Going to high altitudes to escape the heat… and then seeking it out by taking a sauna. It may seem like a contradiction, but it isn't entirely so. He told us about this practice last year. Alberto Dainese. Dominic Pozzo alive He told us he was going to Etna to train in the heat, so he could avoid going to the sauna like many riders do in Livigno. And along his lines, too Paolo AlberatiThe latter added that by going to the Sicilian volcano rather than the Alpine resorts, the subsequent step of re-adapting to pedaling in high temperatures was avoided.
But what are the benefits of a high-altitude sauna? And how do you do it? To find out more, please contact us Stefano Oldani (and not only him). The rider of the Alpecin-Deceuninck, which is a true hill habitue (after the Tour of Denmark he will return for the fourth time this season), is among those who have approached this practice… but with due proportion.
Toxins away
It is proven that, especially for athletes, One of the benefits of the sauna, in addition to mental relaxation, is the release of energizing endocrine, better known as the hormone of psychophysical well-being.
"There are several uses for a sauna," Oldani explains. "I'm not a huge fan of this practice, if we can call it that, but I still go, even if not every day. I do it to eliminate some toxins at the end of a training session and if I have a quick recovery run the next day."
So if Stefano does two or three days of loading, at the end of the "microcycle" he opens the door to the sauna and spends the canonical quarter of an hour there. In those 15 minutes he relaxes and works up a good sweat.
"But there are those who do it to stay acclimatized, or to not completely forget the high temperatures when they descend to the plains. This helps the body recognize extreme heat conditions.
«But there are also those who like the sauna and go to it a little more often, even just to relax». See Alessandro Covi.
Special precautions
However, before entering the sauna, some small precautions must be taken. Usually, but this doesn't apply to everyone, you enter after having recovered a bit. The risk of a sharp drop in blood pressure is too high if you go straight into training.
Not to mention that you have to take hydration into account.
«Usually – says Oldani – I came back from training in Livigno, I took a shower, I went to eat, I relaxed in the afternoon and then Before dinner I went to the sauna. But that wasn't all I did. At the Alpen Resort, where they also have a hot and cold water tub, I did my 15 minutes in the sauna, came out and alternated the two tubs of hot and cold water to activate the circulation in my legs and therefore improve recovery."
«You sweat a lot, it's true, but the important thing in the end is always to rehydrate well. If you know you'll sweat a lot in those 15 minutes, you'll have to drink a little more. A lot also depends on the individual. For example, I don't sweat a lot. I don't need a lot of mineral salt supplements, otherwise I swell up like a balloon. They cause me to retain a lot of water, so for me, drinking water is enough.
"But that doesn't mean you should neglect this aspect. I also have to adjust my water intake. You shouldn't go to the sauna after sweating a lot during training and without drinking properly after lunch. Otherwise, you risk paying dearly."
Sauna Workaholics
But there are those who have had much more to do with the sauna, such as for example Jakub Mareczko.
"Kuba," says Oldani, "was with me in Livigno. He loves saunas and used them often. The same goes for the guys from Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl. For example, they'd alternate them with cold showers, wander around a bit to pass the time, and then go back into the hot room."
And some people have even cycled in the sauna: at least that's what they say.
«Yes, that's true – confirms Oldani – I know someone did it. They want to acclimatize to the extreme conditions. Just as I know of people who've done roller skating with garbage bags on them to sweat more. Honestly, I've never done it and I don't think I will. It seems a bit extreme and puts too much stress on the body.
At Quick-Step…
Vasilis Anastopoulos, preparer of the Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl He had his boys under his watch right in Livigno. Like Oldani, he also provides us with valuable insights.
«Why do we use the sauna at high altitude? There is a lot of research on the use of the sauna – explains the Greek coach – and This has been shown to be beneficial for cyclists, especially on rest days. It increases blood flow, blood volume to the muscles and helps the body detoxify."
Anastopoulos also tells us that the riders aren't directly followed by a doctor for this practice. However, the Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl medical staff is well aware of all this and has developed a protocol.
Finally, Anastopoulos clarifies perhaps the most interesting question: whether or not you actually do rollers in the sauna.
«Next to the sauna some riders did a training session (on the rollers, ed.) to Get used to the heat. This involves a 30-40 minute ride in a warm room or sauna, but with a temperature no higher than 40 degrees.
