Cyclocross 16 week Build and In Season Race Program (Beginner Level)
Author
Drew Edsall
All plans by this CoachLength
16 Weeks
Typical Week
2 Day Off, 5 Bike, 1 Run, 2 Race
Longest Workout
3:00 hrs
Plan Specs
cycling cyclocross
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Summary
If you're an intermediate level road(Cat 4,5) or mountain bike racer(Cat 2,3) looking to do cyclo-cross racing this year then this program is for you.
This program will build and fine tune your high end cyclo-cross fitness and take your performance to the next level with workouts aimed at short/hard efforts combined with cross specific race efforts and light running to build your muscular system for the running involved. The focus is on quality, CX specific, shorter workouts with a maintenance of your longer aerobic rides.
The entire program is 16 weeks long. In the first week you will establish your LTHR and set up your HR zones. Optional races start 4 weeks into this program giving you the freedom to either get a weekend of racing in, or get two back to back hard days in over the weekend.
You will need access to a heart rate monitor and will need to know how to use it. You can do the training on a road, CX or mountain bike. However, I do recommend that you get as much training in as possible on your CX bike since you will be racing on that.
With this program you will also receive nutritional information, a detailed description of heart rate zones, and a start-up guide that introduces you to interval training.
Stats
Sample Day 1
Warm up well by spinning for 20-30 minutes easy to moderate. Then ride a 30 minute time trial on flat course or up hill course. Punch HR monitor 'lap' button 10 minutes into Time Trial. This course needs to have no interruptions allowing for a ocnsistant hard effort with no stops.
Average heart rate for last 20 minutes predicts Lactate threshold heart rate (LTHR). You lactate threshold heart rate can now be used to calculate your training zones by going to your My Settings in Training Peaks, clicking on the Zones button, and putting your LTHR in the threshold box(clicking the down arrow and picking Friels Cycling Zones). You now have your HR zones to use for the entire training program. Please refer to the startup document for training zone details and info.
Finish the workout spinning easy on your way home.
Sample Day 2
Warm up with 20 minutes of easy spinning. Then perform 30 minutes of technical work on a CX like course (grass field if possible): include all the following cross specific work; dismounting, re-mounting, and running with the bike. If you have access to barriers, use them by practicing running with your bike through them. Also, try to find a short/steep hill. Practice dismounting, running up the hill, remounting, and getting back into the rythm on the bike. Become comfortable and smooth with these exercises. Finish the workout with easy spinning zones 1-2 for the rest of the time.
Sample Day 2
Run easy Zones 1-2 only.
Sample Day 4
Warm up 30 minutes of zone 1-2 spinning. Then go to a course that is as close to a CX course as possible (should include a field with multiple turns, one forced dismounting area, and some road/fireroad within it). If you don't have a course, do your best to create your own with either mtn bike singletrack and/or cones.
After your warm up, perform the following on the course. 2 x 10 minute TT efforts on the course. Take 5 minutes rest between efforts. Practice your turns, and proper pacing. Look into the turns, brake before (not into) the turns, and accelerate when coming out of the turn. Experiment with different lines and try to get faster and more efficient. This doesn't mean going harder! It means riding/racing smarter! Brake only when needed, and approach the turns with the proper speed. Being efficient on the cross bike is very important, so practice it now.
Finish the workout with easy spinning zones 1-2 for the remainder of time.
Sample Day 5
Ride Zone 2-3 today. Keep the pace steady and consistant at a comfortable cadence(80-90rpm)
Sample Day 6
Ride Zones 1-2 today. Get 50% or more of the time in Zone 2.
Sample Day 8
Warm up with 20 minutes of easy spinning. Then perform 30 minutes of technical work on a CX like course (grass field if possible): include all the following cross specific work; dismounting, re-mounting, and running with the bike. If you have access to barriers, use them by practicing running with your bike through them. Also, try to find a short/steep hill. Practice dismounting, running up the hill, remounting, and getting back into the rythm on the bike. Become comfortable and smooth with these exercises. Finish the workout with easy spinning zones 1-2 for the rest of the time.