“You don’t need to be struggling to benefit from mental coaching”
# Unlocking Potential: The Impact of Mental Coaching in Professional Cycling
At just 22 years old, Brieuc Rolland, a rising star in the cycling world, has already secured podium finishes in two stages at the Vuelta and clinched victory at the U23 Il Lombardia. Currently riding his second season with the elite WorldTour team Groupama-FDJ United, Rolland emphasizes that performance relies as much on mental strength as it does on physical conditioning. Collaborating with Marie-Laure Brunet, a two-time Olympic medalist and mental coach, Rolland is piecing together a holistic approach to reach peak performance.
Brieuc asserts, “Cycling is such a demanding sport that you need to be at 100% physically and mentally to perform.” He argues that the mental aspect is critical for overcoming challenges, stating, “I’d even say the mental side is more important than the physical side.” This view aligns with Brunet’s philosophy, emphasizing ethical and sustainable performance. “A rider can still perform even when they’re unhappy or mentally struggling,” she explains, but the aim is to foster consistent, long-term success rather than fleeting achievements.
### Navigating the Dual Nature of Cycling
Brunet notes the unique challenges faced by cyclists, who must reconcile individual ambitions within a team context. The mental coaching focus varies depending on the rider’s role—whether as a domestique or a lead racer. “The challenge is learning how to get through the moment when everything pushes you to do less,” she remarks. She emphasizes the importance of handling physical discomfort and maintaining composure during the emotional rollercoaster of a race.
For Rolland, this approach translates into organized, year-round routines involving mental coaching, lifestyle adjustments, and off-bike habits. “We check in regularly, so not necessarily right before a target race,” he shares. Brunet promotes a proactive mindset, stating, “The goal is to put things in place when they’re going well, not only when riders contact me because something is wrong.”
### Building a Foundation for Performance
The partnership between Rolland and Brunet is structured to encourage autonomy. Rolland appreciates this dynamic, revealing, “I can now take a step back…I have time to do my own analysis.” Brunet seeks to instill ownership in riders, enabling them to tap into their internal resources, a principle Rolland has embraced fully.
Brunet’s methodology incorporates neurolinguistic programming and questioning techniques, making the process more personalized. “I often help them find their own answers… it has much more impact,” she notes. The results manifest as improved discipline for Rolland, who admits that mental coaching has introduced valuable routines into his daily life.
### Preparing for the Demands of Racing
Mental coaching proves particularly valuable during intense competitions like the Grand Tours, where cyclists face physical and psychological challenges over extended periods. Rolland describes refining his approach to racing by breaking events into manageable segments. This helps him maintain focus amid pain and fatigue.
Brunet supports this method, stating, “The challenge is to stay focused on what they have to do rather than paying attention to intrusive thoughts.” She emphasizes helping cyclists stay grounded in their actions, which allows them to transition past discomfort without becoming overwhelmed.
### The Cultural Shift in Athletics
Despite the evident benefits, there remains a stigma surrounding mental coaching in sports. Rolland recalls his initial hesitation: “I said no. For me, everything was going well. They told me: ‘Try it, you’ll see.’” This experience has led him to recognize that mental coaching is not just a remedy for problems but a valuable tool for all athletes, allowing them to unlock their potential more effectively.
Brunet asserts, “You don’t need to be struggling to benefit from mental coaching. I believe it accelerates the path to performance.” The increasing interest among riders— with more than two-thirds expressing a desire for mental coaching this year—reflects a growing recognition of its importance.
As athletes like Rolland and professionals like Brunet continue to work together, the sports world is witnessing a transformation in how mental coaching contributes to athletic excellence. The journey involves not only pushing physical boundaries but also nurturing the mind, making mental well-being integral to sustained success in the demanding arena of professional cycling.
