "aerodynamic morphology."

Grab a Big Barn Campesino IPA, protect your shield, and let's get into it.

👇 Drop your Tour de France heatwave survival strategies (and your fantasy punishments) in the comments below!

We are exactly four days away from the biggest cycling circus on earth crossing the start line in Barcelona, and the pro peloton is entering a state of absolute panic. This week on The Packfiller Podcast, the crew dives face-first into the 113th Tour de France. We break down the absolute madness of an opening day Team Time Trial, slap letter grades on the heavy GC favorites (Pogačar, Vingegaard, and the Red Bull-Bora "co-leadership" dynamic), and debate whether the Alpe d'Huez back-to-back double-header is brilliant route design or pure sadism. Closer to home, we unpack the fragile reality of TPU tubes, figure out who is dumb enough to ride Mount Spokane at 2:00 AM, and make a massive announcement: PACKFILLER LIVE IS BACK! Mark your calendars for August 1st at Big Barn Brewing. Grab a Campesino IPA, avoid the 13% walls, and don't forget to upload!

The Tour de France is weeks away, and the peloton is in absolute chaos. Tadej Pogačar just put the entire WorldTour on notice with a historic, 67-year record-breaking onslaught at the Tour de Suisse. Meanwhile, Visma-Lease a Bike is structurally collapsing, Wout van Aert is officially out with an infection, and the UCI is handing out 500 CHF fines to Mathieu van der Poel for unzipping his speed suit in 90-degree heat.

Plus, we are convening the official "Cycling Fashion Tribunal." Jackson and Paul battle it out across generational lines as we ruthlessly judge the Top 15 Cycling Fashion Crimes of 2026. If you wear ankle socks on a road bike or leave the valve nuts on your tubes, prepare to be sentenced.

Hit subscribe, drop your verdict on the Fashion Tribunal in the comments, and welcome to the Bunker.

🎙️ SUPPORT THE PACKFILLER EMPIRE:

• Book The Packfiller for your next event (We promise no Donkey Kong references): [Insert Website Link]
• Catch us live at the Everett Performance Omnium (July 10-12): revoracing.com

🍻 THIS EPISODE IS FUELED BY:

• Big Barn Brewing: Ride your bike to Greenbluff, WA. Tell them The Packfiller sent you for $1 off your first pint.
• Athletic Brewing: The ultimate recovery radler.
• Thomas Hammer Coffee: Keeping your style sharp and your coffee black.