Beyond Teide: The Rise of Unconventional Altitude Training in Pro Cycling
Tom Pidcock and the Pinarello-Q36.5 team’s decision to head to Chile for early-season altitude training, rather than the traditional Canary Islands, signals a growing trend in professional cycling: a willingness to explore unconventional locations for performance gains. While Teide in Tenerife has long been a go-to for riders seeking to boost their red blood cell count, the limitations of a single hotel and potential for weather disruption are driving teams to look further afield.
The Limitations of Traditional Altitude Camps
For years, Sierra Nevada in Spain and Livigno in Italy have also been popular choices, but their accessibility is often limited by seasonal weather. The Canary Islands, despite being warmer, present logistical challenges. Kurt Bogaerts, Head of Performance for Pinarello-Q36.5, highlighted the issue of limited accommodation and the risk of being forced to train at lower altitudes due to inclement weather. This unpredictability can significantly impact the effectiveness of the camp.
“At this time of year, you need to be able to go on a training camp somewhere with a good climate for training, so you don’t have to constantly improvise,” Bogaerts explained. This sentiment reflects a broader desire for control and consistency in training environments.
Chile: A New Frontier for High-Performance Cycling
Chile offers a compelling alternative. The team’s chosen location boasts a hotel at 2,700 meters with consistent temperatures of 15-20°C – ideal conditions for acclimatization. Crucially, the region provides multiple training routes, offering variety and reducing the risk of being confined to a single area. This isn’t simply about altitude; it’s about creating a reliable and stimulating training environment.
This move isn’t entirely unprecedented. Mark Cavendish and Team Astana utilized Colombia’s mountainous terrain in 2024, and the presence of teams in Ecuador a decade ago demonstrates a growing awareness of the benefits of South American altitude training. However, Chile represents a more focused and potentially sustainable approach.
The Pidcock Effect: Rider-Driven Innovation
Interestingly, the initiative for the Chile camp came directly from Tom Pidcock. This highlights a shift in power dynamics within professional cycling teams, with riders increasingly involved in shaping their training programs. Bogaerts emphasized the importance of rider buy-in, stating, “It was important that he was fully behind it…we didn’t force anyone to come; it’s something you, as a rider, really have to be enthusiastic about.”
This rider-centric approach is likely to become more common as athletes become more sophisticated in their understanding of physiology and training methodologies. It also reflects a growing emphasis on individualization in training plans.
Beyond Physical Gains: The Psychological Advantage
While the physiological benefits of altitude training are well-documented – increased red blood cell production, improved oxygen carrying capacity – the psychological impact shouldn’t be underestimated. Breaking away from the norm, exploring new terrain, and embracing a challenge can foster a sense of adventure and resilience within the team. This can translate to improved performance when it matters most.
Pro Tip: Teams are increasingly incorporating mental skills training into their altitude camps to maximize the psychological benefits. This includes visualization techniques, mindfulness exercises, and team-building activities.
The Future of Altitude Training: Diversification and Personalization
The trend towards unconventional altitude training is likely to continue. Teams will increasingly seek out locations that offer a combination of optimal altitude, favorable climate, logistical convenience, and training variety. We can expect to see more exploration of regions in South America, Africa, and even Asia.
Furthermore, personalization will become key. Altitude training protocols will be tailored to individual riders’ physiological profiles, training goals, and recovery needs. This will involve utilizing data analytics and wearable technology to monitor riders’ responses to altitude and optimize their training loads.
Will We See Pidcock Back in the Cyclocross Mix?
Bogaerts also hinted at a potential return to cyclo-cross for Pidcock, contingent on favorable starting grid positions. His absence in 2025 due to a busy road schedule meant a lower ranking, potentially forcing him to start from the back of the pack. However, maintaining a strong road ranking could secure a better starting position in World Cup events, making a return more viable.
FAQ: Altitude Training in Pro Cycling
Q: What is the primary benefit of altitude training?
A: The main benefit is increased red blood cell production, which enhances oxygen delivery to muscles, improving endurance performance.
Q: Is altitude training suitable for all athletes?
A: Not necessarily. It’s crucial to acclimatize gradually and monitor individual responses. Some athletes may not respond well to altitude.
Q: How long does it take to acclimatize to altitude?
A: Typically, it takes 2-3 weeks to fully acclimatize, but individual responses vary.
Q: What are the risks of altitude training?
A: Potential risks include altitude sickness, dehydration, and overtraining. Proper planning and monitoring are essential.
Did you know? The optimal altitude for training is generally considered to be between 2,000 and 2,500 meters (6,500-8,200 feet).
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