SPORT

The Pros' training camp:

an interview with Stephanie Scheirlynk

Lidl_Trek_Training_camp_2025_750x1000

SPORT

The Pros' training camp:

an interview with Stephanie Scheirlynk

The Pros' training camp:


how performance is built.



by Equipe Enervit


The end-of-year training camp is the time when professional cycling teams come together to prepare for the start of the competitive season, beginning with strategic planning and defining sports objectives.
With Stephanie Scheirlynck, nutritionist for the Lidl-Trek team, we explore how every detail, even the smallest, is analyzed to achieve those marginal gains—incremental improvements that can make a difference.
Nutrition plays a fundamental role: during training camps, teams test innovative supplements that have been specifically developed for their needs.

 

 



Equipe: How did you find the athletes upon arrival at the training camp? Did you notice any significant weight variations compared to the end of the past season?


Stephanie: “Upon arriving at camp, it is normal to observe a slight weight gain. During the recovery period, athletes have more flexibility, but significant increases are usually not recorded. On average, we notice a gain of about 3-4 kg, which is not only physiological but also useful for setting the foundation for the intense training that follows. Concern arises if a rider arrives with the same weight they had at the end of the season, as this could indicate suboptimal physical condition and pose risks to the immune system."

How do you manage weight loss during the training camp, considering the volume and intensity of training?


By the time riders arrive at the first training camp, they are already in good shape, having started their training at home, so the weight to lose is generally minimal. Nutrition is calibrated so that weight loss occurs gradually, making large caloric deficits unnecessary. We do not reduce energy intake in pre- and post-training meals, as these moments are essential for supporting activity and recovery. The calorie 'cut' usually happens later in the day."

How often do you monitor athletes' weight? Do you notice significant fluctuations considering the training volume?


We monitor athletes' weight, but not daily. Some riders weigh themselves every morning as part of their routine, while others are advised to do so once or twice a week to avoid psychological stress. Daily fluctuations during training camps are normal and often linked to dietary variations, which change according to training intensity. After intense training, weight may temporarily increase due to higher food and fluid intake, but over time, we see a gradual decrease - usually a few hundred grams per week."

How do you manage meal preparation?


We use a 'color-coded' system, where each color represents food types and portion sizes for a given training day. We apply the same system for race days. The chefs have creative freedom in crafting recipes, provided they adhere to guidelines. Sometimes they propose new recipes and ask me to calculate the nutritional values—if suitable, we integrate them into the menu."

Regarding recipes for races, are they always tested during winter training camps?


We test specific recipes, like cakes or desserts, that may be used as pre-race snacks. However, common dishes like pasta or rice do not require testing."

How do you handle the nutrition of athletes with specific diets, such as vegans or vegetarians?


Yes, we have some vegetarian riders and one vegan athlete. Thanks to our team of chefs, it is now easy to customize meals to meet their needs. We make sure we choose good alternatives for meat and fish and as with all the riders, we monitor their blood tests frequently. This allows us to intervene with targeted supplementation, such as plant-based proteins or vitamins, to prevent deficiencies and ensure optimal performance."

Stephanie Scheyrlink - Team Lidl-Trek

With many athletes having different nutritional needs, how do you manage individual nutrition in such a large team?


Personalizing nutrition plans for everyone would be impossible without technology. Today, we have advanced tools that allow us to optimize different diets in real time. Currently, we are developing a personalized app that enables us to manage the daily menu of each athlete."

Given the training load during the camp, what are the key nutritional strategies for optimal recovery?


The first thing riders consume immediately after training is the recovery drink you developed specifically for our team. It contains 40 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of protein. Then, each athlete receives a recovery box with a customized meal tailored to their nutritional needs."

Do they always consume the same combination of carbohydrates and proteins in the recovery drink?


Generally, yes, but there are exceptions. If the training session is lighter, such as a recovery ride or gym session, we only provide a protein shake, without added carbohydrates, which are consumed in the next meal."

Many wonder about the effectiveness of protein intake immediately after training. What is your opinion on this?


Recent research confirms the importance of carbohydrates for recovery, but that doesn't mean proteins should be excluded. On the contrary, both are crucial. We include proteins in the recovery drink because there is often a long gap between the last complete meal, such as pre-race or pre-training breakfast, and the first proper meal containing proteins."

We developed a special extract from the ‘tart cherry’ for your team. What benefits have you noticed?


Yes, we are using it, particularly for its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. We don’t use it consistently throughout the year, but it is especially useful in the days before or after races and intense training periods, as it helps reduce inflammation and supports recovery."

You are also testing some new sodium and electrolyte products. What results are you seeing?


In recent years, weather conditions have become increasingly variable, with more frequent temperature fluctuations and hotter days during races and training. For example, during the Vuelta, extreme heat days are much more common. In these conditions, hydration and electrolyte balance become critical. Monitoring sweat loss and increasing sodium and electrolyte intake is essential. We are testing products with different sodium levels to determine the best one for use during the season."

Stephanie, what nutritional tips or strategies can you share with advanced amateurs looking to improve their performance? Are there aspects from the pro world that could be useful for them?


One of the most common mistakes amateur cyclists make is not adjusting their meals based on their training load. For example, they always have the same breakfast, regardless of whether they spend the day in the office or ride for three to four hours.
I recommend planning ahead: the night before a long workout, have a dinner rich in carbohydrates, such as pasta or rice, and eat slightly more at breakfast.
Another key point is that if cyclists do not eat adequately before and during training, they risk coming home extremely hungry and eating everything in sight. With specific nutritional strategies, they can maintain balance and avoid the typical 'uncontrolled hunger' after training."

Equipe Enervit Tips for amateurs

  • Start the day before: load up on carbohydrates. If you are not training the next morning, maintain normal carbohydrate portions. If you are training, increase carbohydrate intake, especially in the hours following training. Have a dinner rich in complex carbohydrates (pasta, rice, potatoes) and opt for lean protein sources like white meat or fish.
  • Pre-training breakfast: have a carbohydrate-rich breakfast, such as oatmeal with fruit and honey, or wholegrain bread with jam and yogurt. If there is at least a 90-minute gap before training, add about 20g of easily digestible protein (e.g., lean ham or egg whites).
  • Nutrition during activity: if training lasts more than three hours, consume at least 60g of carbohydrates per hour, depending on duration and intensity. Energy gels and drinks offer a quick and practical intake.
  • Post-training recovery drink: immediately after training, take a recovery drink containing simple carbohydrates and proteins, like whey protein, especially if the session was intense or longer than three hours.
  • Complete post-workout meal: ensure your first full meal after training includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for optimal recovery and balanced nutrition.


Training camps are the ideal time to fine-tune every aspect of preparation, from nutrition to training. For amateur cyclists, applying these principles of nutritional awareness and strategic planning can make a significant difference. 

Learn more about managing the off-season HERE

Team Lidl-Trek 2025