November? Off-season? Not for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team.In fact, some team riders will be busy these next few days working out on the track at the Vlaams Wielercentrum Eddy Merckx, in Gent.
“Track riding is especially important for pedal technique,” explained Tom Steels. "The guys can then adapt this experience to road racing. This type of workout focuses on the pedalling rhythm and speed. We also have a derny motorbike to work specifically on speed. It’s also a good way for our Belgian riders to train indoor together with the rest of the team, at temperatures around 20°. It’s also an interesting opportunity to form a pack, to work together. After the sessions on the track we will also do training focused on core stability, which are all necessary skills during the season. We’ve decided to start now to save some time.”
The team’s athletes will be training on fantastic, Langsters-model track bikes by Specialized. “Specialized took us up on our request immediately and has backed us up in this project, as have all our other partners. We have great materials to train on the track.”
“For us this is also a good time to socialize and network,” explained De Weert. “Between training on the track, afternoon sessions at the gym and opportunities to train with team mates and technical staff, the day is really full. This is a new approach and so far, so good!”