Behind The Scenes - Episode 2

With the resumption of our cycling camps, we will share with you the daily life of the team by opening the backstage doors to you, giving a voice to those who work in the shadows to allow you to live an exceptional experience. For our second episode, we’ll chat with Maribel, who has been our physiotherapist at Sa Calobra Cycling Club since 2018.

What are the massage sessions like?
Maribel Ramón: Each rider will benefit from a sports massage of about twenty minutes every day. We focus on the lower part of the body obviously, the most stressed in cycling, but do not neglect the back, neck or arms, in case of pain or a fall, which unfortunately happens sometimes. The goal is to improve recovery, but also to offer a pleasant moment of relaxation after several hours of work on the bike.

Do you also use electrostimulation?
M.R Yes, a Compex system is available to riders at all times. They usually use it just before getting on the massage table, for about twenty minutes. Everything here has been designed to improve the recovery and well-being of the athlete. I have never seen this before anywhere other than with a professional team.

Really?
M.R Yes, having a massage after every ride changes everything. This is a real plus for riders, even amateurs. It limits the build-up of fatigue and inflammation. Elsewhere they offer their clients only one mid-week massage. Unfortunately, it is often too late to eliminate the accumulated fatigue and repair the lesions caused by the lack of care for several days.

Better safe than sorry as they say!
M.R That's quite right. Here, I work with the logic of support and prevention. I follow them from their arrival with the team until the last day of the camp. I get to know them to better understand their needs. I am fortunate to speak several languages (English, French, Spanish, and German) so it facilitates exchanges. Throughout the week, a cordial relationship of trust is established, these are truly special moments.

The riders always rave about you. You’re a real star at Sa Calobra Cycling Club!
M.R It's nice, but I have the easy job. While Aurelien is out there pushing them to their limit on the bike, the massage session is a moment of relaxation. Quite the opposite. My greatest satisfaction is seeing them return home in good shape and motivated. Too often I see cyclists leaving Mallorca exhausted, physically, and psychologically. You should never finish a training camp at the end of your rope, it is completely counterproductive. If it takes a fortnight to get over it, there is a problem...