Now, several weeks into the process, the biggest challenge has not been suffering through hard intervals or long rides. Surprisingly, it has been learning restraint. “Interestingly, often it’s more of a challenge to go this easy and not to push too hard in training,” explains his coach, Karmen Reinpõld, the experienced Estonian cycling trainer who has twice worked with the country’s Olympic team. “But no worries, his time will come also to touch the limits even in training.”
For someone as naturally driven as Karu, adapting to structure has required a mental shift as much as a physical one. Reinpõld describes him as “a maximalist” who is “driven by the best end goal in mind”. While that makes him highly committed, it also creates pressure. “For Markko, it can be a challenge to meet all the expectations he puts on himself.”
So far, though, the collaboration has clicked smoothly. “I have done all the training as planned,” says Karu, occasionally adding extra gym sessions or yoga. After each workout, he leaves feedback for Reinpõld, who responds with guidance and adjustments. The process is detailed, consistent, and far more scientific than anything he has done before.
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His days now begin early. “I usually wake up around six or seven, do some stretching, and on training days go for a ride.” Breakfast follows, then work, before gym sessions later in the day when strength training is scheduled. Sundays are reserved for long rides or races. Yet the physical training itself has not been the biggest disruption to daily life. Nutrition has.
“I have given up processed meats, started having carbohydrate-based breakfasts, and increased the amount of greens and berries in my diet,” Karu explains. He now weighs portions, tracks intake, and documents meals with photos: habits that initially felt “really tedious” but are slowly becoming routine. For Reinpõld, that nutritional adjustment is one of the most important developments so far. “It is crucial for Markko to have enough energy to do the workouts and to recover from them,” she says, calling the nutrition side of the programme “a real game changer”.
Technology has also transformed the way Karu rides. Previously, his training revolved around feel, ride duration, and speed. Now he is learning to train by numbers: power zones, cadence targets, and precise fuelling strategies. “The biggest challenge has been learning to use the cycling computer and power meter,” he admits.
Even mentally, riding feels different now. “I used to listen to podcasts while riding,” he says. “Now I don’t really have the mental capacity for that anymore and need to stay fully engaged in the ride.”
The process has not been entirely smooth. After a professional bike fit adjustment, Karu experienced soreness in previously unused muscles. “My legs started hurting, and some inner muscles got really sore,” he says. Fortunately, the discomfort passed quickly, and the benefits soon became clear.
Several weeks into training, the changes are already visible. Karu has unintentionally lost two to three kilograms, feels stronger on climbs, and notices improvements in his overall performance. More importantly, he is adapting to a level of structure he had never previously associated with cycling. Before this year, preparing for L’Étape du Tour mostly meant social rides and MTB races. “No gym and nutritional plans,” as he puts it. Now, every session has a purpose, and every detail matters.
Don’t forget that you can vote on Markko’s success on The Unseen Stage website. Answering the question, Will Markko become “the best version of himself”, or will everyday life catch up to him?, will get you entered in a draw for a high-end Superior bike or a one-year TrainingPeaks subscription!
