This 16-week Mountain Sportive Training Plan is designed for cyclists preparing for their first major alpine or high-climbing sportive.

Whether you’re targeting events such as L’Étape du Tour, Maratona dles Dolomites, La Marmotte, Stelvio Gran Fondo, Haute Route, Tour des Stations, or similar mountain sportives across Europe or North America, this plan builds the aerobic strength, climbing resilience, and pacing control required to handle long days in the mountains.

The focus is on progressive endurance development, sustainable climbing strength, and smart pacing — helping you arrive at the start line confident, durable, and prepared for extended ascents and multi-hour riding.

Written by Enduraprep Head Coach Lawrence Cronk, who has coached athletes across mountain sportives, gran fondos, ultra cycling events, and long-distance triathlon, this plan reflects practical coaching experience with real-world athletes balancing training around work and life.

Who This Plan Is For

Cyclists preparing for their first alpine or high-climbing sportive

Riders stepping up from shorter sportives or gran fondos

Athletes targeting completion with confidence and strong pacing

Cyclists able to train 6–7 hours per week initially, building toward 9-10 hours

There is 5 rides / week in the plan with notes on how to reduce it to four if that suits

Riders who prefer structured progression without unnecessary complexity

Plan Structure

16-week progressive build with recovery every 4th week

Gradual increase in long-ride duration

Climbing-specific sessions including low-cadence torque work

Sustained tempo efforts to simulate long ascents

Endurance-focused weekends to build durability

Clear guidance on pacing and fuelling for long mountain days

Key Training Focus

Aerobic endurance for extended climbs

Sustainable climbing power

Cadence control and torque development

Fatigue resistance for multi-hour events

Pacing discipline to avoid early over-exertion

Why This Plan Works

Mountain sportives reward riders who can climb steadily, manage effort, and fuel consistently over long durations.

This plan prioritises:

Consistent aerobic development

Smart intensity distribution

Gradual exposure to longer rides

Practical, sustainable progression

You don’t need elite fitness — just consistency, patience, and a willingness to follow structured training.

For more personalised guidance reach out to coachcronk@enduraprep.com