This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Taking on L'Étape du Tour?
Whether your goal is to finish confidently, enjoy the experience more, or produce your best possible performance, this plan is designed to prepare you for the specific demands of L'Étape du Tour.
Long Alpine climbs, sustained gradients and accumulated fatigue require more than basic endurance. You'll need climbing strength, good pacing, fatigue resistance and a nutrition strategy that still works late in the ride.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you arrive prepared for both the distance and the climbing demands.
Who this plan is for
This plan is best suited to riders with a reasonable endurance base who want a structured build towards L'Étape du Tour.
If the early long rides are beyond your current ability, reduce them to a duration you're comfortable with and build progressively.
Where possible, use longer rides with sustained climbs and terrain similar to the event.
What the plan includes
- One key longer ride progressing towards the demands of L'Étape
- Focused midweek sessions developing climbing strength, sustained power and aerobic fitness
- Additional supporting rides
- Core sessions
- Regular recovery/rest days
The plan also includes guidance around pacing, nutrition, hydration, technique and preparing for a demanding mountainous sportive.
You can follow the plan 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 needs 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.
Train smart, arrive prepared — and enjoy L'Étape du Tour.
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.