For elite cyclists, success isn’t just about power output or endurance, it’s about optimising every detail. In the world of professional cycling, where margins are razor-thin, recovery and strength training can be the difference between standing on the podium and falling behind. That’s why Soudal Quick-Step Team, one of the most formidable teams in the peloton, has turned to Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training powered by Hytro to enhance performance, accelerate recovery and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Cycling: The ultimate test of physical and mental toughness
Cycling is widely regarded as one of the toughest sports in the world. It demands not only immense physical endurance but also unwavering mental resilience. As Tom Steels, a former rider and now Sports Director for Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team, explains: “Cycling is a high-risk sport. We have no protection. Speeds are getting higher. If you take a descent at 100 kilometres an hour and you miss a corner, that can really hurt. The pressure to perform, year after year, is relentless.”
For riders, it’s a constant battle between pushing their physical limits and managing the mental demands of the sport. Unlike many other endurance sports, cycling is a mix of both individual and team performance, making it even more complex. “You have to suffer,” Tom continues. “And to suffer, you have to be happy. You have to love cycling enough to go through the pain.”
©Cédric Depraetere
Building a stronger, more resilient team
At the heart of Soudal Quick-Step Team’s training philosophy is the “Wolfpack” mentality. A relentless pursuit of excellence, teamwork and adaptability. Preparation isn’t just about logging miles on the bike. Strength training and recovery are equally vital. That’s where BFR Training, integrated seamlessly with Hytro’s wearable technology, plays a key role in keeping riders in peak condition.
Manu Wemel, physiotherapist for Soudal Quick-Step Team, emphasises the importance of balancing training and recovery: “Recovery has to be optimal to get ready for the next day. When you're training hard and performing at such a high level for hours, you need strategies that fit seamlessly into the routine without adding stress. That’s why we look for recovery solutions that are simple, quick, and effective.”
Why BFR? The missing piece in cycling recovery and strength training
Historically, BFR has been used in various sports, but its practical application in cycling has been a challenge. Traditional BFR methods often required cumbersome pump systems, making them difficult to implement efficiently within a cycling team’s demanding environment.
“We’ve known about Blood Flow Restriction for a long time, but practical implementation was always tricky,” explains Manu. “Early solutions like pump systems and Bluetooth connections weren’t suitable for cycling’s logistical demands. Hytro has provided us with a simpler, more practical way to integrate BFR into our recovery and training protocols, which makes it a great fit for our team.”
Hytro BFR works by restricting blood flow to the limbs during short, controlled bouts of exercise or passive recovery, triggering a cascade of physiological benefits. By creating a hypoxic environment in the muscles, BFR enhances strength adaptations, boosts endurance and accelerates recovery - all without adding excessive load to the body.
BFR’s immediate impact on recovery and performance
Cyclists endure relentless physical strain, particularly in stage races like the Tour de France, where recovery time is minimal. Traditional recovery methods, including compression, ice baths and massage, can only do so much. Recovery BFR offers a scientifically backed solution that maximises recovery in a fraction of the time.
“Recovery has to be easy,” Manu emphasises. “If recovery feels like another job, riders won’t do it. That’s why we look for solutions like Hytro. It fits perfectly into the limited recovery time we have after races.”
But recovery is only part of the equation. Strength training is crucial for sprint power, climbing efficiency and injury prevention. By incorporating Hytro BFR into their routine, Soudal Quick-Step riders can maintain strength while minimising fatigue.
“We’re using Hytro primarily for recovery at this stage, and we’ve already seen positive results,” Manu adds. “In the future, we’re planning to expand its use to strength training and even consider applications for on-bike training. The riders have responded well, and we’re excited to see how we can maximise its potential.”
Innovating for the future of cycling
In professional cycling, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to innovation. Teams that embrace new technologies gain an edge over their competition. By partnering with Hytro, Soudal Quick-Step Team is leading the way in integrating BFR into cycling performance.
“In a sport as competitive as cycling, staying ahead requires constant innovation,” says Manu. “Collaborations with brands like Hytro allow us to explore new technologies and strategies that can improve rider performance and recovery. Sharing insights not only helps our team but also drives progress for the sport as a whole.”
With Hytro’s research-backed approach and the team’s commitment to pushing limits, the collaboration is poised to reshape how cyclists approach recovery and strength training. The adaptability of Hytro BFR means that it’s not just for elite professionals, teams and athletes at every level can benefit from its powerful effects.
A new era of performance with Hytro BFR
For teams considering implementing BFR into their training programmes, the key lies in education and correct application.
“The key is education,” Manu advises. “It’s vital for staff to understand the science behind BFR and the protocols for its use. With the right knowledge, teams can implement BFR effectively and get the most out of it.”
As Soudal Quick-Step Team continues to integrate Hytro BFR into their performance strategy, their success serves as a blueprint for the cycling world. With optimised recovery, enhanced strength and a science-backed edge, they’re not just keeping up with the demands of elite cycling, they’re redefining them.
For cyclists, coaches and teams looking to take their performance to the next level, understanding that the future of endurance sport lies in smarter training and recovery is vital. And with Hytro BFR, that future is already here.
Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify, or watch now on YouTube. Want to integrate Hytro into yours or your team's programme? Get in touch to discuss how.
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