“The more you dig, the more you see that there are things to do”

Title: Reshaping Performance and Innovation in Cycling Team Management

After the restructuring of the Groupama-FDJ cycling team’s performance department, a more comprehensive approach towards performance and innovation has been initiated, with a primary focus on leveraging the expertise of various departments. The team’s director of performance and innovation, Fred Grappe, strides ahead with a redefined role and vision for the team’s development.

Grappe elaborates on the nuanced changes, stating, “The more you dig, the more you see that there are things to do,” encapsulating the team’s ethos to evolve continuously. With the dissolution of the performance department, Grappe shoulders the mantle of performance and innovation, orchestrating a collaborative approach across the team. He emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach, working closely with managers, coaches, data scientists, and external experts to drive projects and initiatives that contribute to the team’s overall development.

The new role, as Grappe explains, brings about a recalibration of responsibilities, focusing on long-term strategies while keeping an eye on short-term performance goals. The approach involves a multidimensional focus on challenging riders, introducing innovative programs, and maximizing the potential of the team members. Grappe underscores the importance of research and development, signalling an increased reliance on leveraging data, and emphasizes the team’s dedication to honing expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analysis.

Amidst the evolutionary shift, Grappe reaffirms his passion for training and development, stating, “This is not a chapter closing, this is an evolution.” Furthermore, in shaping the coaching department, he expresses confidence in the team’s robust foundation and the vital role of Julien Pinot in energizing the coaching group.

As the team endeavors to elevate overall performance, Grappe’s overarching role is clear – ensuring that performance and innovation resonate throughout the entire team, fostering a model of continued advancement and agility. The team’s ethos is undoubtedly shaped by the constant pursuit of progress, as Grappe succinctly captures, “The performance will go up another notch by ‘flooding’ the entire team.”