In Part 6 of our Athlete Q&A we talk with 15yr old Slovenian rider Marcel Krevs. Read about this young riders approach to the lockdown and his focus during this time, his motivation and determination to maintain his fitness has played a big part in why he is coming out of this period stronger than ever and eager to compete again. Read about his training and how his coach Jessica Allen has helped him navigate through this turbulent period.
Name: Marcel Krevs
Age: 15
Country. Slovenia
Discipline: Road cycling
1. Where have you been based during this lockdown phase and has there been any restrictions which has affected your training?
Most of the time I was at home, for a while we were limited to travel within the municipalities only. These restriction did not affect my training too much.
2. How did you stayed motivated & focused during this time?
I didn't feel demotivated because I was training alone before. The closure of the municipalities did not affect me excessively, the only thing I missed the most were the races. On the races I could compere to other competitors to see where am I and what to except. But in the end I want to train because I want to be better and improve for the future.
3. Has there been anything new that you have incorporated into your training and routine due to restrictions which you will continue with in the future?
I had the opportunity to learn about the Zwift e-racing. I had some trouble with bad internet connection so I couldn't get to know this new way of training ⁄ racing very well. I also could see how it is to learn from home (remote school). Great was that I had more time for training. But would not change for ordinary school. I have missed my friends.
4. What have you been focusing on in the past few months, both on and off the bike?
I have long – term goals in cycling I concentrated on developing my weaknesses. Because of more time I could focus more on stretching and core exercises.
5. What excites you the most about returning to normal routine?
I will look forward to racing and hanging out with my friends, watching races on TV or even live. I also really miss traveling to other countries.
6. How has the reliance of a coach helped you through this period?
I communicate with Jessica via WhatsApp and e-mail, as soon as I found out about the restrictions on movement and cancellation of competitions, I contacted her and she reorganized the whole year plan. So we moved now our race focus on the end of the year.
7. has there been any positives which you can take from the past two months which you feel has benefited you in the long term, both in sport and outside of sport?
I will certainly use Zwift more often in next winter.
Coaches Corner: Dig Deep Coach Jessica Allen has been working with Marcel for the last year and has seen him develop within the youth categories as he aims to develop his long term fitness. Read what Jessica has been working on with Marcel and what he has been focusing on during this period.
During the lock down period it was important to keep Marcel happy on and off the bike. Marcel was still very motivated to train and to put in the hard work despite there being no races. We used this time to improve Marcel's weaknesses and also build up his base and endurance. Once a week Marcel would do a Zwift race or a time trial near his home to keep the feeling of competing. He enjoyed the Zwift racing and is now really motivated for the season to kick off again. Aside from cycling Marcel worked hard on his core and flexibility each week which really helps on the bike.
