Imagine a training camp, a haven for professional athletes, turning into a winter wonderland nightmare! Jonas Abrahamsen and his Uno-X Mobility teammates were promised a warm and sunny retreat in Sierra Nevada, but instead, they found themselves trapped in a snowy, high-altitude nightmare.
For three long weeks, the team has been battling thin air and arctic blasts, with local weather alerts warning of high winds, heavy rain, and a snowline dropping to an incredible 1,200 meters. And here's where it gets controversial: the plowing teams seemed to have forgotten about these cyclists, leaving them stranded at 2,350 meters with no way off the mountain.
Uno-X has been confined to their hotel, peering out at a tarmac covered in 5 feet of snow. But training camp must go on, and so they've transformed the local gym into a high-altitude Zwift center. Riders are putting in six-hour indoor sessions, wearing their chamois thin as they replicate the outdoor workouts they can't do.
Abrahamsen's Strava reveals a shocking 50+ hours of Zwift during this snow-filled camp, with only 7 days of actual outdoor riding in 25. Even for a Zwift enthusiast like him, this is a true test of mental fortitude.
Other teams, like Decathlon-CMA CGM and Visma-Lease a Bike, have also been forced indoors. Wout van Aert managed just one outdoor ride in his four days at altitude. Meanwhile, Tom Pidcock and his team are probably laughing it up in the sun of their Chilean training camp.
Abrahamsen's recent Instagram reel gives us a glimpse into this snowed-in camp. He lifts the lid on a monotonous routine, from 9,000-calorie menus to grueling indoor sessions and some unique 'technique drills.'
Breakfast is a massive 500g of oatmeal with jam and bread, providing a minimum of 900 calories and 225g of carbs. This is followed by mobility and activation drills, similar to those used by UAE Emirates-XRG's Tadej Pogačar. These routines keep key muscle groups active and prevent injuries.
Then comes the intriguing 'technique training,' where riders slalom around cones in a gym. It's a rare sight to see a pro team working on these 'handling drills.' Uno-X's skills session would impress even João Almeida, who recently suggested 'proficiency tests' to prepare for high-speed pelotons.
Zwift ride 1 in the morning is a 'base ride,' with 5 x 20-minute intervals at LT1 (aerobic threshold). This is followed by a recovery snack of juice, gummy bears, and a protein shake, providing at least 580 calories.
Lunch is an interesting combination of rice, chocolate cereal, and maple syrup, totaling a minimum of 1,340 calories and 305g of carbs. It's a meal that might divide opinions, but it's all about fueling the body for the intense workouts.
The afternoon Zwift ride is a real killer, with 3 hours including intervals at LT2, VO2 Max, and more. This session builds durability and primes the engine for tough races.
Dinner is a beefburger with hasselback potatoes, a reminder that WorldTour menus offer variety.
In total, Abrahamsen and his teammates are burning over 9,000 calories and consuming 1,800g of carbs daily.
Uno-X's early start to their altitude training camp in January was a bold move, but as they've discovered, Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. Despite the challenges, their dedication and innovative training methods will surely pay off in their debut WorldTour season.
