Successful second edition of the Aero Performance Day – Off Season Edition

On Thursday, October 9th, the second edition of Aero Performance Day took place in the brand-new Experience Center of the Belgian Cycling Factory. This Off-Season Edition once again offered a mix of science, practice, and knowledge.

gathered around a central theme: how athletes, coaches, and performance experts can optimally prepare for a new season. Led by moderator Maarten Vangramberen, participants enjoyed a day packed with insights into training, data analysis, and performance optimization.

From science to practice

The day was opened by Daan Teugels and Hendrik Plevoets, who provided an insight into the workings of our Aero Performance Lab and the recent innovations in the wind tunnel and performance testing. Their presentation immediately set the tone: performance is built on measuring, understanding, and adjusting.

This was followed by a robust program featuring contributions from leading experts from the Netherlands and abroad. Professor David Bishop (Victoria University, Australia) kicked things off with an online session on muscle physiology and the role of interval training in season preparation. John Peters (Blue Cat Technical, UK) demonstrated how data analysis and decision-support tools are used within WorldTour teams to refine racing strategies.

Focus on training, altitude and recovery

The UHasselt team, featuring Chiel Poffé and Ruben Robberechts, shared recent research findings on altitude training and the impact of hypoxia on metabolism and recovery. Their session offered concrete insights for runners and coaches who use altitude and recovery strategies in their training.

Coaches speak out

The afternoon focused on coaching and teamwork. During a lively panel discussion, Mathieu Heijboer ( Team Visma | Lease a Bike ), Stephen Barrett ( Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team ) and Jelle de Jong ( Uno-X Mobility Cycling ) shared their views on winter training and the role of data in modern coaching.

This was followed by individual sessions where each speaker delved deeper into their approach. The sessions ranged from Heijboer's data-driven training models to Barrett's focus on team culture and De Jong's practical mentoring of young riders, with each speaker sharing relatable insights with the audience.

Community and inspiration

The day concluded with a networking reception, where riders, coaches, researchers, and partners exchanged ideas about the future of performance optimization. More than a hundred professionals participated, ranging from former pros like Tim Declercq to renowned coaches like Koen Pelgrims and even cycling commentators like Bobby Traksel.

Special thanks to our partners Sanas, Cyclowax, and Train Red for their presence and support during this year's event. Their expertise and commitment contribute to the success and growth of Aero Performance Day.

The positive response confirms that the event has become a fixture for anyone involved in sports science and elite sports coaching. The next edition is scheduled for April 2026, with a program packed with knowledge, practical application, and inspiration. More information will follow soon.