This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Preparing for a 7-day Haute Route?
This plan is designed for experienced cyclists who want a structured build towards the demands of seven consecutive days of hard mountain riding.
A Haute Route requires more than strong single-day fitness. You need deep aerobic endurance, sustained climbing power, excellent fatigue resistance, disciplined 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 full event.
Who this plan is for
This version is best suited to advanced riders who are already training consistently and are comfortable handling a high weekly training load.
It works particularly well for cyclists preparing for a demanding multi-day mountain event who already have a strong endurance base.
You should ideally have several weeks of consistent riding behind you before starting.
Where possible, use your longer rides to practise sustained climbing and terrain similar to what you'll face during the event.
What the plan includes
- Progressive endurance work developing multi-day fatigue resistance
- Focused sessions building sustained climbing power and aerobic fitness
- Higher-intensity work supporting race-specific performance
- 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 repeated long days in the mountains.
Power is strongly recommended at this level and provides the most precise way to control intensity and monitor progression.
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 Haute Route 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 the endurance, climb strong — and arrive ready for all seven 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.