After a period of rest, synonymous with holidays for the riders, the season kicks off in early December. The entire AG2R CITROËN team begins its winter training camp. They head to Spain and the Valencia region for 15 days of intensive training.
Lay the season foundations during the training camp
The AG2R CITROËN team has set up camp in Gandia, a seaside resort town that is bustling in summer but deserted in winter. The season is just beginning, but future results are built in winter.
Any ambitious project requires solid foundations. Laying the physical and strategic groundwork to focus on each individual's objectives.
This initial gathering provides an opportunity to work on two aspects: firstly, athletic training, and secondly, sporting aspects, where runners will draw up their season calendar (objectives) and support structure (personalised meeting with the sporting, medical and performance management teams).
It's the start of the season.
The performance unit
Performance depends on various factors such as nutrition, physical and mental preparation, and equipment. Each factor plays its part in the overall picture.
The performance unit is made up of four coaches (Alexandre Abel, David Giraud, Stephen Barrett) and a performance director (Jean-Baptiste Quiclet). The team then relies on external experts to provide the skills required for high-level sport.
The first focus area – Nutrition:
Julien Louis, nutritionist, A lecturer and researcher at the University of Liverpool (who has worked with Liverpool Football Club and the French national football team), he provides training and creates nutritional profiles.
The 2ndissue focus: testing:
Yann Bertron, data analyst and PhD student in sports science, works with the performance unit to evaluate the runners. These results will be analysed and used to define strategies for preparing for the season.
The 3rdissue focus: physical and mental preparation.
Enzo Birgy, physical trainer for the French Olympic mountain biking team, is in charge of strength training. This will be the most intense period of the season for the riders.
At the same time, a psychologist and mental coach conducts interviews and workshops to train and monitor the runners. They will be involved throughout the season.
The 4thissue focus: bike fitting,
Alexandre Pacot, a «bike fitter», is responsible for optimising the ergonomics between the rider and their equipment.
The 5thissue focus: optimising equipment
Experts from the team's technical partners join the team for the duration of the internship. This is an important step in optimising existing requirements and working on the development of new features.
As you can see, the runners are back at school and tackling one subject after another.
How is the preparatory course organised?
The training camp is divided into three blocks in order to meet the needs of a professional cycling team.
The first block is dedicated to communication and marketing. During the first few days of the training camp, the riders combine training with photo and video shoots in order to produce all the content needed for the season. The riders are divided into groups and have dedicated time for this content production. This content will be used to feed the communication of the team, the riders, the partners and also the media.
The 2ndissue This block focuses on quality training. The aim is to go into detail about the sessions based on the initial objectives for the season. Riders will work on strength and speed, maximum aerobic power (MAP) sessions, sprinting and explosiveness.
The 3rdissue The final block of the training course will build the runner's fundamental fitness so that they can endure throughout the season and cope with periods of racing. The sessions are extended by a few hours while maintaining specific exercises on time trials and scooter training.
How are training plans adapted for professional runners?
Managing a team of 30 runners requires precise organisation and flexible resources. Depending on race schedules or injuries, runners did not all finish the season at the same time. The level is therefore naturally not consistent. It is therefore necessary to provide individualised support during this first meeting.
Before the internship:
After a winter break, riders get back into shape in consultation with the performance unit and according to their goals. For example, riders who will be competing in races in Australia will already be well advanced in their preparation so that they are ready to race at World Tour level in mid-January. Another example is Clément Venturini, who is competing in around ten cyclo-cross races with the aim of reaching his peak fitness for the World Championships in Hoogerheide (Netherlands / 5 February).
Generally, runners practise other sports (running, trail running, cross-country skiing) or quickly return to cycling for pleasure.
Based on the analysis of the month preceding arrival at the training camp, the performance unit will define the general physical preparation plan.
During the internship:
During the training camp, the runners will undergo a series of tests. By monitoring their physiological values and subjective feedback, the coaches will refine the initial plan.
What lessons can be learned from this first preparatory training course?
Preparation: the athletes have laid the initial foundations and have a good starting point for preparing for the season. Data analysis will enable them to fine-tune their preparation.
Support: this first meeting is essential in supporting and listening to the runners. The team ensures that the athletes have had time to chat and talk with each other and with the staff, so that they can get off to a good start.
Adapting: the training camp influences priorities for the weeks ahead and allows them to review the structure of the first part of their season.
All that remains is to wait for the first race number and dream of future victories.
