In this six-part series, De Dataloog joins forces with the Wolfpack Howls, the official podcast of the AG Insurance Soudal and Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team to explore how data and technology are transforming the world of professional cycling. Together with data analyst Paul van Herpt (Transfer Solutions) and hosts Phil Lowe and Walter van der Scheer, you’ll get a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the most forward-thinking cycling teams in the world. Each episode, featuring a unique blend of insights from riders, coaches, experts, and team leadership, dives into a different aspect of elite sports and data. Learn everything about the use of data to optimize training and race results, nutrition, and scouting. Welcome to a world where numbers make the difference but human performance wins the race. In this episode, we talk with Ilse Pluimers, rider for the AG Insurance Soudal team, about her personal approach to data-driven performance. While pro cycling has become a highly analytical sport with every pedal stroke, heartbeat, and calorie tracked in real time, Ilse proves that you don’t need to understand every data point to benefit from it. Ilse openly shares that she’s not the one reading dashboards or obsessing over numbers. Instead, she puts her trust in the experts around her. Trainers, coaches, and nutritionists translate that data into clear, actionable plans, so that she can execute with focus, consistency, and heart. And the results speak for themselves. We explore how structure brings peace of mind, how communication with her coach ensures smart adjustments, and how her fueling and recovery strategies have evolved thanks to insights drawn from data, even if she doesn’t see all the spreadsheets. Theme: training, nutrition & the human side of data in cycling Guests: Ilse Pluimers (rider, AG Insurance Soudal), Paul van Herpt (data analyst, Transfer Solutions) Hosts: Walter van der Scheer & Phil Lowe
