Selection
The Human Power Team athletes are carefully selectede from a lot of motivated contenders. The Human Movement Scientists from the Vrij Universiteit Amsterdam conduct three selection rounds, in wich they aim to find the perfect fit. We test endurance, sprint capabilities and strength and conduct a series of interviews. We try to make sure we select athletes that are not only physically capable to break the world record, but are also just as motivated and excited as the rest of the team to work towards this goal for one year.
Training
Throughout the year the athletes are trained by the Human Power Team coaches. The Human Power Department provide the athletes with training schedules which focus on endurance, sprinting, strength and core stability. Bij training their core, the athletes become better equipped to stabilise the VeloX
Racing
Being able to race in a VeloX takes a whole new motor skill which the athletes need to learn. To prepare the athletes, they start training on a recumbent bike as soon as possible. They get used to the balance and transfer of power necessary for cycling in a VeloX. While the engineers are busy designing and building the VeloX 10, the athletes spend time learning to ride in an old VeloX. Then, when the VeloX 10 is ready the athletes spend training days riding down a closed down road to master riding a VeloX. They do not yet get the full experience, but they get as close to racing in a VeloX as possible in the Netherlands.
Full package
Being able to break the Human Powered World Speed Record requires more than just extensive training. The atheletes focus on a whole range of factors. They do this together with the Human Power Team. Some examples of these factors are: nutrition, mental strength, taper and acclimatisation. The Human Power Department use the latest research developments in these areas to optimally prepare the athletes for the ultimate record attempt.
