Sleep and recovery: at the heart of cycling performance

At the heart of the system

The RECOVERY BASE 2.0plays a central role in the team’s recovery strategy. Its settings can be individually adjusted to suit each rider’s preferences. Following a testing phase, a personalised setting was defined for each rider and subsequently validated during training camps and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

The system is now being deployed for the 2026 Tour de France. At each new stage, the riders thus find the same sleeping environment and a mattress adjusted to their needs, despite the daily changes of hotel.

The RECOVERY PILLOW and RECOVERY PILLOW PLUS complete this set-up and form an integral part of the riders’ sleep routine. Compact and easy to carry once rolled up in their covers, they also accompany the riders on their numerous trips throughout the season.

BLACKROLL® also provides them with its full range of solutions dedicated to muscle recovery: rollers, balls, massage guns and COMPRESSION BOOTS. The latter enable them to start recovering straight away, whether at the hotel or immediately after the stage, during transfers on the team bus or in other vehicles.

Recovery from the riders’ perspective

“The pillow is incredible. It’s super compact – you roll it up and take it everywhere: on the bus, during transfers between stages, and from hotel to hotel.”

– Professional cyclist with the DECATHLON CMA CGM team

“It feels like I’m taking a bit of home with me. When you’re away for several weeks, it’s comforting: it brings back that feeling of being at home.”

- Professional cyclist with the DECATHLON CMA CGM team

“Honestly, it’s my favourite part of the day. After a tough stage, or even a hard training session, I can start my recovery whilst unwinding. I put my boots on, ring my loved ones, read a book, watch some telly. It’s become my routine – one I can take with me wherever I go.”

- Professional cyclist with the DECATHLON CMA CGM team

“Sleep is the most important factor in recovery for our riders. Without a good night’s rest, top performance isn’t possible. Getting the same quality of sleep as at home during stage races is essential. BLACKROLL® ticks all our boxes: portability, quality and, above all, it’s approved by our riders.”

- Member of the DECATHLON CMA CGM team staff

The expert’s view

Medical expertise — Dr Jacky Maillot

Coming soon: you’ll find an interview with Dr Jacky Maillot, the team doctor, here. In it, he’ll share his views on what recovery means at the very highest level, and on the special role that sleep plays in it. It’s also an opportunity to delve into the practicalities of the partnership and how he supports the riders on a day-to-day basis.