I haven’t seen any analysis of this incredible list of signings by CTS in recent weeks. Last year Crowie, then recently Simon, Normann and Tim DeBoom. I remember watching Chris Carmichael’s video last week where he talked about Lance in Kona. I thought to myself, what is the point behind this - what do they want from sending this video out there? They are building something big. Is Lance’s re-entry into triathlon one of the carrot’s that is attracting these big names?
Press Release: Ironman Champion Tim DeBoom Chooses CTS
Colorado Springs, CO- Tim DeBoom, Ironman World Champion in 2001 and 2002, has signed with Carmichael Training Systems in an effort to return to the top step of the podium at the 2009 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He will be training under the guidance of CTS Founder Chris Carmichael and will be working directly with CTS Pro Coach Kirk Nordgren.
DeBoom has been an elite triathlete for 15 years and has long used his own background in exercise physiology to guide his training and race preparation. While he’s had tremendous success on his own, as he’s grown older he’s seen changes in his body’s response to training and recovery, and sought additional guidance from Chris Carmichael and Carmichael Training Systems.
DeBoom joins a diverse group of champions currently coached by CTS, including Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong, 2008 Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander, Olympic triathlon gold and silver medalist Simon Whitfield, and 2-time Ironman World Champion Normann Stadler. Deboom commented, “I decided to make some changes this year, after preaching for a long time about enjoying coaching myself. I’m going to take that burden off myself and learn from some guys that know what they’re doing… Where I’m at in my career, the time is done to be guessing on things and I wanted absolute feedback. I know I’ve been training hard enough but I want to be sure I’m recovering when I need to recover.”
DeBoom recently visited CTS headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO, to gather baseline data, including lactate threshold and V02 max testing. Following the tests, his new coach Kirk Nordgren commented, “Tim comes to us as a highly accomplished Ironman athlete and his years of training are evident in his test results. He’s been a champion before and I definitely believe that with relatively minor changes to his approach he can once again win in Kona. His proven ability to win, renewed focus following a year away from the sport dealing with injuries, and his obvious physical talent should lead to a pretty exciting 2009 season.”
One of the ways coaches Nordgren and Carmichael are looking to make DeBoom faster is by analyzing his cycling positioning the wind tunnel. “We are looking forward to getting him into the wind tunnel,” commented Carmichael. “On those long and windy stretches in Kona, seemingly minor improvements in positioning can make a big difference on speed and energy consumption.”
I would say that Craig’s success last year could be as much or more of a motivator then Lance. Remember, these guys are all at the top of the sport and want to win - I can’t see them coming over to play as an assistant to Lance - they want to win period.
Dan
Normann was cooler when he crushed dreams without a coach or an aero bike =)
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