How Lotto-Intermarché uses weather across the performance team

In pro cycling, weather affects far more than whether it might rain.

It influences race tactics, equipment choices, nutrition, and preparation before and during a race. That’s why I’m excited to share that Epic Ride Weather is now partnered with Lotto-Intermarché.

Lotto-Intermarché riders during training. Photo by Alessandro Volders / @cyclingmedia_agency

As Aike Visbeek, Head of Performance at Lotto-Intermarché, put it:

“We are using the Epic Ride Weather on all levels within our performance team. In the first place, we use it for race tactics and preparation.”

I especially liked what he said next:

“But we also use the Epic Ride Weather app for equipment strategies and even nutrition strategies.”

What I like about that is that it goes beyond tactics alone. In cycling, weather is not just something you check once the night before and forget about. I recommend checking the day before, again the night before, and again on the morning of the ride. It’s worth one last look even within 30 minutes of the start, because forecast accuracy improves as the start approaches. That can change how a race is ridden, what riders wear, what equipment makes sense, and how riders fuel for the effort ahead.

Aike added:

“We are really impressed with all the features the app offers. It truly helps us in making the right decisions before and during races.”

I’m proud to be working with Lotto-Intermarché, and excited to see Epic Ride Weather being used as part of race preparation at this level.

The same kind of thinking applies beyond pro cycling. The details may look different, but riders at every level are asking a version of the same question: what are the conditions really going to be, and how should I prepare for them?