"It’s not only about power and numbers – listen to your body" - Nils Politt insists instinct can still play a role in data driven modern cycling

One of Tadej Pogacar's most important Classics domestiques at UAE Team Emirates - XRG, the German powerhouse Nils Politt is instantly recognisable in the peloton with his trademark facial expressions, as he bares his teeth whilst putting the power down. And when you realise just how much power Politt can produce, there's a good reason for that gurning.

In a recent interview with Cycling Weekly, Politt explained in more detail his training plan and the immense numbers he can put down when riding full gas. "I’m a guy who needs to race my legs into shape. For example, before the Classics I rode the Volta ao Algarve where there were lots of small hills that took 90 seconds to two minutes, so I was pushing 500 watts a lot," begins the 31-year-old German. "Those frequent high VO2 max efforts in races really help make me stronger."

On the kind of home training he can do, Politt admits it's not something that all amateurs should copy. "A big change in cycling has been heat training, and so twice a week I’ll have a hot 40°C bath immediately after training. For me, it’s the same benefit as riding on the rollers for 30 minutes with a winter jacket on," he explains, insisting that instinct can still play an important role in the data driven world of modern cycling.

"I see a lot of guys copy everything at once from the pros, but they really have to take things one at a time and build up slowly, as the body has to react to each session," Politt explains. "Also, it’s not only about power and numbers – listen to your body."

"I know what I need to do to get in good shape, and to be honest my training hasn’t changed a lot. But it is true that with this team I ride for longer and in the upper zones, but not as much in the VO2 max zones as people think," continues Politt, giving more detail on UAE Team Emirates - XRG's training plan. "We often ride in Zone 2 for anywhere between one to five hours, and I think it helps our race preparation. For sure, after a few hours in this zone it can get tiring and hard, but you have to get over it, and boredom is not a big problem for me."

And alongside training, nutrition has growingly become something incredibly important in the sport. Politt isn't quite as meticulous with his eating plan as some though. "We have a nutrition app. Before the Tour de France, for example, I’m strict and follow it 100%, but while some guys can be like this all year, I need a bit of freedom, time to unblock myself and eat what I want," he reveals.