This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Preparing for a 24-hour cycling event?
This plan is designed for experienced ultra-endurance cyclists who want a structured approach to preparing for a demanding 24-hour ride or race.
At this distance, simply being able to ride all day is not enough. You need deep aerobic endurance, sustainable power, exceptional fatigue resistance, disciplined pacing and a nutrition strategy that continues to work hour after hour.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you arrive prepared for the physical and mental demands of riding through an entire day and night.
Who this plan is for
This plan is best suited to advanced endurance riders who already have a substantial training base and are comfortable handling a high weekly training load.
You should already have significant experience with long-distance riding before beginning this plan.
If your recent training volume is substantially below the demands of the plan, complete an appropriate preparation phase first rather than making a sudden increase.
What the plan includes
- Progressive endurance sessions developing ultra-distance fatigue resistance
- Focused sessions building sustainable power and aerobic fitness
- Test-style rides to assess long-duration performance
- Supporting endurance and recovery rides
- Core and strength work
- Regular recovery to support adaptation
Long Audax rides, time trials or other ultra-endurance events can provide valuable preparation. Where appropriate, replace a similar planned session rather than simply adding extra training load.
The plan also includes guidance around pacing, nutrition, hydration, technique and preparing for a very long day in the saddle.
You can follow the plan using power, heart rate or perceived exertion, although power is particularly useful at this level.
Bonus 40-week strength programme
You'll also receive access to a 40-week core and leg strength programme that you can continue using after your ultra-endurance preparation is complete.
A note about this Classic Plan
This is one of my Classic TrainingPeaks plans, developed from the coaching methods I've used with ultra-endurance cyclists over many years.
The training itself remains fully usable, but some older external links or legacy TrainingPeaks features may no longer be available.
An updated guide is included at the beginning of the plan with additional information and current resources.
Want the plan adapted around you?
A pre-built plan is a great option if you're comfortable managing your own training.
But no generic plan can know your exact fitness, available time, recovery, equipment, strengths, weaknesses or how you're responding from week to week.
If you'd like me to build and manage your training personally, you can upgrade to 1:1 coaching at any point.
TrainingPeaks plan customers receive an exclusive coaching upgrade offer.
You'll find details and a link to book a free consultation with me at the start of the plan.
Build patiently, fuel consistently — and prepare for 24 hours.
Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach, Amazon #1 Author and Seven Summits cycling world record holder. I coach riders from first Gran Fondos and amateur races through to ultra-endurance, national and world-class performance. My approach combines proven training principles with your goals, available time, recovery and life outside cycling.