KU Leuven sports scientists to visit the Tour de France
Sports scientists from KU Leuven will visit the Tour de France during the second day of rest. They test the Soudal Quick-Step riders on site and analyze the physical impact of weeks of effort. On the basis of blood and urine samples, they learn how the metabolism adapts during the Tour and which protein fluctuations are or are not favorable for continuing to perform.
The Tour peloton has already completed two thirds of its assignment, but the last week towards Paris is still very difficult. For example, the queen stage with more than 5,000 altimeters and a final test in the Vosges await. The right guidance is therefore very important to maintain the condition and health of the cyclists.
Changing metabolism during the Tour
This supervision is provided by the Belgian team Soudal Quick-Step in close collaboration with KU Leuven. The exercise physiology research group tests all riders individually, both at the start and finish of the Tour and during the rest days. At those times, blood and urine samples are taken, and they analyze recovery and sleep quality using a ring that the riders wear before and after the ride. The riders also complete a questionnaire about how fit and rested they feel to compare their personal experience with the objective data from the samples.
“We use the blood and urine samples to draw up a protein profile for each individual rider,” explains doctoral researcher Ruben Robberechts. “What effect does the succession of three weeks of heavy exertion have on the cyclist’s metabolism? What protein fluctuations occur and how do they affect performance, recovery and sleep? Those are important parameters to stay at the top level throughout the Tour.” In the event of excessive deviations or unexpected fluctuations in a particular rider, the team is immediately informed so that they can respond to this during the Tour.
Profile per rider
“The collaboration with Soudal Quick-Step has been going on for several years and is a win-win for both parties,” explains Chiel Poffé, leader of this project. “As scientists, it provides us with new insights into top sports performance and the physical strain that goes with it. The team then learns more about the individual needs of their riders and can adjust training and nutrition if necessary in preparation for or during important races.”
“Thanks to the analysis and advice of the researchers, we can optimally monitor and guide our riders on an individual level. By doing this several years in a row, we learn a lot about how the metabolism and protein profile of each individual rider changes and the associated needs in terms of training, sleep and nutrition,” says team doctor Philip Jansen of Soudal Quick-Step.