Getting a cycling coach for RAAM preparation. Many see the racer and to …
Getting a cycling coach for RAAM preparation. Many see the racer and to some degree the crew involved in a race like RAAM. What’s in the background most often is the coach involved to get the racer prepared and helping the crew with advice. So After DNF RAAM 2023 (not related to my training condition ... since it was my nutrition issue). Unfortunately a DNF is and remains a DNF . So I was thinking hard to what’s my next step. And decided to contact Giovanni Prosperi who I met before in Texas and learned that he was successful coaching racers for RAAM and other ultra cycling races. Funny as it was Giovanni honestly told me that he thinks I can complete RAAM without help but I wanted a better approach in my training and a better approach in how to run RAAM in 2024. So, I got an agreement and Giovanni start coaching me. And I am glad he did. He honestly pulled me back a lot and focused on more quality training instead of only quantity-based training as I was guided to do before. Admitting it took me a while and sometimes I keep making mistakes occasionally. He finally made sure that I do not push daily … I start more structured training with proper recovery rides in between. That improved my TFP from previous coach’s 240 watts to almost 280 watts. And more important … I had my first great success winning the Psycho48 ride with about 60 mile lead. Admitting I was impressed. The next successes have been an improvement from 3rd to second place in Florida500 and a victory in Texas Longhorn500. So finally comparing my training I kept focusing on proper mix of interval training for power improvements and endurance training to keep endurance level high. The cool thing was that Giovanny himself is still an active ultra distance racer. He made good recommendations to race strategy and nutrition. Plus, RAAM 2024 getting closer we went to a final training session at higher altitude in Colorado. I felt much better prepared for RAAM and what’s even more important … despite the very extreme weather conditions I was able to quickly adjust targets and stay focused on the race. My legs never felt bad and with Giovanni’s help the new approach got me across the finish line in time. Many might think it’s something we can do ourselves … yep .. possibly … But reality is if having a coach knowing what to prepare for makes sure we get proper structured training. That helped me a lot and I am still very happy to have accomplished RAAM and even better currently on second place of WUCA (World Ultra Cycling Association) WorldCup. Race season is not over yet and I am sure I will learn more from Giovanni. I was impressed about him honestly pulling me back when I overdid it and pushing me where needed. Great person and amazingly good coach helping to reach an insane target such as RAAM Solo finishing.
