Inside a Pro Cyclist's Off-Season: Recovery, Wind Tunnels, and NBA Games
Luke Tuckwell details his transition from a grueling 2026 season to 2027 preparations.
1The Neo-Pro Experience
Luke Tuckwell concluded his 2026 season at the World Championships in Montreal after a demanding year. Finishing his first Grand Tour at La Vuelta, he accumulated 67 race days, nearly doubling his previous annual totals. This transition from neo-pro status marks a shift toward higher expectations and increased physical demands for 2027.
2Prioritizing Physical Recovery
Following the season, Tuckwell initially planned a trip to the Basque Country but opted for rest at his home in Andorra instead. After two weeks of inactivity, he spent time in the Costa Brava region. This period of total rest was essential for his body to recover from extreme seasonal fatigue.
3Maintaining Fitness Levels
During his three-week break from cycling, Tuckwell avoided high-intensity training to prevent injury. He focused on daily walks and light hikes near his home, deliberately avoiding mountain peaks to ensure safety. This low-impact approach allowed him to stay active while ensuring his body fully recovered before the upcoming intensive training cycle.
4Medical and Performance Testing
The off-season included a mandatory two-day medical camp at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Centre in Austria. These sessions are critical for team preparations ahead of the 2027 season. Beyond medical evaluations, the team conducted commercial shoots, balancing the professional requirements of a WorldTour athlete with the necessary health monitoring for peak performance.
5Wind Tunnel Technical Gains
Tuckwell traveled to Specialized HQ in California for wind tunnel testing, a key component of his aerodynamic optimization. He completed 18 runs on the first day and 24 on the second, surpassing his 2025 record. These sessions involve holding aggressive time trial positions while facing 50km/h winds to gather precise performance data.
6Team Bonding and Culture
The trip to the United States featured team-building activities alongside professional duties. Tuckwell, Remco Evenepoel, and Jai Hindley attended their first NBA game in Los Angeles. They also visited Red Bull’s local facilities, played beach tennis, and performed a reconnaissance ride of the potential 2028 Olympic time trial course in Los Angeles.
7The Reality of Testing
Wind tunnel testing is physically grueling, requiring athletes to maintain static, aerodynamic positions for extended periods. Tuckwell noted that the pain in his back, neck, and shoulders is significant during these sessions. However, the immediate feedback on speed gains makes the process highly rewarding, motivating him to continue pushing for marginal improvements.
8Looking Toward 2027
After returning from the United States and visiting Denmark, Tuckwell has resumed training. His schedule includes upcoming camps in Mallorca and a return to Australia for Christmas. He plans to start his 2027 season at the Tour Down Under, feeling refreshed and motivated by the technical gains achieved during his off-season.