We're diving deep into the world of professional cycling camps as we hear first-hand from some of the leading coaches and nutritionists in pro cycling. Reporting from the picturesque coastal climbs of the Costa Blanca in Spain, our host, Dirk Friel, brings you insights from performance coaches like Lieselot Decroix and Mattia Michelusi, who reveal the critical training techniques employed to enhance rider performance. Learn how pro teams leverage lactate testing, hear what metrics WorldTour coaches focus on around functional reserve capacity (FRC), and background on the growing importance of heat training. Nutritionist Nicki Strobel gives us a taste of what meal planning looks like during grueling tours and how data from TrainingPeaks is used to tailor nutrition strategies. Plus, Stephen Barrett explains the significance of durability in today's WorldTour races, while Liam Holohan shares insights on hypoxic training. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or enthusiast, this episode is packed with proven takeaways to help elevate your training to the next level.Special thanks to  FDJ-Suez — https://www.fdj-suez.fr/ Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale — https://decathlonag2rlamondialeteam.com/ Team Cofidis — https://www.equipecofidis.com/uk/home Israel-Premier Tech — https://israelpremiertech.com/

Fergus Crawley, co-founder and head coach of Omnia Performance, brings his expertise in hybrid athlete training to the forefront. He reveals the merging of strength and endurance disciplines, sharing tips on balancing training goals. Fergus recounts his impressive feat of squatting 500 pounds and running a mile in under five minutes, emphasizing the mental approach needed for hybrid training. He discusses auto-regulation, personalized coaching strategies, and the importance of adapting to individual athlete needs for optimal performance.

Nell Rojas, a professional marathoner and coach celebrated for her top American finishes in the Boston and New York City Marathons, shares her rich insights on marathon training. She emphasizes the art and science of coaching, balancing individual needs with athletic goals. Nell discusses the importance of tailored nutrition, recovery strategies, and integrating strength training into marathon preparation. Advocating for inclusivity in running, she inspires athletes with her journey from competitor to coach, highlighting the joy of empowering others in the sport.

Scott Johnston, co-author of renowned endurance training books and founder of Evoke Endurance Coaching, shares his expertise on recovery strategies for ultramarathon runners. He emphasizes the need to balance rest and performance, considering factors like CNS fatigue and motivation. Listeners learn about actionable tactics such as tracking subjective feedback, implementing active recovery, and the importance of personalized recovery timelines. Johnston also discusses the mental aspects of recovery and the role of nutrition in enhancing performance longevity.

George Gilbert, Founder of IndieVelo and VP at TrainingPeaks, joins Lee Gerakos, TrainingPeaks President, to discuss the acquisition of IndieVelo and the launch of TrainingPeaks Virtual. They dive into how community feedback is shaping this innovative platform for indoor cycling. The duo highlights the importance of creating credible virtual races and diverse training environments. Additionally, they explore the seamless integration of athlete accounts and the extensive options for group rides and simulations that empower both coaches and athletes.

Gale Bernhardt, a veteran endurance coach with over 35 years of experience, shares her journey from a mechanical engineer to guiding Olympians. She discusses the importance of continual learning and setting long-term goals, as well as the unique challenges in coaching across different cultures. Gale emphasizes the irreplaceable human touch in coaching despite the rise of AI, and she offers invaluable advice for aspiring coaches on balancing technology with personal connections to athletes.

Kylee Van Horn, CEO of Fly Nutrition and an ultrarunner, dives into the world of sports nutrition tailored for endurance athletes. She explains the concept of RED-S and its impact on performance, stressing the necessity of personalized fueling strategies. Kylee shares invaluable tips for managing nutrition, overcoming common fueling challenges, and the importance of micronutrient density. Listeners gain insights into the collaborative approach needed to address both nutrition and mental health in athletic training.

Marco Altini, a scientist and app developer behind HRV4Training, dives into the world of heart rate variability (HRV) and its pivotal role in athletic performance. He clears up misconceptions about HRV, emphasizing that it's a deeply personal metric rather than a one-size-fits-all measurement. Altini highlights the importance of tracking individual trends over time and integrating subjective feedback with objective data for effective training insights. He also discusses the best practices for measuring HRV, ensuring athletes use it as a valuable tool for optimizing their recovery and training efforts.

Ryan Bolton, a former Olympian and Director of High Performance for USA Triathlon, teams up with Erin Carson, a renowned strength coach. They share valuable insights on how Team U.S.A. is gearing up for the 2024 Olympic Triathlon. Topics include tailored training strategies, mental resilience, and balancing physical fitness with emotional drive. The duo also discusses the increasing competitiveness in the sport and the importance of collaboration between coaches to enhance athlete performance while navigating logistical challenges ahead of Paris.

Iñigo San Millán, an internationally renowned applied physiologist and performance coach for UAE Team Emirates, dives into the intricate world of nutrition for Tour de France cyclists. He reveals how race data from TrainingPeaks shapes personalized fueling strategies and discusses the importance of tailored meal plans for different stages of the race. From pre-race breakfasts to recovery with tart cherry juice, Iñigo emphasizes stable weight maintenance and the role of quality ingredients, providing invaluable insights for both pros and amateurs in endurance sports.