Portugal In January – tricamps 2010
November 9th, 2009 by Gavin
On the day in Monte Gordo when we did our Cafe reccie (my favourite was in Vila Real de San Antonio - my Americano was stronger than strong and my Chocolate Eclair and half of Tony’s hit various spots) I suggested that the first camp should be early in the new year . . .
It is a long time from September to the start of racing in May – getting away half way through the period breaks the monotony of winter training – and gives a focus to your workouts in the early months. Some sun on your back and a change of location is the perfect way to begin the new year and set you up for your best ever season.
Most people head to warm weather camps in April / May – but is this too late ?? Sure it is a great time to look for a boost in fitness but it does not leave you enough time to make lasting change before the season begins ?
Having a camp early in the year allows you to plan your season more effectively; to incorporate new training ideas / sessions into your programme; to address any technical issues earlier rather than later . . . . . this is what we will do in Portugal.
I have certain beliefs when it comes to training camps – firstly I never understood why athletes would go somewhere for a week and totally destroy themselves – who could ride the most ? who could eat the most !? Who was the strongest ? For me thats not what a training camp is about.
Many of my emails last year to ‘the pack’ finished with “no heros please” – this meant not trying to destroy each other, attacking, lifting the pace on hills etc. Winter training is about doing the correct sessions at the correct time, at the correct pace.
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