Italian Rugby Federation partners with Wattbike to improve players’ fitness
November 21, 2017
The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) and Wattbike have today announced a new partnership, with the aim of optimising the Italian Rugby Team, Benetton Rugby and Zebre Rugby Club fitness.
Together they are aiming to develop individual protocols for those players who need to improve or maintain their fitness standards whilst reducing their training on the field.
Wattbike, a leader in developing high level indoor cycling trainers, has supplied FIR with four of its Wattbike Pro bikes and will develop the partnership by working closely with FIR and franchise staff.
Pete Atkinson, Lead of Human Performance at FIR, said: “Working with a technology partner such as Wattbike allows us the opportunity to boost the National Team and PRO14 franchise’s physical preparation.
“It helps us be efficient with players who need to offload following a matchday, or those with a background of injury, in order to maintain the highest possible level of fitness.
“The intention is to develop the partnership and use Wattbike’s bespoke knowledge to help us prescribe specific sessions to our athletes. As we develop the partnership, they will send their staff to share information with our staff on cycling and cycling fitness. It represents a great option to be smart, and more and more precise in our training.”
#Italrugby pedala insieme a @Wattbike verso lo sviluppo del fitness degli Azzurri pic.twitter.com/YU0rdkiUMb
— Italrugby (@Federugby) November 21, 2017
Richard Baker, Managing Director at Wattbike, added: “Wattbike was founded on being the world’s most accurate, reliable and measurable bike ergometer. This, combined with our unique resistance system, offers the complete off feet training tool.
“Over the past five years we have worked with top rugby players and teams from around the world to understand the best ways the Wattbike can be used to enhance player performance.
“Having the opportunity to work with the FIR and be part of their journey to develop the competitiveness of their national team is something we are very proud to be part of. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and training expertise as they seek to take the national team to the next level.”
