On Thursdays, Squadra trains on the road. This training starts at 18:30 from the bridge near the SSC. There are 4 groups with different levels (beginner, intermediate 1, intermediate 2, and advanced). If you come to train with us, a helmet is mandatory, and you should be able to fix a flat tyre with your own gear. Lights are also mandatory if there is a chance we will not be back before dark.
From April to September, Squadra trains on Thursdays on the open roads around Eindhoven. The training starts at 18:30 from the bridge near the Student Sport Centre. The training is around 2 hours long. There are 4 groups you can join;
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
A beginner, intermediate 1, intermediate 2, and an advanced group starts on Thursdays. In principle, for both the Tuesday and Thursday training, everyone trains for the first time in the beginner group. Moving up to a different group afterwards will be in consultation with the board/trainer. Exceptions can be made by them as well.
The average speeds per group are as follows:
- Beginner: 27 km/h; Getting acquainted with riding in a group on the road.
- Intermediate: 30 km/h; You are comfortable drafting and navigating corners.
- Advanced: 34 km/h; You can navigate corners and ride in a peloton at high speeds.
During the training sessions, the principal is always “together out, together home.” No one gets dropped. If someone is dropped, communicate this to the lead group. If you join a training, a helmet is mandatory, and you should be able to fix a flat tyre with your own gear. Lights are also mandatory if there is a chance we will not be back before dark.
Riding in a peloton can only go well with effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal.
Hand Signals for Cyclists:
- Wave leftward at hip height for oncoming traffic and objects on the left.
- Wave rightward at hip height for following traffic and objects on the right.
- Raise hand to signal a stop.
- Move the flat hand downward to indicate slowing down.
- Extend hand for left or right turns.
Group Calls:
There are situations where it’s crucial to shout specific phrases. These include:
- Obstacles in the middle of the road, such as a pole. State the danger by name and use the corresponding hand signals so that everyone knows what to watch out for. (In this case, shout ‘pole,’ not ‘watch out!’ because what should they watch out for?)
- Traffic from behind: ‘Achter!’
- Oncoming traffic: ‘Tegen!’
- When crossing: ‘Vrij!’ or ‘Auto links/rechts!”
- If the group has split up: ‘wachten!’
- And ‘Compleet!’ after everyone has regrouped.