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Sunday, 09 August 2015 21:30

We are currently in Guelph, ON near Toronto for a training camp leading us to World championships (Aug 30 – Sept 6). This is our final preparation for this major goal of the season: Olympic Qualification.

Why Guelph? We came here to test the place as a potential training camp base before Rio next year. Indeed, Guelph is only an hour behind Rio so we will minimize the jetlag effect. It is warm in the summer and Toronto Pearson International Airport is only an hour away. Perfect, no?

So far, everything is going well. This is probably one of the best set up for a training camp that I have ever had. Condo, individual bedroom, great food, erg room at 15°C, 5k lake with a 4 lanes 2k course in a conservation area (= no motor boats!). Clearly some great conditions for a rowing camp. Training volume is high and we are pushing hard everyday to make some gains. 18 sessions per week are on the menu. We start our days at 7:00 after a 1st breakfast. Boat or erg. Then we have a 2nd breakfast at 10:00 before going back on the water at 11:00. Lunch at 13:30. Treatment, a quick nap and we are back in our training gear for a 3rd session at 16:00 in the gym or on the water. Every 3 days, we have an afternoon off after the 2nd session. I would lie if I say that I am not tired but we are making good progress in the quad. No change after our spring tour. I am still at 2 seat to shovel some coal in the engine room.
The atmosphere in the group is good and we really push each other every day on the water or off the water playing basketball or table tennis!
On August 16, we will take off for Corgeno, Italy, where we will put the finishing touches to our preparation before heading to Aiguebelette, France on August 26. I am looking forward to racing in France on a lake that I have fondness for. So many good memories on this turquoise water. I am looking forward to seeing my family and my friends. I am also looking forward to experiencing a great moment for French rowing. When Aiguebelette was chosen to host the 2015 World Championships, I remember thinking that racing in France, my country, was going to be a unique experience and that I had to keep rowing to live those moments. At that time, I didn’t know that it would be with a maple leaf on my oar, nonetheless it still means a lot to me and I will seize the moment.
“The adventure goes on...”