Etape training plan

t5nel

Chaps,

I have recently managed to get on an Etape package with work (Act 1)

I am *reasonably* bike fit at the moment as I do a 35 km commute most days and longer weekend rides.

Was hopefully looking for some pointers on the most beneficial training I can do for the Etape given the time remaining. I know I am not going to win it (!) but I want to make sure I don't struggle and do everything I can to get around in a respectable time and well ahead of the broom truck.

I am not currently in a club and don't race or anything. Should I focus on long rides, short fast rides..... hills. It seems to be that this will be about sustained power output so I need to be able to consistently bang it out for the climb up Madeleine etc.

In terms of training aids I have a Garmin forerunner (GPS watch) with HRM cadence and speed sensor on bike.

This is not a willy waving thread - if anything it is a 'help me be in a position to do some willy waving' I cannot promise that I will wave said willy however :twisted:

Thx

cougie

Ride the bike ride the bike ride the bike.
Plenty of miles in at the weekend. Search out hills and ride them. Travel if you have to.
You can use your commutes for some speed work.
And sort your gears out for long climbs too.

phreak

Do 60/90 minute tempo sessions. You'll be climbing for that length of time so it helps if you can a) sustain your effort for that length of time, and b) know how to pace yourself over such an effort.

I've found that doing these efforts on the turbo is easiest as you don't get any interruptions for traffic etc. and can pedal solidly for the entire session.

That should give you the legs to manage it, then you just need to figure out your bike handling for the descents and your eating strategy.