This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and author of the Amazon #1 New Release The Guide to Truly Effective Cycling.

Taking on the Fred Whitton Challenge?

Whether your goal is simply to finish, ride it more comfortably, or produce your best possible performance, this plan will help prepare you for one of the UK's toughest cycling challenges.

The Fred Whitton isn't just about being fit. Long climbs, steep gradients and accumulated fatigue mean you need endurance, climbing strength, sensible pacing and a nutrition strategy that still works late in the ride.

This plan develops all of those areas progressively so that you arrive at the event prepared rather than simply hoping you can get around.

What the plan includes

Your typical week contains:

• One longer endurance ride, progressing towards the demands of the event


• Two focused midweek cycling sessions, generally around 60–90 minutes


• One shorter weekend session, which can also provide some flexibility if life gets in the way


• Two short core/strength sessions


• Two recovery/rest days

The plan includes structured sessions targeting the different physical demands you'll face on the Fred Whitton, alongside guidance on pacing, nutrition, hydration, technique and preparing for a demanding long-distance event.

You can follow the plan using power, heart rate or perceived exertion, although a power meter can provide additional precision.

Many cycling sessions contain structured workout files that can be used with compatible TrainingPeaks devices and training platforms.

Bonus strength programme

The plan also includes access to a 40-week core and leg strength programme, giving you a resource you can continue using after the cycling plan has finished.

A note about this Classic Plan

This is one of my Classic TrainingPeaks plans, developed from the coaching methods I've used with endurance cyclists over many years.

The training itself remains fully usable, but because the plan was originally created on an earlier version of TrainingPeaks, some older external links or legacy TrainingPeaks features within individual sessions 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 training time, recovery, work and family commitments, 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.

Train smart, arrive prepared — and enjoy the Fred Whitton.