19/10/2026
EVO Classic 2026 Recap | Men’s Bodybuilding Lightweight
2nd place for Valentino Weßling - PNBA PRO and right after the show, it was straight back into depletion days.
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I competed at the EVO Classic 2026 with 11 athletes across a range of classes. In this series, I’ll give you insights into my work with each one of them.
STARTING POINT
Fourth show of the season. The goal was the lightweight class. The challenge: Valentino usually gets significantly heavier during the load. So we had to bring him into the class precisely without sacrificing fullness.
STRATEGY
We took a more conservative approach to the peaking strategy and didn’t load more in total than at the previous shows. We based our decisions on what had proven to work at the last competitions. On top of that, a new look: One week earlier at the ANBF, he was on stage with a different color. At the EVO, we were able to use DREAM TAN and present a completely different picture.
RESULT
75.6 kg at 1.69 m. Right on point for the class. On stage, he brought an extremely strong package. Full, round and commanding from the very first second. In the end it came down to a close head to head battle, and on that day we had to settle for 2nd place.
LEARNING
Four shows in one season means four data sets. Every peak week builds on the last one. In natural bodybuilding, standard plans don’t win. Decisions based on what your body has shown you do.
WHAT’S NEXT
The season isn’t over. Right after the show, we set full course for the next stage. Straight into depletion days.