This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Want to build your endurance through winter?
This plan is designed for cyclists who want to use the winter to progressively increase the duration of their riding and build a stronger endurance base for the season ahead.
Rather than focusing primarily on FTP or race-specific intensity, the emphasis is on improving aerobic endurance, durability and your ability to stay comfortable and efficient as rides become longer.
This makes it particularly useful if your spring or summer goals involve Gran Fondos, sportives, century rides, Audax events or longer endurance challenges.
Who this plan is for
This plan is best suited to riders who already have some consistent cycling behind them and want a structured approach to building longer rides through the winter.
It can work well if you are returning from an end-of-season break or simply want to use the winter to establish a stronger endurance foundation before moving into more event-specific training.
If your recent training volume is substantially lower than the opening weeks of the plan, reduce the early sessions and build progressively.
What the plan includes
- Progressive longer rides developing aerobic endurance and durability
- Supporting sessions improving sustainable power and cycling efficiency
- Structured progression in ride duration
- Core and strength work
- Regular recovery to support adaptation
The priority is consistent endurance development rather than simply accumulating as many winter miles as possible.
You can follow the cycling sessions using power, heart rate or perceived exertion, although a power meter can provide additional precision.
Many cycling sessions contain structured workout files that can be used with compatible TrainingPeaks devices and training platforms.
Bonus 40-week strength programme
You'll also receive access to a 40-week core and leg strength programme that you can continue using after your winter preparation is complete.
A note about this Classic Plan
This is one of my Classic TrainingPeaks plans, developed from the coaching methods I've used with endurance cyclists over many years.
The training itself remains fully usable, but some older external links or legacy TrainingPeaks features may no longer be available.
An updated guide is included at the beginning of the plan with additional information and current resources.
Want the plan adapted around you?
A pre-built plan is a great option if you're comfortable managing your own training.
But no generic plan can know your exact fitness, available time, recovery, goals, strengths, weaknesses or how you're responding from week to week.
If you'd like me to build and manage your training personally, you can upgrade to 1:1 coaching at any point.
TrainingPeaks plan customers receive an exclusive coaching upgrade offer.
You'll find details and a link to book a free consultation with me at the start of the plan.
Build the miles, improve the durability — and start spring ready to go longer.
Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach, Amazon #1 Author and Seven Summits cycling world record holder. I coach riders from first Gran Fondos and amateur races through to ultra-endurance, national and world-class performance. My approach combines proven training principles with your goals, available time, recovery and life outside cycling.