This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Taking on a hilly Classic or Monument?
This plan is designed for cyclists preparing for a demanding Classic or Monument-style event where climbing, repeated hard efforts and varied terrain all play a major role.
Events such as Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Clásica San Sebastián and Il Lombardia demand much more than basic endurance. You need strong aerobic fitness, climbing strength, sustained power, fatigue resistance and the ability to keep producing hard efforts late in the ride.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you arrive prepared for both the distance and the repeated climbing demands of Classic-style terrain.
Who this plan is for
This plan is best suited to riders who already have a reasonable endurance base and want a structured build towards a hilly Classic or Monument-style event.
If the early long rides are beyond your current ability, reduce them to a duration you're comfortable with and build progressively.
If you're riding a shorter event, you can reduce the longest rides so they better reflect your target distance.
Where possible, make your key rides resemble the terrain you'll face on event day. If your event includes cobbles or rough surfaces, practising on similar terrain can be valuable for testing bike setup, comfort and handling.
What the plan includes
- One key longer ride progressing towards the demands of your event
- Focused sessions developing climbing strength, sustained power and aerobic fitness
- Higher-intensity work preparing you for repeated hard efforts
- Supporting endurance and recovery rides
- Core and strength work
- Regular recovery/rest days
The plan also includes guidance around pacing, nutrition, hydration, technique and preparing for the demands of a long, hilly Classic-style event.
You can follow the cycling sessions using power, heart rate or perceived exertion, although a power meter provides additional precision.
Many sessions use TrainingPeaks structured workouts with power, heart rate and cadence targets where appropriate.
Bonus 40-week strength programme
You'll also receive access to a 40-week strength and conditioning programme that you can continue using after your event preparation is complete.
Planning your taper
This plan does not include a fixed taper. Taper requirements vary between athletes, so allow an appropriate gap before your event to reduce training load and arrive fresh.
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, 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.
Build the engine, sharpen your climbing — and arrive ready for the Classics.
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.