The Sports Department of the Generalitat has signed the protocol of intentions with the Bagà City Council (Barcelona) to develop a sub-headquarters of the Center d’Alt Performance (CAR) for altitude training at the Coll de Pal, to reinforce the Catalan high performance model.
The project is part of the new Pla d’Alt Rendiment de Catalunya and responds to the desire to consolidate a network system, with the CAR of Sant Cugat as the central axis and new complementary equipment that allows responding to the specific needs of each sporting discipline, the department reports in a statement this Friday.
Natural hypoxia training involves exercising at altitude, where there is less oxygen available in the air. This forces the body to adapt, increasing red blood cell production and improving oxygen transport. As a result, aerobic endurance and cardiovascular efficiency are increased. This type of training is especially useful in endurance sports such as cycling or long-distance running.
The Coll de Pal sub-headquarters is conceived as a center of excellence for this type of training, taking advantage of the optimal conditions of an environment located at more than 2,000 meters above sea level, with the aim of improving the preparation of Catalan athletes and positioning Catalonia as a reference for international sports stays, defends the Department.
The Minister of Sports, Berni Álvarez, has stated that the project is “a clear commitment by the Government to bring high performance to the entire territory and take advantage of the unique potential” of Catalonia. Furthermore, he highlighted the location of this sub-headquarters: “The Coll de Pal allows us to make a qualitative leap in the preparation of our athletes. It is not only about training better, but about generating an ecosystem that connects sport, territory and opportunities.”
The protocol establishes a framework of institutional cooperation to advance the development of the project, with the commitment of the department to lead the definition of the model, the writing of technical projects and the recruitment of stays. The project will be deployed in various phases, which include the feasibility study, the adaptation of facilities and the consolidation of the center with international projection, as well as the possible construction of an athletics track in Bagà.
