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
At Enduraprep we coach athletes of all levels — from first-time racers to competitive age-groupers chasing IRONMAN or Gran Fondo World Champs slots. Our athletes have taken on everything from 5 km runs & sprint triathlons to multi-day ultra-marathons & extreme challenges.
We provide remote coaching to athletes worldwide, supported by performance testing (VO₂ max & resting metabolic rate) in South Wales, UK. Plus training camps at our base in training paradise, The Kamnik Savinja Alps, Slovenia.