Winter training Camp
Living in Bellingham, Washington, means enduring cold temperatures, heavy rainfall, and limited daylight during the winter months. Training outdoors is challenging in these conditions, so I spend most of my time riding indoors using a virtual cycling platform called Zwift. While it’s a great tool for structured workouts, indoor training doesn’t replicate outdoor riding perfectly—bike handling skills can suffer when you’re not out on the road. To balance things out, I traveled to California for 10 days of focused training in warmer weather.
Typically, my training follows a three-week cycle, but my coach turned this trip into a stand-alone block of intense work. The first few days were dedicated to high-intensity VO2 max intervals—short, hard efforts that push my aerobic capacity. The second half of the camp focused on long endurance rides, where I sought out as many mountain roads as possible. The warmer temperatures and sunshine had a huge impact on my performance, allowing me to generate more power and feel fresher on the bike. It’s amazing what a bit of good weather can do for both physical output and mental motivation!
One of the biggest advantages of training in California is the opportunity to ride long climbs and technical descents—something I can’t replicate back home in winter. The longest climb I have access to in Washington during this time of year lasts about five minutes, but in California, I could tackle extended mountain roads that mimic the terrain of professional races. Training on those climbs builds the endurance and climbing-specific power I’ll need in the upcoming season. Additionally, the descents are far more technical, helping me boost my confidence and refine my skills on tricky corners and fast downhills.
Another highlight was the cycling community. California is home to many talented cyclists, and I had the chance to ride with some incredible athletes. Also reconnected with a teammate from Paris and caught up with old friends, which made the experience even better.
This mini-training block was exactly what I needed to prepare for the season ahead. Between the solid base I’ve built in Washington and the racing experience I’ll gain around the U.S., I’m optimistic about continuing to grow as a rider. My sights are set on faster times, stronger performances, and higher-profile results in 2025—and I’m excited to chase those goals!
