Great Britain's top female cyclists are gearing up for a grueling 158km road race in Paris at the outset of next month, where they will face both fierce competition from fellow riders and potentially record-breaking weather conditions during the Olympic Games.
The four-strong team, led by Lizzie Deignan who competes in her fourth Olympics for Team GB, aspires to break into medal contention over a challenging 100 miles of technical racing. Comprising three-time national champion Pfeiffer Georgi, the national time-trial champion Anna Henderson, and Anna Morris, they are coached by Chris Newton, an Olympic cyclist who is now a renowned endurance coach after retiring from competing ten years ago.
Reflecting on Tokyo's three years prior, Deignan acknowledged succumbing to the intense humidity and finishing 11th in the road race. To prepare for Paris, they have focused on learning from these past experiences, employing unconventional techniques with a laser-like dedication to optimizing their riders' conditioning and nutrition.
The team has utilized methods such as training in boiler suits alongside Newton while incorporating sauna sessions at the facility - often overlooked by British athletes, but recommended for acclimatization purposes. "Your body adapts when you sweat more; it's about preparing your cardiovasculature to handle high temperatures," Newton says.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the race as well, with various energy and hydration options available at feed stations along the route. Team GB has worked closely with nutritionists to develop individualized plans for each rider based on their unique needs and preferences, which have been honed through trial-and-error over the years.
Experts suggest testing different fueling strategies during training and ensuring that riders are comfortable using them on race day can make a significant impact on performance, regardless of experience level. With meticulous preparation in mind, Team GB's female cyclists aim to secure medals at the upcoming road race.
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