'It's as if the mountain calls me and says, come here and see how you're feeling today' – Why Gaia Realini climbs this iconic Italian ascent over 30 times a year

Lidl-Trek’s climbing sensation, Gaia Realini, has revealed her unique training regimen, which involves ascending an unnamed but iconic Italian climb over 30 times annually. Realini, known for her exceptional prowess on steep gradients, attributes her consistent form to this frequent, almost ritualistic, engagement with the mountain, stating it helps her gauge her physical and mental state throughout the season. This dedicated approach underscores her commitment to mastering the specific demands of high-altitude racing.

This insight into Realini’s training offers a glimpse into the meticulous preparation required at the elite level, particularly for a rider who has already secured significant Grand Tour stage wins and podiums in her nascent career. Her consistent returns to this specific climb highlight a blend of traditional, high-volume training with a deeply personal connection to the terrain, a method that clearly underpins her status as one of the peloton's most formidable climbers and a future Grand Tour contender.

Realini’s dedication to her ‘personal mountain’ is a refreshing counterpoint to highly scientific, data-driven training. Sometimes, the best coach is simply the road itself, repeatedly.