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12 Week Beginner Base Programme - MTB, Road or Gravel

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12 Week Beginner Base Programme - MTB, Road or Gravel

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Author

Massimo Guglielmi

All plans by this Coach

Length

12 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

This 12 week programme is designed for complete beginners and returning riders who want to build real, lasting fitness on the bike, whether you're on a mountain bike, road bike, or gravel bike. Every session uses your heart rate monitor as your guide. No power meter needed. No complicated numbers. Just your heart, your bike, and a clear plan that tells you exactly what to do each day.

The plan is built around a simple truth: the best way to get fitter is to ride at the right intensity and not as hard as possible. Most of your time will be spent in easy, comfortable zones where your body builds its aerobic engine. One session per week will push you a little harder. This balance is where real fitness is made.

You'll have two full rest days every week. You'll never be asked to train more than 8 hours in a week. And every fourth week is a lighter recovery week, because the body doesn't adapt during hard training, it adapts during rest. The programme works for MTB, road, and gravel riders equally. Terrain and discipline don't change the fundamentals.

After 12 weeks, you will ride further, feel stronger, and recover faster. You'll understand your body better. And you'll have built the foundation for wherever you want to take your cycling next.

Heart rate monitor only
MTB · Road · Gravel
Max 8 hours/week
2 rest days every week

How it Works

Load Your Plan

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Workout and Analyze

Upload completed workouts from your favorite tracking app or device.

Track Your Progress

Get feedback, stay on top of your training and perform at your best.

Learn More

Training Plan Sample Week

Stats

Average Weekly Breakdown

Workouts Weekly Average Longest Workout
Bike x5
05:40:00 02:30:00
Day Off x2
—— ——
Workouts Per Week Weekly Average Longest Workout
Bike
05:40:00 02:30:00
Day Off
—— ——

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

  • Heart Rate Monitor

All supported devices

Massimo Guglielmi

MG Coaching

My name is Massimo Gugliemi, and I am from Southern Gauteng, South Africa.
I have over 20 years of experience in the cycling industry, I have and still compete in three disciplines of cycling; road, gravel and MTB. As a professional, U16 and junior, I achieved numerous junior titles, both on the track and the road. Currently, I am focusing on racing as a veteran on the road and gravel as part of Team Nessa Africa. I have also received multiple SA titles as a veteran rider.


  • This plan includes a Free Basic TrainingPeaks Account.
  • Access your training plan anywhere on the TrainingPeaks mobile and desktop apps.
  • 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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