{"id":205341,"date":"2026-05-14T06:30:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T06:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=205341"},"modified":"2026-05-15T12:32:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T12:32:49","slug":"what-has-challenged-markko-karu-most-on-the-road-to-letape-surprisingly-learning-to-slow-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2026\/05\/14\/what-has-challenged-markko-karu-most-on-the-road-to-letape-surprisingly-learning-to-slow-down\/","title":{"rendered":"What Has Challenged Markko Karu Most on the Road to L\u2019\u00c9tape? Surprisingly, Learning to Slow Down"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we first met Estonia\u2019s Markko Karu, he spoke about his love for mountain roads, endurance adventures, and the unique atmosphere of L\u2019\u00c9tape du Tour, which he had already participated in three times. A lifelong cyclist and experienced amateur racer, he entered The Unseen Stage determined to prepare for this year\u2019s L\u2019\u00c9tape properly \u2013 not just by riding more, but by discovering what structured training could truly unlock.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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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. \u201cInterestingly, often it\u2019s more of a challenge to go this easy and not to push too hard in training,\u201d explains his coach, Karmen Reinp\u00f5ld<\/a>, the experienced Estonian cycling trainer who has twice worked with the country\u2019s Olympic team. \u201cBut no worries, his time will come also to touch the limits even in training.\u201d<\/p>\n

For someone as naturally driven as Karu, adapting to structure has required a mental shift as much as a physical one. Reinp\u00f5ld describes him as \u201ca maximalist\u201d who is \u201cdriven by the best end goal in mind\u201d. While that makes him highly committed, it also creates pressure. \u201cFor Markko, it can be a challenge to meet all the expectations he puts on himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

So far, though, the collaboration has clicked smoothly. \u201cI have done all the training as planned,\u201d says Karu, occasionally adding extra gym sessions or yoga. After each workout, he leaves feedback for Reinp\u00f5ld, who responds with guidance and adjustments. The process is detailed, consistent, and far more scientific than anything he has done before.<\/p>\n

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P\u0159\u00edsp\u011bvek sd\u00edlen\u00fd \u0160koda We Love Cycling (@wlcmagazine)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n