This 20-Week MTB Marathon & Ultra MTB Training Plan is designed for athletes preparing for long-distance mountain bike events, ranging from marathon MTB (80–120km) through to 100-mile off-road races.

If your goal event features long climbs, sustained efforts, altitude, technical terrain, and long hours in the saddle, this plan builds the endurance, climbing strength, repeatable power, and durability required to perform strongly across demanding off-road race days.

The structure is well suited to iconic MTB marathon and ultra-distance events with profiles similar to Leadville-style races, alpine marathon MTB events, and long gravel-heavy MTB courses where fatigue resistance and pacing discipline are critical.

Written by Enduraprep Head Coach Lawrence Cronk, who has coached endurance athletes across triathlon, cycling, and ultra-endurance disciplines — and personally completed a sub-9-hour performance in a 100-mile MTB event — this plan reflects real-world execution, not generic training templates.

⭐ Who This Plan Is For

Marathon MTB and ultra MTB athletes

Riders preparing for 100km–100 mile MTB events

Gravel riders stepping up to more technical, mountainous races

Athletes targeting a strong finish, PB, or competitive age-group result

Anyone with an existing endurance base looking for structured progression

⭐ Training Requirements & Equipment

You’ll need:

A smart trainer for structured weekday sessions

A mountain bike (power meter optional; HR or RPE fully supported)

A GPS device for long outdoor rides

Access to suitable terrain for longer weekend rides where possible

A solid aerobic foundation is recommended before starting.

⭐ Plan Structure

20-week progressive build with recovery every 4th week

Starting volume: 6–8 hours/week

Mid-plan: 9–12 hours/week

Peak weeks: 12–14+ hours/week depending on athlete background and event demands

Weekday sessions typically 60–90 minutes

Weekends include long endurance rides, climbing-focused sessions, and back-to-back days

Indoor structured alternatives are provided when weather or terrain access is limited.

⭐ Key Features

Structured workouts compatible with Garmin, Wahoo, Zwift & TrainingPeaks

MTB-specific focus including:

Sustained tempo & sweet spot climbing efforts

Low-cadence strength work for long climbs

Fatigue-resistant pacing for long race days

Long ride progression building to 5–6 hour sessions

Back-to-back training days to simulate race fatigue

Regular testing to track aerobic and power development

Clear coaching notes explaining session intent, pacing, and fuelling considerations

⭐ Why This Plan Works

Long-distance MTB racing rewards athletes who can ride efficiently for hours, manage effort on climbs, and fuel consistently under fatigue.

This plan delivers:

Progressive durability for ultra-distance MTB racing

Structured intensity without excessive overload

Practical pacing strategies for long off-road events

Training that reflects the real demands of marathon and ultra MTB racing

It prepares you to race with confidence and control, not simply survive the distance.

⭐ Want Personalised Support?

For tailored adjustments, event-specific guidance, or full 1:1 coaching, visit:
👉 www.enduraprep.com/online-coaching