Nicol Delago: holidays over?

Good morning Nicol.
Sidea deals with tools dedicated to athletic training. Our questions will therefore all focus on this topic, with particular reference to the so-called dry workouts.

1. Summer is certainly the time for training without skis. How do you divide your athletic preparation during the season?

Physical preparation for us skiers is essential to be able to express ourselves better on skis. Generally I usually set my seasonal goals and based on these I modulate preparation and loads to reach my peak performance in the races I've circled on the calendar. After the post-season regeneration period, I start dry preparation with strength work and aerobic training sessions during which, depending on the period, I insert specific works. As we approach the competition season, on the other hand, I generally make specific reminders of what the summer block of work was like, alternating with ski training. For functional training this year I can count on the equipment Sidea to be able to train even at home with specific loads and tools, while for aerobic activities I often use my Pinarello racing bike.

2. On the other hand, in the winter period, when skiing is intense, do you keep your strength levels high with a few weight training sessions or do you interrupt?

During the competition period, I carry out strength sessions with loads that I adjust according to the competitions and training camps with the national team.

3. About a year ago you recovered from a rather serious injury. Sometimes such misfortunes also have positive implications because some athletes, thanks to rehabilitation, learn to prepare more specifically. From the point of view of athletic training, what has this experience taught you?

This experience has allowed me above all to have awareness of all the muscles involved in the athletic gesture and beyond. After last year's injury, I worked from a rehabilitation perspective in the first four months, alternating this type of session with physiotherapy. After that the re-training phase and the strengthening work aimed at the gesture on skis were important, which allowed me to better internalize the executive methods of various dry exercises.

4. In terms of athletic training, which exercises do you think will give you the most results?

I believe that the result is the result of a targeted and balanced planning, based on new stimuli and lots of variability. On myself the dynamic circuit exercises in situations of imbalance are very effective, as are the strength exercises to resist the loads that we then find when cornering on skis.

5. In dry training, an attempt is almost always made to reproduce the motor patterns used in skiing, also creating situations of imbalance. Is there an exercise that you think is particularly suitable in this sense?

There are several exercises in situations of imbalance that can be declined in this sense, both with free body and with loads. For example, I find it very good to do them with a weighted vest Sidea.

6. Gate Exit: Everyone is aware of the importance of having an orderly and explosive exit. What do you do to train departures?

I perform different types of work aimed at explosiveness and reactivity, in short, I have an exercise routine that activates me well.

7. Athletic preparation in skiing is complex, focused on strength, speed, mobility, proprioception. Did GHR seem like a useful and practical tool in performing exercises? For example exercises dedicated to the core and the posterior kinetic chain (Glutes, Hamstrings and their synergists)?

I have used GHR and would recommend it to anyone for the wide range of exercises that can be performed thanks to this multifunctional tool that allows you to develop the muscles of the posterior kinetic chain in a particular way. Always with the same tool it is also possible to carry out core stability exercises and even lengthening and stretching. A must have!

8. Still in terms of physical preparation dedicated to competitive skiing, what is, in your opinion, one piece of advice that you feel you can give to a young athlete?

I always recommend relying on qualified technicians and trainers who first of all allow you to learn the correct execution of the exercises to prevent injuries or possible overloads and then increase the loads based on your individual athletic maturation in compliance with your limits and load capacity.

9. Is there any secret in your workouts that you can reveal to us?

In my opinion there is a difference in the way and vision one has of things, in the passion, enthusiasm and commitment one puts into what one does.

Thanks Nicol, good luck for next season

FAST – Functional Alpine Ski Training