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Customisable VO2max Increase Plan for MTB XCO/MARATHON (Power-Based): 8 Weeks; 7-12 Hrs/Week
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Customisable VO2max Increase Plan for MTB XCO/MARATHON (Power-Based): 8 Weeks; 7-12 Hrs/Week
Includes Structured Workouts
Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.
Learn More about Structured Workouts.
Length
8 Weeks
Includes Structured Workouts
Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.
Learn More about Structured Workouts.
Plan Description
A MTB-SPECIFIC PROGRAM TO IMPROVE VO2MAX (‘AEROBIC CAPACITY'), DEVELOP GREATER CYCLING ECONOMY AND INCREASE FRACTIONAL UTILISATION OF VO2MAX
This MTB plan is designed specifically for cross-country and marathon athletes to improve VO2max, also known as ‘aerobic capacity’, which is a key marker of success in both disciplines [1].
THE IMPORTANCE OF A HIGH VO2max
VO2max is the highest rate at which oxygen can be utilised to generate energy during exercise. This threshold thus represents a limit to aerobic metabolism. Beyond this point, the majority of energy is derived ‘anaerobically’ (without oxygen) and can only be sustained for short periods (< 5 minutes). Raising VO2max is enormously advantageous for the competitive MTBer's performance, both during steep climbing and over the entire race duration [2].
VO2max is also linked to ‘lactate threshold’ (or ‘Functional Threshold Power’), which is also critical to high MTB performance [3]. Your VO2max represents the ultimate "ceiling" for how high threshold power can go, so raising VO2max means lactate threshold can also be increased.
In experienced athletes with longer training histories, improving the VO2max can often be more challenging than raising lactate threshold [4], so this particular MTB program, whilst focusing on raising both concurrently, uses training methods shown to stimulate the largest improvements in VO2max.
COMPOSITION OF THE PLAN
The plan is laid out over the 8 weeks using two distinct mesocycles, each featuring a 3-week ramp in training load, which is then followed up by a week aimed at recovering and adapting to the load. This ramp rate from week to week is "functionally conservative"; enough to result in a meaningful training stress yet gradual enough to avoid 'non-functional overreaching' or overtraining.
In pursuit of greater adaptations, a more fulfilling training experience and to avoid mental and physical burnout, the plan features a large variety of workout designs and intensities. This is balanced with what's known as a 'polarised training intensity distribution'; a planning and sequencing approach shown both in the literature, and in our own experience coaching 100s of athletes, to be a successful framework for significant fitness improvement for both time-rich and time-crunched cyclists [5].
NOTE: The plan's volume is totally adaptable from the default 7-12 hrs/week, where guidance on doing so is provided in our detailed user guide supplied with each plan.
PLAN OBJECTIVES
- Develop VO2max over duration of the plan
- Concurrently build and maintain cycling economy/efficiency
- Provide additional improvement in lactate threshold (FTP)
REFERENCES
[1] Bejder, Jacob, et al. "Physiological determinants of elite mountain bike cross-country Olympic performance." Journal of sports sciences 37.10 (2019): 1154-1161.
[2] Abbiss, Chris R., et al. "The distribution of pace adopted by cyclists during a cross-country mountain bike World Championships." Journal of Sports Sciences 31.7 (2013): 787-794.
[3] Novak, Andrew R., et al. "A multidimensional approach to performance prediction in Olympic distance cross-country mountain bikers." Journal of sports sciences 36.1 (2018): 71-78.
[4] Impellizzeri, Franco M., and Samuele M. Marcora. "The physiology of mountain biking." Sports medicine 37.1 (2007): 59-71.
[5] Neal, Craig M., et al. "Six weeks of a polarized training-intensity distribution leads to greater physiological and performance adaptations than a threshold model in trained cyclists." Journal of applied physiology 114.4 (2012): 461-471.
How it Works
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Training Plan Sample Week
Stats
Average Weekly Breakdown
Workouts | Weekly Average | Longest Workout |
---|---|---|
Bike
x3
|
04:51:00 | 01:30:00 |
MTB
x2
|
05:02:00 | 03:30:00 |
Day Off
x1
|
—— | —— |
Workouts Per Week | Weekly Average | Longest Workout | |
---|---|---|---|
|
04:51:00 | 01:30:00 | |
|
05:02:00 | 03:30:00 | |
|
—— | —— |
Training Load By Week
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- Track your performance with robust data tracking and detailed graphs.
- Plan for your event in the TrainingPeaks calendar.
- Track your weight, sleep, hours, fatigue and stress while you train.
- Completed workouts sync with popular apps like Garmin and Wahoo. Learn More
- If plan includes Structured Workouts, then planned workouts sync to compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time. Learn More
Refund Policy
This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.
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