Training with an e-bike: German biathletes use e-MTBs as training equipment

The sport of biathlon is on everyone's lips at this time of year and thousands of fans in Germany are cheering on the German athletes in the hunt for medals. Biathlon is an extremely demanding sport at professional level. In addition to shooting and technical training, the athletes must also ensure that they start the season in top physical condition.

This year, the German Ski Association (DSV) used a new training device for its top biathletes' altitude training camps: the e-mountain bike. Many competitive athletes now utilise the physiological training benefits of cycling for a wide range of training sessions. For example, the additional boost from the electric motor allows them to control their exertion precisely and makes it easier not to overpower themselves during basic training.

Combining fun and training with the e-bike

E-bikes are particularly useful for the DSV biathlon team during regeneration phases. Intensive altitude training is not only physically, but also mentally exhausting. The coaches therefore ensure that the training plan is varied and adapted to the athletes' needs.

Rides on the e-mountainbike add a certain fun factor to training and act as a mood booster. During their training camp, the biathlon team was mobile on the e-bike and was able to explore the terrain between sessions.

The DSV entered into a special cooperation with motor manufacturer TQ to get its athletes onto e-MTBs. The athletes had a Scott Lumen Light e-mountain bike at their disposal during the training camp.

>> We took a look here at how bike pros like Nino Schurter keep fit with ski training in winter.

>> Downhill specialists like Nina Hoffman also rely on alternative sports in winter.

This is how e-bike training is received by the biathlon pros

Biathlete Justus Strelow was delighted with his light e-bike première: "The first impressions of riding were impressive. Without realising it, you wouldn't even notice that you're on an e-bike - it feels like a normal bike. It is very light, the difference in weight is hardly noticeable, and thanks to the small motor, it also looks inconspicuous. What's more, there's no monotonous whirring like you're used to."

Biathlete Johanna Puff particularly appreciates the added value for her training: "I love cycling, but as a competitive athlete I would never have thought of using an e-bike - after all, you want to train. But I was pleasantly surprised: it was really fun! The additional support gives you more energy and allows you to train at a more relaxed pace."

>> From ski tours to mountain running: how MTB stars keep fit in the off-season.

>> Practical for winter sports enthusiasts: the ski holder for the e-mountainbike.

>> You can find even more information about Scott bikes in our BIKE database