Tom Steels: “We can be content with the first winter training camp”

Soudal Quick-Step’s sports director shared his thoughts after the team’s get-together in Calpe.

“The training part is one of the most important moments of the pre-season. And that’s why because the riders, old and new, are together for the first time, and they get things underway at the Suitopia Sol y Mar Hotel where we are staying with three busy days, during which they all take part in various photoshoots, for both the team and the sponsors.

It’s a packed schedule, but it’s quite fine, they like and have fun during the sessions. In the evenings, we have meetings with our technical partners, who talk about their products, so that they know every detail of the equipment we use. Then it’s all about training and testing, a key part of the winter camp. We get a better idea of where each rider is and what we have to do in order for them to step up a bit.

Besides the sports directors, our nutritionists and psychologists are also in Calpe, which is important, because they get to discuss with the riders and make a plan going forward. The guys also know their program for the upcoming season, and work hard for this new year and the main goals. A strong bond is created, the newcomers get a warm welcome from the riders already on the team, they get to know each other, spend time together, and this helps them, because they see that the Wolfpack is more than just a word, it’s a winning mentality and a fighting spirit.

We usually have some of the devo team riders present in Calpe and they can see how things work in a World Tour squad on a day-to-day basis. We discuss with them, they are integrating themselves in the group, and this is another good aspect of the training camp, because this way they are better prepared for the season. The members of the AG Insurance Soudal team were also there, which was nice, because we are part of the same family and share the same hunger of victories and mentality. We could meet, we could talk, so this too made for a nice training camp.

Now, after more than ten days, the time has come to go home, and looking back on the time spent on the Costa Blanca, we can be optimistic ahead of our 23rd consecutive season. The motivation and the determination are there, and we hope we’ll have another strong year.”

Photo credit: ©Wout Beel