This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Want to build your fitness for Gran Fondos and sportives?
This plan is designed to help developing cyclists build the endurance, strength and consistency needed for long-distance cycling before moving into more specialised event preparation.
Sportives and Gran Fondos demand more than simply being able to ride for several hours. You need aerobic fitness, sustainable power, climbing ability, good fatigue resistance, sensible pacing and a nutrition strategy that works as your rides get longer.
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 beginner or developing riders who are relatively new to structured training or currently training at a lower weekly load.
It works particularly well if you want a long-term programme to improve your endurance, consistency and overall cycling ability without jumping straight into high-volume training.
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 sustainable power and climbing strength
- Higher-intensity work introduced progressively as your fitness develops
- 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 longer rides.
You can follow the cycling sessions using power, heart rate or perceived exertion. A power meter can provide additional precision, but it is not essential.
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, grow 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.