From talent to triumph: Maxim Van Gils and the rising stars of Lotto Dstny and Team Flanders Baloise

In the competitive world of professional cycling, where every second counts, the science of bike fitting has emerged as a crucial pivot in the performance of athletes. This season, Bikefit Van Staeyen has positioned itself as a centre of innovation, comfort, and performance, working closely with top cyclists to fully realize their potential. One of our most notable projects was the collaboration with Maxim Van Gils, whose impressive season - third places in both Strade Bianche and La Flèche Wallonne, a fourth place in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and above all a victory in Frankfurt - is in part the result of extensive biomechanical optimizations and the correct position on the bike.

Technical Precision for Maxim Van Gils

The collaboration with Maxim began with a thorough evaluation of his existing insoles. Maxim came to us this past winter for his foot biomechanics after having tried out many cycling insoles in the past. Through an extensive analysis of his foot position both on and off the bike, we were able to design an insole made of a carbon and EVA layer. On these he rode a brilliant spring, with the icing on the cake being narrow podium finishes in La Flèche Wallonne (3rd) and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (4th). Maxim felt that some things could still be improved and decided to have his bike position examined in detail within our bike fit. Crucial were adjustments to the saddle, the cleats, and the implementation of advanced technology to analyze his biomechanics while pedaling. These data enabled us to identify and address asymmetries, leading to significant improvements in his performance. The icing on the cake ultimately became a win in his final race of the spring: GP Frankfurt. We are now guiding Maxim further towards the Tour de France, where he is aiming for a stage win.

Development of Young Talent at Lotto Dstny

Our expertise extends to guiding young talents such as climber Jarno Widar (about whom we will write a blog post later), classics rider Steffen De Schuyteneer, and all-rounder Milan De Ceuster of the Lotto Dstny team. Through our detailed adjustments this past winter and analyses, these young riders have been able to lay a strong foundation for the coming cycling year. Our methods range from biomechanical analyses to specific advice aimed at improving their position in various environments (flat, climbing, time trialing).

Team Flanders Baloise: breeding ground of cycling talent

Team Flanders Baloise, an institution in the cycling world, has been a breeding ground of cycling talent since 1994. For more than three decades, this Belgian cycling team has played a crucial role in the development of young cyclists, with the aim of guiding them to the highest level of professional cycling. During this time, the team has contributed to the careers of these riders, including Michael, many of whom have moved up to the WorldTour and ProTeams.

The team has always held fast to its mission to train talents within a professional framework, resulting in impressive performances and progression to larger teams. This underscores their commitment to both individual growth and contribution to global cycling. With more than 206 riders having served under their banner, of whom 80 have moved up to the WorldTour level and 27 to UCI ProTeams, Team Flanders Baloise stands as a symbol of dedication and success in the sport.

The year 2024 marks the 31st year of this influential team, which proves year after year that it is an indispensable force in developing the future generations of cyclists. This rich heritage and their continuous contribution to cycling make Team Flanders Baloise an iconic name in the international peloton.

Alex Colman and Elias Maris

The collaboration with the Flanders Baloise team, with riders such as Alex Colman and Elias Maris, has strengthened our involvement in and influence on the professional cycling circuit. Through extensive EMG analyses and dynamic foot pressure measurements, we have gained essential insights into the muscle activity and biomechanical profiles of these riders, which has helped us fine-tune their bike fit for optimal performance and comfort.

A Glimpse into the Technology: EMG and Biomechanics

At the core of our bike fitting approach is the use of advanced technologies such as electromyography (EMG), among others, which helps us map the activation and timing of muscles during cycling. This technology, combined with our in-depth knowledge of osteopathy, enables us not only to understand the interactions between different muscle groups, but also how these interactions influence cycling dynamics.

Bikefit Van Staeyen continues to push the boundaries of science and sporting performance. Every success on the road confirms the value of our work and inspires us to keep innovating and contributing to cycling at the highest level. Follow our ongoing journey towards biomechanical excellence and stay informed of our latest developments and successes.

In all of this, osteopathy played a crucial role, by looking not only at the freedom of movement and muscle strength, but also at the deeper connections between the musculoskeletal system, the organs, and even the influence of the inner ear on balance and perception. Correcting dysfunctions within this complex system can lead to improvements in posture and performance on the bike. In this blog post we will not go into David's specific medical background.

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