This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Want to become a stronger Gran Fondo or sportive rider?
This plan is designed to build the broad fitness, strength and consistency needed to improve your performance in long-distance cycling events before moving into more specialised event preparation.
Sportives and Gran Fondos demand more than basic endurance. You need strong aerobic fitness, sustained power, climbing ability, good fatigue resistance, sensible pacing and a nutrition strategy that continues to work late in the ride.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you finish with a stronger foundation for your next major event.
Who this plan is for
This version is best suited to intermediate riders who are already training consistently and are comfortable with a moderate weekly training load.
It works particularly well for cyclists who have some experience with structured training and want a long-term programme to improve endurance, power and overall riding ability.
If you've recently taken an end-of-season break, start conservatively and allow your fitness to rebuild before pushing harder.
What the plan includes
- Progressive aerobic and endurance development
- Focused sessions building sustained power and climbing strength
- Higher-intensity work supporting overall cycling performance
- Core and strength training
- Regular recovery to support long-term progression
The plan also includes guidance around pacing, nutrition, hydration, technique and preparing for the demands of long-distance cycling.
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 designed to complement your cycling and support long-term development.
What comes next?
This plan is designed to build a broad endurance foundation rather than peak you for one specific event.
Once completed, you should be in a stronger position to move into more specialised training for your target Gran Fondo, sportive or endurance challenge.
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, event schedule, 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 foundation, improve your endurance — and prepare for your next big ride.
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.