14/10/2023

Mattias Skjelmose wants new training approach to 2024: "I would like to copy Jumbo-Visma"

In 2023 Mattias Skjelmose had a breakthrough in his development, winning several races including the Tour de Suisse. Into the upcoming season he wants to take a step further and takes inspiration in rival team Jumbo-Visma.

"Jonas is incredible, but the same goes for Tadej Pogacar. The latter is so good all year round. Second in the Tour de France is a great result, but for a rider of his caliber it is disappointing. And the fact that Jonas can beat a rider like Pogacar so clearly is nothing short of impressive," Skjelmose said in an interview with Wieler Revue. Skjelmose has an inspiration in the Dutch team and wants to have a more similar approach to racing like it does.

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"No matter how they rode the Vuelta a España, every Jumbo-Visma rider performs to the maximum of his ability. They know exactly what to do to get the most out of their riders' bodies'. Of course I don't know exactly how they work within Jumbo-Visma, but from what I see from the outside they always have chefs with them who prepare food," the Dane says.

Leader of Lidl-Trek, Skjelmose is having the pleasure of having several high-quality riders join him in the American team next year after a big boost in sponsor investment. "Furthermore, I think that our approaches are largely comparable. The difference is that I have to cook myself. My nutritionist has drawn up a plan for me and I enjoy having to follow that strict plan."

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His goals for 2024 are still unclear however the 23-year old has an idea of how he wants to sart the year: "I haven't spoken to the team about 2024 yet, but in that respect I would like to copy Jumbo-Visma. I want to do an altitude camp in February."

"I still have to talk about it with the team, but as far as I'm concerned that will be the approach next year. I have been very stable this year due to my good basic level and I have of course peaked at certain prices, but I hope to be able to reach even higher peaks in this way."