Algemeen Ghent University and Lotto Dstny extend ambitious collaboration to drive innovation in cycling
The collaboration between Lotto Dstny and UGent sets the standard for taking the team and its riders to the next level. Over the past two years, there has already been intensive collaboration driven by the university’s PACE team, led by exercise physiology professor Jan Boone and Dr. Kobe Vermeire, and with the support of the National Lottery, and this scientific approach will be further integrated over the next four years.
Specifically, Ghent University will play a key role alongside Lotto Dstny's performance team in introducing and testing innovations within the team. This includes the development of a data platform for coaches and testing new products, such as cooling vests and portable muscle monitoring devices. Professor Boone’s PACE team will also assist Lotto Dstny in areas such as metabolic profiling, altitude training expertise, and sweat analysis.
Nikolas Maes, performance manager at Lotto Dstny, says: "The strength and quality of our performance team lies in the interaction between coaches, nutritionists, doctors, and scientists from UGent. We want to make even more use of that knowledge over the next four years. Since this season, we have Kobe Vermeire, a full-time trainer affiliated with Professor Boone's department, which allows us to continuously separate fact from fiction and scientifically evaluate every new trend in the peloton."
Professor Jan Boone (UGent) adds: "Our collaboration with Lotto Dstny operates on three fronts. Firstly, innovation. We conduct ongoing research to implement new knowledge within the team and stay ahead of other teams. Secondly, we apply these scientific insights to advise riders as accurately as possible. Lastly, we provide immediate support. If a rider is feeling unwell, we aim to intervene right away, for example, by adjusting their training or nutrition. The structure of our work is unique, and we’re excited to build on this over the next four years."
The extension of this partnership highlights the mutual trust between UGent and Lotto Dstny and underscores their shared ambition to continually improve cycling performance at the highest level, aiming for a successful return to the World Tour.
In addition, Lotto Dstny is pleased to announce the addition of Viktor Verschaeve as innovation coach and Wannes Taelmans, who will be responsible for aerodynamic testing. Both will join as freelancers and contribute to the ongoing professionalization of the team.
Picture: Facepeeters
