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#BenHealy #CyclingJourney #RacingStrategy #TourDeFrance #WorldChampionships #ArdennesClassics #LiègeBastogneLiège #EFEducationEasyPost #PrecisionRacing #TeamIreland #CyclingSuccess #RaceAnalysis #TrainingFocus #WorldTour #CyclingGoals
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Ben Healy, the 24-year-old Irish cyclist with EF Education-EasyPost, has been making significant strides in the cycling world this season, particularly in the Ardennes Classics and other World Tour races. Known for his attacking style, Healy has focused on refining his approach to racing, combining physical improvements with strategic changes to elevate his performance. In an interview with stickybottle, Healy explained that his success this year—including a podium finish at Liège-Bastogne-Liège—is not solely due to physical gains but also to a more calculated and precise racing style.
Healy acknowledges that he has improved steadily over the years, but the changes this season have been more about mindset and preparation. He has worked on analyzing race footage, identifying past mistakes, and developing a more strategic approach to racing. This has involved planning scenarios in advance and being more disciplined during races, avoiding the "red mist" of impulsive efforts while still maintaining his aggressive nature.
One example of this refined approach was his performance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he positioned himself at the front with his team at the base of the decisive climb, La Redoute, following a pre-race plan. When Tadej Pogačar attacked, Healy stayed calm, focused on his own effort, and finished third. Similarly, at La Flèche Wallonne, he rode steadily up the Mur de Huy, securing fifth place by sticking to his strategy rather than reacting impulsively to Pogačar’s moves.
Healy’s success this season has been consistent across multiple World Tour races. He took a solo stage win at Itzulia Basque Country, placed fourth at Strade Bianche, and achieved top-10 finishes at Amstel Gold Race and La Flèche Wallonne. His ability to perform consistently at such a high level marks a significant step up in his career.
Reflecting on his development, Healy notes that the pandemic disrupted his U23 racing years, limiting his opportunities to gain experience. He has been catching up by learning on the fly, using past races as learning opportunities to refine his approach. This winter, he placed a strong emphasis on self-improvement, working on both physical and mental aspects of racing.
Looking ahead, Healy is focused on the Tour de France, where he aims to win a stage rather than contest the general classification. He acknowledges that the opening week’s steep, punchy finishes may not suit him, so he plans to target stages in the second or third week. Additionally, he is setting his sights on the World Championships in Rwanda, expressing a strong desire to perform well for Team Ireland.
Healy’s podium at Liège-Bastogne-Liège holds particular significance, as he considers it a milestone that can define a season. He believes that with continued development and a disciplined approach, he can aim for victory in the Ardennes Classics in the coming years. His ability to balance aggression with strategy has proven effective, and he is determined to build on this foundation in future races.
In summary, Ben Healy’s 2024 season has been a testament to the importance of strategic racing and continuous self-improvement. By refining his approach, analyzing past performances, and maintaining his aggressive instincts, he has elevated his game to compete with the best in the World Tour. With the Tour de France and the World Championships on the horizon, Healy is poised to continue making waves in professional cycling.
