Endurance Unlimited

Dive into the third episode of Peak Access, where the conversation goes beyond just race recaps.

Alex Howes ⁠and ⁠Joe Lewis⁠ unpack what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in the world’s biggest bike race, translating elite tactics into actionable advice for all athletes and coaches.

From mastering fueling habits to understanding the critical role of rest, while balancing try to surviving rest days during The Tour, and the science behind power-to-heart-rate decoupling, this episode is a playbook for building durability and outlasting the competition.

What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments! 👇

For more info and stories about how WorldTour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/grand-tour-july-2026/

#TourdeFrance #PeakAccess

Many believe that riding outdoors in high temperatures guarantees heat adaptation. But that’s not the whole story.

Aline Barre, the Endurance Performance Lead for CORE, explains what it takes to get true performance benefits for athletes. And why real heat training requires understanding both internal and external temperatures. Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean your body is adapting effectively.

To truly benefit, Aline says to aim for an elevated core temperature, around 38.5°C. This means overdressing in controlled environments — like the indoor trainer on TrainingPeaks Virtual — can lead to more effective training sessions!

Remember, not all heat is created equal. Are you using the right methods for your training?

#HeatTraining #SportsScience

Time to dive into the actual power behind the race.

Alex Howes and Joe Lewis are back to break it all down on the next episode of Peak Access, part of the Endurance Unlimited podcast.

Get behind-the-scenes insights from Alex and Joe as they decode pro power numbers, team tactics, and the mental game of modern bike racing from the first few stages of the Tour de France.

Join us as we breakdown how data, mindset, and durability are changing how coaches and riders think about effort and race strategy.

What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments!

For more info and stories about how WorldTour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/grand-tour-july-2026/

Go inside the mind of WorldTour coach, Koen Pelgrim, as the episode traces the journey from the physiology lab to the chaos of racing. You’ll get an inside look at what it takes to build a champion—from altitude camps and heat training protocols to how gym and strength work have become non-negotiables for today’s sprinters. The discussion digs deep into balancing “the art and science” of coaching, sharing actionable insights on tapering, team communication, and why trusting data (like heart rate and strain metrics) is key—but personal connection comes first.

Key takeaways in this episode:

Elite Prep: How sprinters and GC riders train differently for the Tour de France

Altitude + Heat: Extend performance gains with modern adaptation strategies

Strength & Conditioning: Why gym work is a pillar in today’s cycling programs

Data in Action: How daily recovery, RPE, and metrics drive real-time decisions

Art vs. Science: Why true coaching blends analytics and human intuition

Learn how top coaches prepare elite sprinters for the Tour and use cutting-edge altitude and heat adaptation hacks. Discover proven performance analytics and real athlete-coach conversations that make the difference at the world's biggest races.

Chapters:

00:00 – Altitude & Heat Training: Boosting Endurance for the Tour

00:53 – Training Differences: Sprinters vs. GC Riders

01:13 – Meet Koen: Coaching Roots & Early Influence

02:01 – Recent Wins & Prepping for the Tour de France

02:24 – From University Researcher to World Tour Coach

05:16 – Coaching Lessons: Lab to Real-World Application

06:04 – Culture Shift: Structured Plans in Pro Cycling

08:21 – Sprinter Preparation: Specific Workouts & Stage Simulation

09:05 – Altitude Camps for Sprinters: Aerobic & Anaerobic Focus

10:26 – Practicing Lead-Out Trains & Team Dynamics

11:55 – Strength Training: How Gym Work Evolved in Cycling

14:34 – Tapering: Differences for Sprinters and Climbers

16:29 – The Rise of Young Talent: Paul Magnier’s Development

19:32 – Balancing Sprint Power & Classic Ambitions

20:02 – Analyzing Race Data: Daily Effort, Heart Rate, and Recovery

23:43 – Heat Adaptation: Protocols Leading to the Tour

27:47 – Monitoring Subjective Data: Conversations Over Metrics

30:13 – Adaptive Training Plans & Athlete Autonomy

33:33 – Preventing Overtraining: Keeping Riders Controlled

35:08 – Art vs. Science: The Human Side of Coaching

36:43 – Closing Thoughts & Tour de France Preview

Ever wondered what it takes to prep for the toughest endurance race on Earth?

Alex Howes and Joe Lewis kick off a new series, "Peak Access," part of the Endurance Unlimited podcast. In our first episode, we dive into the unique challenges of the Tour de France. With over 54,000 meters of climbing in just 21 days, this race is not for the faint-hearted.

But it’s not just about the climbs. The athletes are facing a historic heat wave, making their training even more crucial.

Join us as we discuss the insights, strategies, and the importance of the performance management chart that keeps these pros on track.

What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments! 👇
For more info and stories about how Tour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page.

#TourdeFrance #PeakAccess