This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Preparing for a 3-day stage event?
This plan is designed for developing cyclists who want a structured build towards the demands of riding or racing hard across three consecutive days.
Multi-day events require more than strong single-day fitness. You need aerobic endurance, sustainable power, good fatigue resistance, smart pacing and the ability to recover well enough to perform again the following day.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you arrive prepared not just for day one, but for the accumulated fatigue of the entire event.
Who this plan is for
This version is best suited to riders who are already cycling consistently but are currently training at a lower weekly load or are relatively new to structured multi-day preparation.
It works particularly well for cyclists preparing for a 3-day road race, tour, Gran Fondo or other paced multi-day event.
You should ideally have several weeks of consistent riding completed before starting.
What the plan includes
- Progressive endurance work developing multi-day fatigue resistance
- Focused sessions building sustainable power and aerobic fitness
- Higher-intensity work introduced progressively as your fitness develops
- Back-to-back training designed to prepare you for consecutive days of riding
- Core and strength work
- Regular recovery to support adaptation
The plan also includes guidance around pacing, nutrition, hydration, recovery and preparing for the demands of a multi-day event.
You can follow the cycling sessions using power, heart rate or perceived exertion. A power meter can provide additional precision, but it is not essential.
Many sessions use TrainingPeaks structured workouts with power, heart rate and cadence targets where appropriate.
Bonus 40-week strength programme
You'll also receive access to a 40-week strength and conditioning programme that you can continue using after your stage-event preparation is complete.
Planning your taper
This plan does not include a fixed taper. Taper requirements vary between athletes, so allow an appropriate gap before your event to reduce training load and arrive fresh.
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, event schedule, 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 steadily, recover well — and arrive ready for all three days.
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.