24 Hour MTB Race Build Up - Expert
Author
Taylor Thomas
All plans by this CoachLength
12 Weeks
Typical Week
2 Day Off, 3 Bike, 2 MTB, 1 Strength
Longest Workout
4:00 hrs
Plan Specs
cycling mountain biking advanced
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Summary
This 12 week plan is designed specifically for those looking to be competitive at a 24 hour off-road race. It assumes that you've spent ample time in a base period and have a solid aerobic foundation. You'll need to have ample experience riding off road, be comfortable riding in technical terrain, and have some experience completing long mountain bike races/rides.
Most weeks will consist of an off day on Monday, 5 days of riding, and 1 strength day, with the exception of the peak weeks leading up to the race. Those final weeks will not include strength sessions. All of the long rides are on the weekends, with shorter interval and tempo rides being performed during the week. It's necessary to have access to a heart rate monitor or power meter to take full advantage of this training plan.
For more information please visit Thomas Endurance Coaching
Stats
Sample Day 1
If you're training with power perform this test.
This test is to be performed on a stationary trainer or relatively flat (no more than 2%-3%) course with no stops. For best results, focus on consistent maximal effort, not spikes in effort. We will use this number to establish your training Zones for power.
1.) 20 minute warm-up, which is just riding along at a moderate pace, about 65% of your max HR.
2.) Then do (3) fast pedaling efforts for 100rpm for one minute each with one minute between each.
3.) Then 3 minutes easy.
4.) Then Go for it - (1) 20 minute all out. Punch it and hold it! Make sure that you start at a high pace, but not so high that you die at the end. You should have a little in reserve to kick it to the finish line in the last minute. 95% of your average power for this 20 minute interval is your FTP. You'll use this to calculate your zones in Training Peaks.
5.) Then 10 minutes easy.
Sample Day 1
Threshold test to establish heart rate training zones.
10 minutes easy warm up.
30 minute time trial at sustained max effort
20 minute cool down
Sample Day 2
Perform a low intensity 1 1/2 hour ride. This ride can be completed on either a road or mountain bike, and should be ridden on a relatively flat course.
Sample Day 3
WU: 20 min. in Z1/2
Main Effort: 10 min. @ 85% of threshold, 5 min. recovery in Z1, then 10 min @ 85% of threshold.
CD: Remainder of ride in Z2
Sample Day 5
Ride rolling terrain at a moderate pace for 3 hours. Focus on keeping the intensity steady and manageable.
Sample Day 6
After 1 hour in Z2 perform 30 minutes at the top of your Z3 range. Finish ride in Z2
Sample Day 8
WU: 15 minutes Z2
Main Effort:8x2 min. Z6 w/ 45 sec. Z1 rec.
CD: Remainder Z2