The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) and Wattbike have announced a partnership, with the aim to optimise 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 has supplied FIR with four of its Wattbike Pro bikes; currently used by Benetton Rugby and Zebre Rugby Club, and will develop the partnership by working closely with FIR and franchise staff.
The Wattbike Pro and Trainer are designed to be ultra-robust and versatile, they stand up to training sessions from the world’s most powerful athletes and are equally at home on the side of a rugby pitch as they are in your home. With proven accuracy, they ensure you make the most of your data, during each and every session.
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.”
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.”
The Wattbike Pro and Trainer are available to buy from www.wattbike.com
