Belgian ProTeam to host training camp for under-23 riders
The Quick Step team is to host its first ever “Quick Step Training Camp” in Belgium this month as the first in what it says will be a number of new initiatives aimed at young riders. Between Tuesday June 14th and Friday June 17th some of the best under-23 riders from Belgium, Holland, France, Spain, Norway, Eritrea and Latvia have been invited to attend the camp.
“This meeting is the first step in a wider project we’re building for young riders, which we hope to realise in the near future,” explained Team Manager Patrick Lefevere. “The main objective is to introduce our reality and our work method. In this initial phase the athletes were selected based on the results they’ve achieved in the recent past.
“We think that direct contact with our squad and staff during the formative experience of a Training Camp can help young athletes better understand what really goes on with a professional team. We’re aware that today’s young guns will be tomorrow’s champions. There was a lot of interest from the Under 23 athletes as well as their teams, even though not all the athletes who were invited will be able to attend the meeting due to competitive duties. We will definitely repeat this project in the future.”
Former Belgian champion Tom Steels now works for the team as a coach and part time director sportif. He is looking forward to introducing his training techniques to the young riders, who will be riding with some of the Quick Step teams riders.
“The meeting will involve four days of work, during which the selected riders will be pedalling beside some of the athletes on our team,” he explained. “We’re also organising evaluation tests, group meetings and individual interviews, as well as a visit to the team’s Service Course in Wevelgem. A mechanic and masseur from the team will also be available to the athletes.
“It will definitely be an interesting chance to get an inside glimpse of the approach to cycling applied by some of the best Under 23 riders and gather some important feedback from them.”