This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Building towards a 200 km ride?
This plan is designed for endurance cyclists who can already complete around 80 km and want a structured route towards riding 200 km.
Riding 200 km requires more than simply increasing your distance. You need strong aerobic endurance, sustainable pacing, good fatigue resistance and a nutrition strategy that continues to work as the hours build.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you arrive fitter, more confident and better prepared for the demands of a long-distance ride.
Who this plan is for
This version is best suited to riders who are already comfortable completing rides of around 80 km and want to build progressively towards 200 km.
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 already comfortable riding substantially further than 80 km, start the key endurance rides from your current level and progress gradually until the plan catches up.
What the plan includes
- One key longer ride progressing towards the 200 km distance
- Focused sessions developing aerobic fitness and sustainable power
- 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 a long day in the saddle.
You can follow the cycling sessions using power, heart rate or perceived exertion, although a power meter can provide 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 endurance 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 target 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 steadily, fuel well — and prepare for 200 km.
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.