When I first met Benoit, I was sceptical of his theories. He tried to convince me that much of today's modern thinking is complete
bollocks! He told me that eating a huge plate of pasta before a race wouldn't help, that training big miles was not necessary for
MTB, and that stretching was bad!After listening for a while, I realised that what Benoit was talking about, was not just to change the diet, or change my training. It was a complete package deal... where everything fits together like a puzzle. His training included being a registered osteopath, an ex pro road rider, and very good knowledge of nutrition and homeopathy. From the inside out, we would create a balanced body that in the long run would be stronger and more adaptable to handle any stresses. I quickly became convinced that this approach was for me!
At this time (1998), I had already proven that I was a capable rider. I had won the New Zealand Series, and was generally top 50 at the World Cups. But of course, like all sports people, my goal is to become the best I can be. I bugged Benoit, until he agreed to train me... then I listened and read. His nutritional theories immediately made since, and I worked hard with it over that winter. My weight dropped 4kgs and I felt an immediate health boost. During this time I was eating a lot (but the right foods!), and I had cut down the training hours dramatically. Obviously something was happening.
While the main goals were all long term, I also took some dramatic improvements the very next season, with two top 10 finishes in the World Cup. This astounded many people, including myself. Benoit was also giving nutrition advice to two other riders who were having incredible success, Cadel Evans and Chirstoph Sauser. It is impossible to pinpoint exactly what causes improvements, but in this case it felt clearly obvious!
I have now trusted Benoit's advice for the past 4 years. I have followed his day-to-day training advice, continued to learn and improve the diet, and slowly have become more and more in tune with my body. My results have continued to improve, and each year I feel that I become a stronger person. Most importantly though, it has been a really enjoyable lifestyle! (unlike that of many cyclists)
Ultimately, the most important thing has nothing to do with mountain biking, or even sports. It has to do with becoming aware of our bodies, and general well being. It shocks me that this important information is so unavailable to the public. At the same time, it is great to see that more and more people are willing to accept alternative ideas.
Synergy Performance Systems Inc. takes a unique approach to your body's
well-being. It is not enough to simply train over and over again, and expect
results that will surpass those of the competition. We believe that for an
athlete - of any level - to best achieve his or her goals, they should take a
holistic approach to training and nutrition. But it is difficult to find a
proven method, one that is neither faddish nor trendy - and has been proven time
and time again in top-level international competition.
Biolight International AB is a Swedish medical technology company that has developed a unique method for the treatment of various injuries within wound care, odontology and physiotherapy.
The patented product is based on a method that introduces light of a specific wavelength (monochromatic light) and pulse frequency during a defined period of time. Through this light, the cell gets the energy necessary for healing.