This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.

Taking on the Dragon Ride Dragon Devil?

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 Dragon Ride Dragon Devil.

Long distance, repeated climbs, sustained gradients and accumulated fatigue mean you need more than basic endurance. Strong aerobic fitness, climbing strength, sustained power, good 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 Dragon Devil route.

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.

If you're riding a shorter Dragon Ride route, you can also reduce the longest rides so they better reflect your target distance.

Where possible, make your longer rides as similar to the event as you can, including sustained climbs, repeated elevation and the type of terrain you'll face on the day.

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


• 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 demanding mountainous Gran Fondo.

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 Dragon Devil.