From Giro to Val di Fassa: Training in the Italian Mountains

Jessica, our physiotherapist, and Martijn, our trainer, both work for AG Insurance - Soudal. After the last stage of the Giro d'Italia Women on July 14th, they traveled to Val di Fassa in Italy for a high-altitude training camp. Together with riders Anya Louw and Julie Van De Velde, and some staff members and riders from the men's team Soudal Quick-Step, they trained there until July 29th. In this inspiring environment, they worked intensively to prepare for upcoming races. Below, Jessica and Martijn share their experiences and insights from this valuable period.

Experiences and General

Martijn:

The high-altitude training camp here in San Pellegrino has been very successful, both for the riders and the staff. It is a huge advantage that we stayed here together with the men's team. This collaboration will certainly bear fruit in the future, as we already saw during the recent Giro D’Italia.

We could fully focus on the high-altitude training thanks to our stay at Hotel Cristallo, where we lacked nothing in terms of facilities. The food was specifically geared towards performance, and the flexibility and service were excellent.

In addition to the excellent accommodation and hotel facilities, we were also able to train both at high and low altitudes, which is a huge advantage for me as a trainer. The variety and beauty of the routes here are a true paradise. As a result, the training hours pass much faster for the riders than, for example, in Belgium.

Jessica:

During the camp, I see enormous changes in the physical condition of the riders. Through the tailored training sessions at the altitude of Val di Fassa, their endurance and muscle strength noticeably improve. The specific adaptations in their bodies due to high-altitude training enhance their overall performance. Our coaches regularly monitor these changes with physical tests and evaluations to ensure they are making progress and achieving their training goals.

Approach and Focus Points

Martijn:

In the first days at altitude (about three days), there was not much training; this period was mostly about acclimatizing to the altitude. The advantage was that Julie had already been sleeping in a high-altitude tent before the camp and Anya had completed a high-altitude camp in June, so their adjustment phase was only two days. The training blocks consisted of two or three days, followed by a recovery or rest day.

During the three-day blocks, the focus was more on volume, combined with sprints at altitude ('repeated sprint hypoxic') and endurance training. In the two-day blocks, the emphasis was more on Vo2Max training at lower altitudes (less than 1000 meters), combined with a long endurance ride.

Jessica:

My focus during this high-altitude camp was mainly on recovery, injury prevention, and performance optimization. It is essential that the body recovers sufficiently between training sessions. We achieve this through manual therapy, massage, stretching, and other recovery techniques. On lighter training days, I introduced personalized core stability and strength training sessions to protect the riders from injuries throughout the season.

Innovations and Added Value

Martijn:

In the short term, the main goal of this high-altitude camp is, of course, the Tour de France. However, as a trainer, I strongly believe in high-altitude training camps and the plasticity of the body. I am convinced that repeated exposure to high altitude is needed to truly improve performance within the cycling season and over multiple years (long term). This can be achieved through high-altitude camps like here in Val di Fassa, but also with a high-altitude tent or altitude hotel. However, I prefer going to a high-altitude area for three weeks.

I am therefore convinced that we will return here with the women's team next year to prepare for the ‘big’ races and to promote the long-term development of our riders and the team.

Jessica:

Val di Fassa offers a unique combination of factors that make it ideal for a high-altitude training camp. The varied terrain provides a challenging training environment with steep climbs and flat sections, allowing every type of training to be optimally executed. The beautiful surroundings and fresh mountain air enhance the mental well-being of the riders, which indirectly benefits their physical performance. On rest days, they can explore nature and stay active with walks. The cable cars offer great views, and a fully equipped gym is available within a 15-minute drive for strength training sessions. Simply perfect!