
Preparation for the new season – Physical assessments and training at AG Insurance - Soudal

The end of the season at AG Insurance - Soudal marks a period of evaluation and preparation for the coming year. Jessica Van Melkebeke, the team’s physiotherapist, explains how the end-of-season physical tests and assessments help prepare riders optimally for the next season and prevent injuries.
The importance of end-of-year assessments
End-of-year assessments are the starting point for a safe and productive new season. “These measurements provide insight into each individual’s current physical condition,” Jessica explains. “By identifying weaknesses in strength, mobility, and flexibility, we can address and improve injury-prone areas during the winter months.” This allows the team to develop targeted prevention programs focused on performance enhancement and injury prevention.
Additionally, during this period, medical screenings are conducted to monitor the overall health of the riders. These include cardiology tests, consultations with specialists such as a dermatologist, dentist, and pelvic floor specialist, as well as further medical evaluations. This comprehensive approach helps identify and address potential issues at an early stage.
To support this process, we leverage the technology and expertise of partners like Blackroll, for mobility and recovery training, and Canon Medical, which provides us with advanced equipment for medical evaluations. These partnerships enhance our efforts to prepare the riders physically for the new season.
Personalized training programs and injury prevention
After the physical assessments, each rider receives a report with results compared to benchmark values to communicate deficiencies and risk factors. Based on this, we create personalized programs that combine strength, flexibility, and mobility exercises. “This plan helps riders stay injury-free and perform at their best throughout the season,” says Jessica. “We monitor their progress throughout the year, allowing us to adjust exercises as needed and prevent injuries.”
Continuous maintenance and seasonal benchmarks
Building a solid foundation at the start of the season is essential, but Jessica also emphasizes the importance of ongoing maintenance. “The injury prevention program is updated throughout the season to maintain performance and prevent injuries. This process doesn’t end after the winter months.”
By adapting and maintaining the program, the team keeps riders in peak condition and avoids overuse. “With this approach, we can detect and limit injuries early, allowing everyone to continue developing,” says Jessica.

Insights and trends from seasonal assessments
Jessica notes that previous seasonal assessments offer valuable insights that help refine training and guidance even further. “Trends in injury data or measurement results, such as recurring weaknesses or injuries in specific muscle groups, allow us to give those areas extra attention,” she says. “This enables us to make riders' training more specific and goal-oriented.”
In addition to these general trends, the team uses specific benchmarks that riders must meet to be physically ready for the upcoming season. “By measuring regularly, we know exactly what values they need to achieve in terms of fitness, strength, and mobility. These benchmarks ensure a safe and effective training progression and provide an essential foundation for an injury-free season.”
The importance of the off-season: A behind-the-scenes look at training with AG Insurance - Soudal
While the cycling season slows down, the off-season period is dedicated to recovery and preparation for the new year for our riders. We spoke with Michiel Stockman, a trainer at AG Insurance - Soudal, about how the team builds and tailors training to the riders' individual goals. Michiel, 28 years old and from Waregem, explains how these months are used to prepare both physically and mentally for the 2025 cycling season.
Restarting training
After a two- to three-week rest period, the riders cautiously resume training. “We start with low volume and low intensity,” Michiel explains. “The body needs time to readjust to the training stimuli, as load capacity has decreased during the rest period.” In this phase, along with cycling, running and core stability exercises are introduced to keep the riders strong and injury-free. A gradual restart helps them sustainably rebuild their training routine.
Building training intensity
The intensity and frequency are gradually increased, depending on each rider’s experience and training history. “We definitely don’t start with 20 hours of training per week,” Michiel emphasizes. “On average, riders train six out of seven days, with one rest day to recover both mentally and physically.” This gradual buildup allows them to consistently and efficiently increase their training volume, an essential step to peak for the new season.
Individual monitoring and goal-focused approach
Each season begins with a personal intake conversation, during which the team assesses each rider’s background, goals, and capacities. “We look at which training stimuli are most valuable for achieving their goals,” he explains. Through platforms like TrainingPeaks, WhatsApp, or phone calls, there is ongoing contact, allowing feedback to be quickly translated into adjustments in the training approach. In this way, training programs are continuously adapted to meet each rider's personal needs and progress.
Differences between elite and U23 riders
The approach differs between elite and U23 riders, mainly due to their daily commitments. “For the elite riders, cycling is their primary focus, while many U23 riders are also studying,” Michiel explains. “It’s more of a balancing act to find the right balance for them.” Elite riders can devote more time to both training and rest, while U23 riders often juggle school and sports. When stress or fatigue increases, it’s crucial to make quick adjustments to prevent burnout.
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