This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Taking on the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon?
Whether your goal is to complete the event confidently, enjoy it more, or produce your best possible performance, this plan is designed to prepare you for the specific demands of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon.
Long Alpine climbs, sustained gradients and accumulated fatigue mean you need more than basic endurance. Strong aerobic fitness, climbing strength, sustained power, excellent fatigue resistance, sensible pacing and a nutrition strategy that continues to work late in the ride all matter.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you arrive prepared for both the distance and the climbing demands of the event.
Who this plan is for
This plan is best suited to riders who already have a strong endurance base and want a structured build towards the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon.
Ideally, you should already be comfortable riding around 100 miles / 160 km. If not, reduce the early long rides to a distance you're comfortable with and build progressively.
Where possible, use your longer rides to practise on sustained climbs and terrain similar to what you'll face on event day.
Long Gran Fondos, Audax rides or other endurance events can also provide useful preparation when used in place of a similar planned session.
What the plan includes
- One key longer ride progressing towards the demands of the event
- Focused sessions developing climbing strength, sustained power and aerobic fitness
- Training designed to improve long-duration fatigue resistance
- 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 very demanding mountainous 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 endurance, sharpen your climbing — and arrive ready for Ötztaler.
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.