The Future of Cycling Training: Insights from Former Pro Cyclist

Together with former professional cyclist and INSCYD user Peter Pouly, we talk about the future of cycling training and how that affects endurance coaches and their business.

Peter is a former professional cyclist (5x National Champion Cross-Country Mountain Bike, 5x winner Haute Route Alps, 1x winner La Marmotte) and now works as a Directeur Sportif for UCI Continental team Roojai Online Insurance.

Peter’s company, The Coaching Philosophy (TCP), was founded in 2010. He brought Thai athletes to France to race big event’s like L’étape, Haute Route and the Tour de France. Soon he also started coaching a few of these athletes.

As time passed, Peter noticed some big changes in cycling training. In this article he shares 4 ways cycling training will dramatically change in the future, if not already:

Identifying areas of athletic improvement
Training zones and training programs
Ways to track progress
The importance of communication

He also gives a sneak peak in how implementing these strategies increased his business.

How to identify areas of improvement

In the past, areas of improvement were identified mainly during a race or team training. If a rider got dropped on a climb, he needed to do more climbing in training. If he was not able to follow a decisive attack, he needed to do more anaerobic training. Did he lose a sprint? Sprint training!

Nowadays most coaches agree that it’s not that straightforward. For example: if you’re not able to follow a decisive attack, it could be because your anaerobic power is not good enough. It could also be a lack of aerobic power, which caused you to fatigue far before the attack took place. Or maybe you burned way more carbohydrates than you consumed, and your energy tank was running empty.

The importance of identifying the exact area of improvement has become increasingly important. Peter Pouly:

By using INSCYD, I have been able to identify specific areas of improvement for my athletes. The data-driven insights help me pinpoint weaknesses and areas where athletes can make significant gains.

The process of using INSCYD starts with conducting the INSCYD test, which includes multiple performance assessments and measurements. This fits into the athletes’ overall training plan by providing a comprehensive assessment of their physiological characteristics.

INSCYD’s Metabolic Fingerprint, showing a strength & weakness profile ranked against a peer comparison group.

The data obtained from the test is then analysed and interpreted to identify the athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Some example metrics that I use are:

VO2max, which represents the maximum oxygen uptake. It is a crucial indicator of an athlete’s aerobic capacity and endurance potential.

VLamax, represents the maximal lactate production rate, providing insights into an athlete’s ability to buffer and tolerate lactate.

These metrics, combined with other data from the test, help athletes fine-tune their training and identify specific areas for improvement

INSCYD has had a significant impact on the performance and success of both the Roojai Cycling Team and TCP.

For example, one of our riders started the year with an excellent PPD test, but the body composition was hindering overall performance. Through the insights provided by INSCYD, the rider became aware of the need to manage the diet carefully. The result? National Champion in both the road race and individual time trial.

The INSCYD Strength & Weakness profile visually quantifies metrics, ranked against a peer comparison group. This enables you to quickly identify differences between your athletes, on a detailed metabolic level.

Futuristic training zones and -programs

The first training zones were based on the perceived intensity (feeling). Heart rate monitors revolutionised those training zones, and not much later power meters made their introduction.

However, professional cyclists are already one step ahead by adding physiological meaning to power numbers. Their training zones are not based on just power or some arbitrary FTP threshold. Instead, they use the metabolic data hidden in the power numbers. Peter Pouly continues:

The biggest added value of the INSCYD test for athletes varies depending on their individual goals and needs. However, training zones are often the most impactful.

Training zones help athletes understand their optimal intensity levels for different types of workouts, ensuring they train in the appropriate zones to maximise gains.

In fact, my decision to work with INSCYD was sparked by my preference for working with accurate zones instead of relying solely on functional threshold power (FTP).

The information provided by INSCYD allows me to set precise training zones and tailor workouts to the individual needs of each athlete. This data-driven approach ensures that our training programs are highly efficient and targeted, leading to improved performance on the bike.

Innovative training zones open the door for highly individualised training programs. INSCYD allows you to create training zones that are based on metrics that truly matter. Instead of creating %FTP training zone, you can create a training zone based on:

The highest fat combustion rate (FatMax);
A certain predicted lactate value, without actually measuring lactate;
VO2max power or a percentage of VO2max;
Energy contribution, e.g. a zone in which the anaerobic contribution equals 60%;
Etc.

Note that these zones are highly individual and require a (remote) metabolic test.

If you are a coach, eager to implement the precision and effectiveness of INSCYD’s data-driven approach in your training plans, we are here to help! Unlock the full potential of your athletes and move beyond traditional training methods. Schedule a call with our INSCYD team today

Get a hands-on understanding of how INSCYD works and how it can transform your coaching approach. With INSCYD, you’ll not only identify areas of improvement but also deliver targeted, efficient training. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from equipping your athletes for success. Reach out to us today and let’s usher in a new era of cycling training together.

Peter continues sharing his thoughts on the future of training:

With the continued use of advanced tools like INSCYD, I envision the future of cycling training to become even more precise and individualised. These tools provide coaches and athletes with comprehensive data and insights, allowing for highly personalised training programs.

One innovative way I have used INSCYD to tailor training plans is by leveraging the insights on fuel utilisation. The information about fat combustion versus carbohydrate combustion during exercise allows me to design training sessions that target specific energy systems and metabolic adaptations.

For example, if an athlete shows a higher reliance on carbohydrates, I can incorporate specific workouts to enhance fat combustion and improve metabolic efficiency.

Highlighting the benefits of improving fat combustion and metabolic efficiency can be motivating, as it allows athletes to tap into alternative energy sources, enhance endurance, and delay fatigue during long-distance events.

Refined ways to track progress

Most coaches track their athlete’s progress instead of hoping for the best on race day. However, simply looking for increases in power or FTP values is not going to get you closer to your goal. That is because you need to know how the power is composed: are improvements due to an increase in aerobic- or anaerobic power?

One can be a good thing, while the other may impact race results negatively.

In the past, you needed to go to a lab to understand what caused your power numbers to increase. Although lab performance tests are still popular, field tests with lactate measurements or power-only tests are making regular performance testing much easier.

Peter Pouly shares his opinion and vision on tracking progress:

One common misconception is that performance testing is only beneficial for elite or professional athletes. I emphasise that performance testing is valuable for athletes of all levels as it provides objective data to guide training and track progress.

My decision to work with INSCYD was sparked by my preference for working with lactate tests. Over time, as we collected sufficient data, I realised that we could also obtain accurate numbers without the need for systematic lactate testing. Instead we (also) use PPD tests.

This has revolutionised the way I monitor my athletes’ development. I can objectively measure their progress over time, track their physiological adaptations, and make informed adjustments to their training plans. This not only enhances their training effectiveness but also allows for early identification of potential performance plateaus or overtraining issues.

Tracking progress is one thing. Setting new goals and predicting future performances based on this data takes coaching to a whole new level. INSCYD allows you to set very specific goals and predict future performances.

Instead of “I hope this will increase my FTP” you know exactly that “By decreasing my VLamax by 30%, I increase my FTP by 35 watts”.

The INSCYD Performance Projection does exactly this. It shows how your performance will change when you increase VO2max by 2%, increase VLamax by 4%, or decrease body fat by 5% etc. This enables you to predict future performances before you even start training.

Are you intrigued by the power of INSCYD’s Performance Projection feature and how it could redefine your approach to training? Don’t wait to experience its transformative impact. Book a Free Call with our INSCYD team today and see this remarkable tool in action. We’ll demonstrate how Performance Projection could help you set precise goals, track progress and accurately predict future performances.

Peter continues:

INSCYD has significantly influenced the way I approach goal-setting and progress tracking with my athletes. With the comprehensive insights, I am able to set more specific, measurable, and individualised goals for each athlete.

I can establish realistic targets for key performance indicators. This ensures that athletes have clear objectives to work towards and that their training is designed to address specific areas of improvement.

When they see the potential for unlocking their full performance capabilities – using performance projections – athletes are convinced.

Why communication will become more important

In times where AI technology and AI coaching apps become more prominent, human empathy and a good athlete-coach relationship are more important than ever. Gaining trust from your athletes requires a combination of objective data and an emotional connection.

Peter shares how some athletes and coaches can be sceptical of a new coaching approach at first. Patience, communication and a thorough understanding of the data you’re implementing turns out to be key.

INSCYD has greatly facilitated communication and collaboration with my athletes, fostering trust and confidence in my coaching approach. I can now effectively communicate the rationale behind each training session, making it easier for athletes to understand the purpose and goals of their workouts. This transparent approach allows for open dialogue between coach and athlete.

A common misconception is that coaching solely relies on subjective observations rather than scientific insights. By explaining how combining objective data with coaching expertise enhances coaching, athletes gain a better understanding of my approach.

One of the initial challenges was educating athletes and coaches about the value of

performance testing and data-driven coaching. Overcoming this involved effective communication and patience. It’s important to take the time to understand the metabolic metrics and how they relate to performance.

When athletes understand that the insights from the INSCYD test can be used to tailor training programs specifically to their needs, they become motivated to undergo testing.

Alongside the objective data, I find it essential to maintain a holistic coaching approach that considers the individual athlete characteristics, goals, and subjective feedback too.

Athletes have expressed satisfaction with the personalised training plans and the clarity it brings to their training objectives. They feel supported, motivated, and confident in their ability to reach their full potential.

Building strong relationships and a supportive team environment where athletes trust the coach and collaborate towards a shared vision is incredibly fulfilling. The collective efforts and shared successes create a positive and motivating atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Luckily, you are not alone. The INSCYD education is an online education platform that helps you to understand the fundamentals of how the body works during exercise. Moreover, our customer success team is here to help.

Peter continue:

The level of support and resources provided by the INSCYD team has been exceptional. They offer comprehensive guidance and expertise throughout the testing and analysis process. The team is readily available to answer any questions or provide clarification regarding the data and insights obtained from the INSCYD test. Their support extends beyond the initial testing phase, as they assist in translating the results into actionable training strategies. This has ensured the success of my coaching approach.

Business results

Innovating your way of testing and coaching costs time. As a coach and business owner you don’t have a lot of time, and might wonder: what is the return on investment?

Peter:

The potential return on investment for using INSCYD can be significant, both in terms of athletic performance and financial gains.

By incorporating INSCYD, athletes experienced improved performance outcomes. This success increased exposure, which can provide financial returns for both the athletes and the team, Roojai Online Insurance.

Incorporating INSCYD into my coaching business has also positively impacted my client base and reputation as a coach. It has attracted new clients who are seeking a higher level of precision in their training. These athletes appreciate the comprehensive insights, which has led to more word-of-mouth referrals.

As a result the use of INSCYD has significantly contributed to expanding my client base.

Want to know more about the positive impact of INSCYD on your coaching business? Read the 3 actionable tips from one-man coach Toll Tollmahawk, who more than doubled his athlete coaching and testing business in just 4 months. Or discover how Olympic coach Filip François used INSCYD to transform his athlete coaching business. Learn how his scientifically-based training methods led to peak performances and business success.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your coaching business and elevate your athletes’ performance to unprecedented levels. The time is now. Join the ranks of successful sports coaches and performance labs who have harnessed the power of INSCYD. Discover for yourself how our state-of-the-art tools can revolutionize your coaching approach.

This is your exclusive invitation to book a free demo on your own language and witness the game-changing potential of INSCYD. But hurry, spots are limited and they are filling up fast. Take the step to reach new heights in your coaching career and athlete achievements. The future of performance coaching is here. Are you in?

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