George and Becky North have launched a brand-new venture at a stunning luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps, inviting people to join them in the mountains to train like professional athletes.
After successful sporting careers, the Welsh power couple are now both in retirement, with former Wales and British & Irish Lions star George hanging up his rugby boots earlier this year. Two-time Olympic silver medallist Becky, meanwhile, retired from cycling in 2017, with the couple since getting married and welcoming two sons, Jac and Tomi.
They have both pursued new avenues outside of sport in recent years, with Becky launching her own baking business and George co-founding motorcycle-themed cafe and lifestyle brand Baffle Haus.
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Now, they have teamed up with luxury hotel The Brecon – owned by Welsh brothers Grant and Craig Maunder – to offer a unique four-day training experience in the Swiss mountains this autumn.
George North receives a standing ovation from the Wales players in his final match this summer(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
Advertised as an ‘Autumn Reset’, the three-night experience offers “time outside, training together, mountain air and space to slow things down”, but organisers stress that it is “not a boot camp or a retreat”.
“It’s time in the mountains with two people who know what it takes to perform at the very highest level – moving together, recovering together and sharing good conversation along the way,” The Brecon’s website reads.
“Time in the mountains training together with George and Becky North. Good food, great company and a chance to reset.”
The “extraordinary” experience offers guests the opportunity to “run, hike, bike and train” with the Norths, with an outdoor sauna, cold plunge, yoga and guided recovery sessions also included, as well as full spa access and breakfast, seasonal dinners and afternoon tea.
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Limited spots are available for the experience, which is being held from October 4-7 this year, with the cost of a single occupancy standard room for a three-night stay coming in at 2,040 Swiss francs (£1,870).
For suites and lofts, this rises to 3,390 Swiss francs (£3,108), while it is an extra 870 Swiss francs (£798) for a companion to share a room or suite.
After ending his playing career by representing the Barbarians against Wales in June, George spoke about his future plans and admitted he would like to stay in rugby in some capacity.
Becky James was an Olympic medalist
“I’m really looking forward to having some time to chill,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve stopped properly without anything needing medical attention for a while, so I feel very happy and pleased.
“I think I will stay involved in rugby in some capacity down the line, though I’m not entirely sure what that looks like just yet. Rugby has given me so much for a long time.
“I told the Welsh boys, if anyone needs any help, I’m only a phone call away. What that looks like, I don’t know, but a holiday is definitely needed first.”
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