Sunday, March 3, 2024, 00:18
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Oier Lazkano has put on the table with his brilliant recent performances a dilemma that Spanish cycling did not have many years ago: Are we facing a classicomaniac? The way he runs, his physical condition and, above all, his desire to continue improving and doing what he is told would answer the question affirmatively. He is a runner with a different profile than the vast majority and, at 24 years old, he has only begun to chart a path that promises success. Figures who have been part of his personal and sporting development during previous seasons or a former classicist like Juan Antonio Flecha give EL CORREO the keys to the emergence of the Vitorian cyclist, for whom they predict a radiant future. His youth coach, Ángel Urreta, his amateur and professional physical trainer with Caja Rural, Aritz Arberas, or his current coach at Movistar, Xabier Muriel, know Oier Lazkano well and are the least surprised by his progression. .
Last Sunday it was Flecha’s turn to analyze live for Eurosport each relay that Lazkano gave in the classic Kurne-Brussels-Kurne. «He already has two podiums in Belgium with different strategies. Last year he was ahead alone and in Kurne he was where he should be at the right time. “It confirms that these types of races are made for him,” the man who ascended to the Paris-Roubaix podium three times freely admits. Quite a premonition from someone who knows every curve of those roads like the back of his hand. «It suits him well that the race is hard, he has a motor. He was there when Van Aert turned on the gas and that says a lot about Oier,” analyzes the Catalan. Yes, it is not only knowing the terrain, but also having the conditions. «I see him as a smart guy. I don’t think they’re going to waver him in the race. He knows how to be there and is going to get a lot of respect. Then, he will have it easier », predicts Flecha.
It always helps to be aware and prepare to suffer on rough terrain such as pavé and follow a work routine to reach the goal. «He has surprised me tactically and technically because he has improved a lot. The physical data it provides are tremendous, it is one of the best in the world, something that does not surprise me. In the other respect, he has experienced an important change, despite the fact that on Sunday it was seen that at the exit of some corners they still took a few meters off him,” says his current coach Xabier Muriel. The Gipuzkoa coach, however, assures that despite having the conditions, the Vitorian cyclist is not going to focus only on being a true classicomaniac. «The most important thing to get there is to want to be one and his physique is very good, but he gives me that he is not going to limit himself to that alone. “When the classics are over he will have other objectives,” reveals the director of Movistar.
A posture adjusted to the millimeter
Lazkano’s characteristics are manifested above all in the individual time trial, where the millimeter adjustment of the position is key
The UCI sets different maximum levels depending on the height of the cyclist. These are the maximum for cyclists between 1.80 and 1.90 m
The objective is to lower the CDA (aerodynamic coefficient). To do this, the cyclist is made to ride at a constant speed (50 km/h) in a velodrome, Tafalla in this case.
2/3 turns of acceleration
A potentiometer records the power needed to drive at that speed. The lower the power needed, the higher the efficiency.
The test is repeated for each of the settings, and is contrasted with the cyclist’s sensations.
A posture adjusted to the millimeter
Lazkano’s characteristics are manifested above all in the individual time trial, where the millimeter adjustment of the position is key
The UCI sets different maximum levels depending on the height of the cyclist. These are the maximum for cyclists between 1.80 and 1.90 m
The objective is to lower the CDA (aerodynamic coefficient). To do this, the cyclist is made to ride at a constant speed (50 km/h) in a velodrome, Tafalla in this case.
2/3 turns of acceleration
A potentiometer records the power needed to drive at that speed. The lower the power needed, the higher the efficiency.
The test is repeated for each of the settings, and is contrasted with the cyclist’s sensations.
A posture adjusted to the millimeter
Lazkano’s characteristics are manifested above all in the individual time trial, where the millimeter adjustment of the position is key
The UCI sets different maximum levels depending on the height of the cyclist. These are the maximum for cyclists between 1.80 and 1.90 m
The adjustment of the saddle is done millimeter by millimeter
The objective is to lower the CDA (aerodynamic coefficient). To do this, the cyclist is made to ride at a constant speed (50 km/h) in a velodrome, Tafalla in this case.
A potentiometer records the power needed to drive at that speed. The lower the power needed, the higher the efficiency.
2/3 turns of acceleration
The test is repeated for each of the settings, and is contrasted with the cyclist’s sensations.
A posture adjusted to the millimeter
Lazkano’s characteristics are manifested above all in the individual time trial, where the millimeter adjustment of the position is key
The objective is to lower the CDA (aerodynamic coefficient). To do this, the cyclist is made to ride at a constant speed (50 km/h) in a velodrome, Tafalla in this case.
The UCI sets different maximum levels depending on the height of the cyclist. These are the maximum for cyclists between 1.80 and 1.90 m
2/3 turns of acceleration
The adjustment of the saddle is done millimeter by millimeter
A potentiometer records the power needed to drive at that speed. The lower the power needed, the higher the efficiency.
The test is repeated for each of the settings, and is contrasted with the cyclist’s sensations.
«He has two podiums with different strategies, which confirms that this type of races are made for him»
Juan Antonio Flecha
Excyclist
«His physique is very good and I don’t think he is going to limit himself only to the classics»
Xavier Muriel
Trainer at Movistar
The Tour of Flanders (March 31) and Roubaix (April 7) are ambitious events for the Vitorian. Before that, there are other more immediate packing appointments. “The idea is for him to be in the fight for several days of Paris-Nice,” Muriel advances, while she recognizes that Lazkano still needs to improve in the time trial. “We are looking for the best position in the ‘goat’ to take advantage of his physical potential, which until now we have not achieved.” In his opinion, the latest performances of the Alavés will cause him to be more monitored by other opponents.
A call in youth
This is also how Aritz Arberas sees it. When talking about his relationship with Lazkano, he evokes the first contact that he had as a youth. “One day he called me and simply asked me to bring him the preparation,” he recalls with a laugh. There were four union courses that bore fruit. «The most surprising thing about him was his training ability. He had an order and the conviction to do work sessions of a World Tour rider, some lasting six or seven hours,” recalls the current Lidl-Trek coach.
He is a powerful and strong roller. He doesn’t care about the rain, the cold or the heat. Also, trust what you tell him.”
Aritz Arberas
Preparer at Lidl-Trek
«I was going to watch the races before competing in them and I already said that I wanted to be a professional. He is sticking with the best »
Angel Urreta
Youth coach
The Ayale has no doubt about the conditions that Lazkano has to face the classics without any problem. «He is a powerful, solid and strong roller. “He doesn’t care about wind, rain or sun,” while highlighting his personal aspect as something key in his sporting development. «He is very intelligent, he really likes reading and watches racing videos. He trusts what you tell him and doesn’t spend much energy refuting something. He only thinks about what to do to improve,” highlights Arberas of the young man from Adurza. He is also convinced that what was seen in Belgian lands seven days ago will be repeated sooner rather than later. «It is true that they have taken his license plate and it may cost him a little more now, but not everyone can last seventy kilometers with Van Aert and Wellens taking over. He is going to leave identity marks for sure. There is Oier to enjoy. If it were up to me, I would take him to Lidl right now,” sighs the Amurrio coach.
Macerated in professionals after dazzling in the lower categories, where Ángel Urreta guided him during his junior days. «He is very good and brave. He is fighting with the best and showing his face,” extols his former coach in Iturribero. Urreta describes his shyness, although he highlights the intelligence of the Vitorian cyclist. “In juniors he went to see many races before running them and he already said that he wanted to be a professional,” he recalls. Given the signals transmitted by his former pupil, Urreta foresees that Lazkano’s new big blow is close to him. “I’m sure we’ll see him on another podium in Belgium.”
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2024-03-02 23:18:29
#Oier #Lazkano #method #limitless #wheeler
