Souplesse: any ideas where I can get some?

Posted by simon on 2/22/2007 on simon's blog

I first heard the word at a race in Belgium. Some sort of mystical ability that the top riders have? Loosely -- very loosely -- translated as suppleness, but so much more.

I've sensed it in the pedaling action of some of the super-fast pro track riders; got some feel of it in my own legs on late-night "twiddles" home on an extremely low gear after watching said riders. There's a sense of connected flow, as well as speed, relaxation, power and... well, suppleness.

OK, so enough semi-poetic stuff. Souplesse. Where can I get some? Any ideas how to develop it?

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2 comments

whitey says:

I have never heard the term but it sounds like how I feel after putting in a good training block and then recovering properly. Basically, reaching your peak fitness and not being over trained. That's when life is good.

by whitey on !b

simon says:

Hey Whitey!

No, it's a bit more than that! We need a French/Dutch/Belgian bikie to explain it. It's a feeling of relaxed flexibility in the legs while you're ojn the bike. The guys that have it are the smoothest pedallers.

by simon on !b