I t was amazing! We’ve learned a lot about our strengths and areas for improvement,” says Raphael Meyer, the ambitious team’s CEO. In his eyes, the 2025 Tour de France marked a historic step. Fabian Cancellara,
He is particularly insistent on this last point: “Training is only one aspect of the equation. Similarly, performance doesn’t stop when the finish line is crossed. Everything
“Training challenges the body, while sleep allows it to recover and get stronger.” He noticed this clearly during the 2025 Tour de France: “There were moments when I felt strong, but also days when things didn’t quite go as planned. That’s part of cycling. But what I take away from it is that I need consistency and that has a lot to do with recovery. That’s why small habits make a big difference.” It’s also something he’s keen to pass on to the youngest members of the team: “I try to share what I’ve learned over the years. Not only when racing, but also when it comes to managing my body, mind and recovery. These are things you can only really understand with experience.” The champion has established a recovery ritual that he sticks to: “It’s very simple: recovery drink, shower, massage, a good dinner and then trying to create the best conditions for sleep: a calm environment and from now on, a very good mattress.” Because, he is adamant, the quality of the mattress is part of it. He goes one step further: “[Sleep] quality is more important than the number of hours. Deep and uninterrupted sleep is what really helps recovery.” This consistency challenge becomes easier to understand when you remember that sleep is one of the Tour de France’s biggest tests, explains Matteo Tosatto, Tudor Pro Cycling’s sports director. A former professional rider, the Italian competed in 43 Grand Tours. “Even if the riders spend enough time in bed, the quality isn’t always optimal when you’re changing hotel every night.” Hence the importance of ensuring consistent comfort. Julian Alaphilippe confirms: “Above all, I appreciate the fact that the quality of the mattress isn’t dependent on the place where we’re staying.” Michael Storer makes the same observation: “As an Australian, I’m pretty used to travelling and jetlag. So I know that routine is important and having a good sleep environment makes a huge difference.” When it comes to Elite mattresses, he adds: “I felt a tangible benefit, especially during stage races. Over three weeks, the difference really builds up.” By finding the same degree of comfort at every stage, the riders feel reassured, allowing them to focus on the race without worrying about anything else. The effects were felt immediately: “We noticed improvements in terms of recovery and consistency,” says Raphael Meyer.
else happens during recovery.” Let’s not forget, a Grand Tour is built over three weeks: “If you recover even just 1% more every night, by the end, your performance level is completely different. And conversely, after a bad night, your reactions are slower. At the highest level, that’s all it takes to lose, which makes sleep a very powerful tool.” Double world champion Julian Alaphilippe, hired for the 2025 to 2027 seasons alongside Marc Hirschi, wouldn’t dream of contradicting him:
the team’s founder and co-owner, agrees: “It was a major step for us.” The team had the chance to demonstrate its qualities and potential, but also saw that there were still some rungs on the ladder left to climb: “It's part of an overall process,” confirms Fabian Cancellara. “If you want to compete at the highest level, you have to accept the constant pressure. It’s up to us to control everything we can control: preparation, environment, recovery.”
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ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance
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