We Tried The Toughest Tour De France Training Session (Visma-Lease A Bike) with GCN
Source: GCN Youtube Channel: We Tried The Toughest Tour De France Training Session (Visma-Lease A Bike)
Video We Tried The Toughest Tour De France Training Session (Visma-Lease A Bike) with Global Cycling Network
Video We Tried The Toughest Tour De France Training Session (Visma-Lease A Bike) with Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.
We Tried The Toughest Tour De France Training Session (Visma-Lease A Bike)
Global Cycling Network: A Grueling Tour de France Training Session
In the majestic French Alps, the reigning Tour de France champions, Team Vima Lisa Bike, undergo intense training sessions in preparation for the toughest endurance race on the planet. As an amateur cyclist, imagine attempting to complete one of these rigorous training sessions. Are you up for the challenge? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
Training Camp in the French Alps
Vima Lisa Bike chose the French Alps for their pre-Tour de France training camp for a specific reason – altitude. At an elevation of 2,200 meters in Tignes, France, the riders benefit from altitude adaptation, a well-established method for endurance athletes to enhance their fitness and strength. The team’s partnership with clothing partner AO allows them access to this ideal training environment, where they can tackle challenging climbs and simulate race conditions to prepare for the grueling tour ahead.
The Hardest Tour de France Training Session
As you arrive in Tignes to join Team Vima Lisa Bike for a training session, you meet Matt, their coach, who reveals the top-secret training plan for the day. The session kicks off with a gentle one-hour warm-up, keeping the power below 250 watts, setting the tone for what lies ahead. This 5-hour training ride is carefully structured to mimic the demands of the Tour de France, with intervals and recovery periods strategically planned to push the riders to their limits.
Intervals on the Climb: The Meat and Potatoes
As you transition from the warm-up to the main set, you tackle the daunting climb of Col du Petit Saint-Bernard. This 19-kilometer ascent serves as the stage for the high-intensity intervals that form the core of the training session. The intervals consist of 3 minutes above threshold, followed by 2 minutes just below threshold, repeated three times. This grueling workout is designed to challenge the riders’ lactate threshold and improve their ability to clear and utilize lactate efficiently, crucial for enhancing their FTP and performance on the bike.
Altitude Gains and Intense Intervals
As you ascend to over 1600 meters, the effects of altitude become evident. Most people experience a 10% decrease in their FTP at this elevation, making the intervals even more demanding. The thinner air adds an extra layer of difficulty to the workout, pushing your limits and testing your fitness at high altitude. Despite the challenges, the intervals must be completed with precision, maintaining power output and mental focus to maximize training benefits.
Recovery and Refueling: Vital Components
After completing the first set of intervals, you enjoy a well-deserved recovery period to refuel and recharge your energy stores. Training your gut is as important as training your aerobic system, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and hydration during intense sessions. The recovery phase allows your body to recover from the high-intensity efforts and prepares you for the next set of intervals, ensuring optimal performance throughout the training ride.
Challenging Climbs and Strategic Training
As you approach the top of Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, the physical and mental demands of the training session become apparent. The strategic use of shorter intervals on climbs, rather than full-time trial efforts, reflects the wisdom of pro riders who prioritize specificity and recovery in their training programs. By balancing high-intensity efforts with active recovery, they optimize their training adaptations and avoid excessive fatigue that could compromise future sessions.
Consistency and Inspiration: Keys to Success
As you continue the training ride with two hours of solid zone two effort, you experience the beauty of cycling in the French Alps. The combination of breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain inspires you to push harder, despite the fatigue setting in from the earlier intervals. The pro riders’ ability to maintain high performance levels day after day highlights the importance of consistency and mental toughness in achieving success in endurance sports.
The Journey to Excellence: Striving for Progress
As you reflect on the training session and the dedication of pro riders like Team Vima Lisa Bike, you realize that cycling is a constant journey of improvement. While the challenges may seem daunting, the rewards of pushing your limits and embracing the discomfort are undeniable. Whether you’re an aspiring amateur cyclist or a seasoned pro, the pursuit of excellence in cycling demands dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to test your limits on and off the bike.
In conclusion, the Tour de France training session with Team Vima Lisa Bike offers a glimpse into the world of elite cycling and the dedication required to compete at the highest level. By challenging yourself to emulate the training regimen of pro riders, you can gain valuable insights into the physical and mental demands of endurance cycling. As you strive to push your boundaries and achieve your cycling goals, remember that every pedal stroke brings you closer to success and fulfillment in the saddle.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Global Cycling Network and do not necessarily represent the views of Bicycles4ever Cycling Culture.
