"Believe it or not, I've been out training in temperatures as low as 10 degrees below zero" - EF Education-EasyPost rider reveals extreme winter training

Cycling is often associated with warm summer rides, offering the perfect way to explore breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the beauty of mother nature. While that works well for casual riders, professional cyclists must endure extreme conditions year-round, including the bitter cold of winter. Better them than me!

Marca spent a day with EF Education-EasyPost’s Harry Sweeny to see how he trains in freezing conditions at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. In Andorra, where he is based, temperatures can plummet to -10°C, making training sessions a true test of endurance. "Believe it or not, I've been out training in temperatures as low as 10 degrees below zero," says Sweeny.

The 26-year-old Australian has competed in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana during his career. His day starts with a cappuccino and a 200g serving of oats, fuelling him for the grueling hours ahead. Before heading out, he puts on an SPO2 monitor to track his blood oxygen levels, cross-referencing the data with his weight to ensure his body is recovering properly without excessive weight loss.

Dressing appropriately is essential to surviving the harsh conditions. Sweeny layers up with thermal jerseys, shorts, and jackets, but his most innovative addition is a buff folded in a way that completely covers his face, leaving no skin exposed.

He doubles up on socks for extra foot protection and wears insulated gloves to shield his hands from the cold. Thanks to this, his outfit might resemble ski gear more than cycling attire, but it’s necessary for the freezing temperatures he has to ride through.

Training rides can last up to six hours, requiring a steady intake of 90g of carbohydrates per hour through energy gels and drinks to sustain his effort, and during one ride, he covered 60km while averaging an impressive 320 watts.

Sweeny’s commitment to performance extends beyond his outdoor rides. At home, he takes things to another level with an altitude tent provided by his team. This specialised tent replicates the conditions of high-altitude training, mimicking the effects of a hypoxia chamber to enhance his endurance.