"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
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.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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