In the latest episode of the D-VELO-P cycling training podcast, hosts Fredrik Eriksson and Erik Åkesson sat down with Olympic champion Jenny Rissveds to discuss her decade-long career, her evolution as an athlete, and a surprising recent shift in her training philosophy.
Listen to the episode on Spotify now!
The Evolution of a Champion
Jenny has worked with Fredrik as her coach for over 12 years, a relationship that began when she was just a teenager. Reflecting on her early career, Jenny admitted that she wasn’t always the most compliant athlete. “I was just all over the place,” she recalled, noting that she often did more training than prescribed and didn’t always communicate well with her coach.
Over time, that relationship matured into one built on deep trust and open communication. For Jenny, the connection with her coach was often more vital than the training plan itself.
From “Result-Driven” to “Process-Focused” (and Back Again)
One of the most profound shifts in Jenny’s career was moving away from being purely result-driven. In her early years, winning was the only thing that defined her as a person—a path she now describes as “dangerous”.
However, after a period of focusing entirely on the “process” to protect her mental health, she realized she had gone to the other extreme. “Why do I race if I don’t care about the result?” she eventually asked herself. Today, she strives for a balance: enjoying the process of movement and nature while still allowing herself to be inspired by the “shiny metal” at the finish line.
The Power Meter: A Tool for Safety
Perhaps the most surprising revelation was Jenny’s recent embrace of technology. Despite her elite status, she only started using a power meter in 2021 and only recently learned what “FTP” stands for (hers is a staggering 310-319 watts).
For Jenny, the power meter isn’t about judgment; it’s about safety:
Trusting the Data: In the past, Jenny often felt insecure during races, wondering if she belonged at the front.
Validation: Now, she uses her power numbers to validate her training. “I know what I’m capable of in training... I know what I did last week at home where I was comfortable and safe”.
Eliminating Noise: Bringing that data into a race allows her to block out the “noise” of other competitors and rely on her own proven capacity.
Looking Ahead
At 31, Jenny finds herself as one of the “veterans” in a sport where athletes are becoming professional at increasingly younger ages. While she doesn’t see herself racing into her 40s like previous generations, her current philosophy is centered on a single word: Believe.
“I trust my ability,” she said. “If I’m able to relax during a race... that’s when we all perform at our best level”.
*** To hear the full discussion on coaching philosophies, mental health in sport, and why sleep is Jenny’s ultimate superpower, listen to the full episode of the D-VELO-P podcast.