As an official partner of the Tour de France, VELUX knows that performance isn’t just about pushing boundaries: it’s also about recovery. In this exclusive interview, Danish cyclist Magnus Cort shares how daylight and fresh air have become essential in his training, recovery, and daily life.
About Magnus Cort
Class 1993, Magnus Cort Nielsen is a Danish professional road-racing cyclist celebrated for his versatility and attacking style. He’s won stages in all three Grand Tours — 2 at the Tour de France, 6 at the Vuelta a España, and 1 at the Giro d’Italia, along with clinching the 2021 Vuelta combativity award and earning multiple WorldTour stage victories.
Performance, recovery, and everyday wellbeing: a cyclist’s perspective
What can we learn from the lifestyles of elite athletes when it comes to designing spaces that promote rest and resilience? As Magnus Cort prepares for Tour de France 2026, he reflects on the role daylight and fresh air play in creating home environments that support comfort, wellbeing, and healthier routines.
From long, intense days on the bike to moments of recovery at home, Magnus shares how thoughtfully designed spaces can refresh the mind and body, not just for athletes but for anyone looking to feel energized and balanced in their daily life.
Our partnership with the Tour de France is all about chasing daylight. Before this partnership, what was your association with the VELUX brand, and do you have any personal experience with VELUX products?
VELUX is of course a very well-known Danish company. I have VELUX windows in my summer house in Bornholm, and my parents also got them in my childhood home, unfortunately only after I left. It’s something I’ve always associated with Scandinavian homes and that connection to daylight and fresh air.
So much of a professional cyclist's life is spent outdoors, but the crucial moments of rest and preparation happen indoors. How do you create an indoor environment that keeps you connected to nature?
After 4–5-hour daily training rides, I really appreciate opening up the house in the morning, getting fresh air through the rooms and having natural light during the day. Especially in Denmark, where winters can feel long and dark, daylight affects both mood and energy.
Could you share details about your indoor training set-up and how your training environment supports your journey as a professional cyclist?
I always prefer to go outside whenever possible. But some days it’s just not an option. My indoor setup is relatively simple: bike on the home trainer, good ventilation, fan, and tv for Zwift to simulate the riding experience.
Even though cyclists talk about the “pain cave,” I actually prefer training spaces with daylight and fresh air. For me, if the room gets too warm or heavy, long sessions become much harder. Having light and airflow makes indoor training feel more natural and helps me stay focused.
Beyond physical training, what key factors help you stay motivated and keep evolving as an athlete? Does access to natural light and fresh air play a role in maintaining your mental state and energy levels?
Definitely. At this level, cycling is as much mental as physical. Recovery, sleep and balance away from racing are really important. Good daylight improves my mood and energy, especially after long travel periods or intense races. I also try to stay active outdoors when I’m recovering or on holiday — skiing, hiking or sleeping outside in nature. That outdoor life gives me clarity and energy in a different way, and I like homes and indoor spaces that still feel open towards nature and daylight.
For aspiring and hobby cyclists setting up their own training space, what advice would you give about creating an environment that supports both physical performance and mental recovery?
You don’t need a super advanced “pain cave” to train well. The most important thing is creating a space where you actually want to spend time in. Training is hard enough already, so having an environment that feels fresh and comfortable helps us to enjoy it even more and feel like we’re outside.
The Tour de France is three weeks of intense focus on the road. When the race is over, what's the first thing you do to decompress and feel 'at home' again?
Slowing down and enjoying the simple things again. Spending quality time with family and being active outside. After weeks of intense racing and hotel stays, it feels good to reconnect with normal life.
Preparing for Tour de France 2026
Magnus Cort’s reflections offer insight into the important connection between cycling, nature, and resilience. The Tour de France is a test of endurance, but behind that endurance is the vital need for recovery. Recovery is more than just rest: it’s about creating the right environment to restore both body and mind. Spaces filled with daylight and fresh air can play a key role in enhancing everyday health and wellbeing. As Magnus prepares for the challenges ahead, we wish him success on the road and hope he finds inspiration in every moment spent chasing daylight. Best of luck, Magnus!