The Journey of Breakaway: Pioneering Data-Driven Cycling Training with Jordan Kobert and Christian Vande Velde

A conversation with Breakaway founders, Jordan kobert and Christian Vande Velde.

For the podcast: Terra, X.com

In a conversation with Kyriakos, founder of Terra, Jordan Kobert and Christian Vande Velde share the story behind Breakaway, their platform that uses data to improve cycling training. Kobert's interest in indoor cycling and Vande Velde's professional cycling background fueled their collaboration on Breakaway. Their combined experiences and interest in cycling led to the development of a platform designed to offer personalized training insights for cyclists. Through their initiative, they aim to change the way athletes interact with their training by providing access to data-driven feedback.

Jordan Kobert and Christian Vande Velde have developed Breakaway, a platform leveraging data analytics to improve cyclists' performances. Their discussion with Kyriakos offers insights into Breakaway's development, emphasizing how data can tailor training for cyclists.

Breakaway uses cyclists' data from existing platforms, ranking users against benchmarks tailored to their age, gender, and weight. This method prioritizes personal improvement over competition. The founders attribute their strategic focus to their experience with Y Combinator (YC), likening it to an elite training program that refined their business approach.

The idea for Breakaway emerged from Kobert's improved cycling performance using an indoor bike, sparking a conversation with Vande Velde, a professional cyclist. They saw an opportunity to make professional training insights accessible to everyday cyclists, leading to the platform's development.

Initially focusing on the cycling community due to the founders' backgrounds, Breakaway caters to cyclists interested in tracking and enhancing their performance. The platform began by connecting to cycling data sources and plans to integrate more data types, like sleep and nutrition, to offer users a comprehensive view of their training and recovery.

Building a strong brand from the start has been crucial for Breakaway. The founders emphasize that every interaction contributes to brand perception, necessitating authenticity and consistency across all touchpoints. A strong team culture is also vital, mirroring the collaborative spirit found in professional sports teams.

Future plans for Breakaway include expanding data integrations to cover sleep, nutrition, and other sports. The aim is to provide a holistic perspective on an athlete's training regime. Feedback from users and the founders' vision guide this expansion, aspiring to offer insights that are both personalized and educational.

The discussion also touches on the role of data in shaping training methodologies. With the increasing availability of performance data, platforms like Breakaway can offer specific insights previously reserved for professional athletes. Moreover, the founders envision incorporating a broader range of data to refine their services further.

In summary, Breakaway, led by Kobert and Vande Velde, is positioned at the nexus of technology and fitness. Its commitment to using data for personalized training insights represents a shift towards more informed and effective athletic training. As Breakaway grows, it aims to democratize access to elite training wisdom, enhancing the fitness journey for cyclists of all levels.