Swedish U23 ITT World Champion discusses his thoughts about data, coaches, motivation and sustainable long term motivation.
In a sport increasingly dominated by watts, algorithms, and objective data, what happens when a top-tier professional cyclist decides to ride “blind”? This was the core question in a fascinating discussion in the latest D-VELO-P cycling training podcast with pro cyclist Jakob Söderqvist, his coach Fredrik Ericsson, and coaching colleague Erik Åkesson.
Söderqvist, known in his UCI world tour team LIDL-TREK as “The Swedish Hippie,” is charting a different course, one that re-prioritizes feeling, curiosity, and mental health over the pursuit of instant results. His philosophy offers a vital blueprint for any athlete or high-performer seeking long-term success without burnout.
1. The Coach: An Outside Perspective for a Sober Voice
Söderqvist argues that the primary value of a coach is objectivity. An outside perspective is crucial to:
Avoid the Motivation Trap: A coach focuses on what is most effective for development, not just what the athlete feels motivated to do on a given day.
The “Sober” Decision-Maker: When the plan gets tough—or when the athlete is “locked in” for a major goal like a Grand Tour, World champs or a Monument—the coach provides the necessary knowledge and clear-headed voice to prevent over-training or, conversely, to alleviate the decision fatigue and guilt associated with choosing a much-needed rest day.
However, the risk is losing curiosity. The passive athlete who blindly follows the plan loses the vital skill of self-coaching.
2. Data vs. Feeling: Embracing “Blind Riding”
One of the most provocative takeaway from Söderqvist is his evolving relationship with data. While modern cycling offers incredible precision through power meters and heart rate monitors, Söderqvist believes this data can be misleading.
The Overdoing Effort: Data often tempts athletes to push past the intended limit—to do “10 or 15 percent more”—driven by the emotional need to show grit. This often results in fitness plateaus rather than true development.
Speed is the Ultimate Metric: Söderqvist increasingly trains by riding “blind,” with only speed visible on his computer. This forces him to focus on feeling, efficiency, and real-time judgment. He notes this skill is non-negotiable for a time trialist, where conditions demand in-the-moment pacing decisions. Speed, after all, is what wins the race, not power numbers.
3. The Quest for a Sustainable Career
Söderqvist’s athletic philosophy is rooted in joy and sustainability. This means redefining success not by the quick win, but by the long-term process.
Long-Term Joy over Short-Term Pleasure: True, lasting enjoyment comes from embracing challenges and stepping outside the comfort zone, not from the “short-term enjoyment” of constant smooth sailing.
Prioritizing Mental Freshness: As a professional, the mental load of logistics, travel, and constant social demands is immense. He dedicates significant focus to self-awareness and mental health, consciously creating space to feel like a “human being” during the long season.
The Conflict of Speed: There is no inherent conflict between prioritizing the “human side” and becoming the best cyclist over time. The dangerous conflict is striving to become the best as fast as possible. This trend, fueled by examples of young riders winning big races instantly, encourages unhealthy sacrifices. Söderqvist warns that even peak results and money are a form of short-term joy that will not bring long-term peace.
The connections, the process, and the experiences are ultimately what last and what make the journey worthwhile. For Söderqvist, his path to the top is one that puts the human first, ensuring the best years of his life are not sacrificed for a fleeting result.
Subscribe to my substack to not miss any more of this kind of posts.
Until the next one.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar