My approach to coaching

Over the last ten years of training and racing, I have gained extensive knowledge across various performance-related domains that I want to pass on to others.

Through my cycling career, I have had the pleasure to work with some of the most renowned coaches in the world, each offering unique, often contrasting, perspectives on training. It is funny that the best coaches can have completely opposing views on certain topics – this made me realise how little about training we know with certainty. Our current state of knowledge often doesn’t allow us to say with certainty whether something is “right” or wrong”. Therefore, smart trial-and-error through careful observation, documentation and listening to the athlete is crucial.

I have tried many different approaches to training myself and fine-tuned them into an approach that worked well for me. In particular, I was self-coached in 2021 when I won the Olympics in Tokyo.

Numbers or feel?

Despite holding a PhD in mathematics, my coaching approach is far from being solely dictated by data. The human body is far too complex to be completely described by models and numbers. Of course, objective measurements are important, but I place equal importance on the subjective perception of effort and fatigue — which means that communication with the athlete is crucial.

Numbers fall short when it comes to the psychological aspect of sports. Motivation, enjoyment and self-confidence are just as important as your VO2max and FTP. I always take into consideration the psychological cost/benefit of a workout, not only the physiological impact.

More than just a training plan

Delivering a good performance on race day depends on more than just the training plan. E.g. some areas I can give advice on:

• Pre-race routine

• Pacing strategy

• Nutrition for training and racing

• Equipment finetuning

• Recovery tips

I have also worked with experts in specific areas such as sports psychology, aerodynamic testing, bike fitting etc. and can establish the contact.