This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Want to become a stronger road racer?
This plan is designed to build the broad fitness, strength and consistency needed to progress as a road cyclist before moving into more specialised race preparation.
Road racing demands more than one type of fitness. You need aerobic endurance, sustained power, repeatable high-intensity efforts, good recovery and the ability to handle changes in pace, climbs and race-specific demands.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you finish with a stronger overall foundation for future racing.
Who this plan is for
This version is best suited to developing riders who are relatively new to structured training or currently training at a lower weekly load.
It works particularly well for riders looking to progress through the middle racing categories while building a strong foundation before moving into more specialised training.
If you've recently taken an end-of-season break, start conservatively and allow your fitness to rebuild before pushing harder.
What the plan includes
- Progressive aerobic and endurance development
- Focused sessions building sustained power and threshold fitness
- Higher-intensity work developing race-specific repeatability
- Core and strength training
- Regular recovery to support long-term progression
The plan also includes guidance around pacing, nutrition, hydration, technique, tactics and building the physical qualities needed for road racing.
You can follow the cycling sessions using power, heart rate or perceived exertion, although a power meter provides additional precision.
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 designed to complement your cycling and support long-term development.
What comes next?
This plan is designed to build a broad road-racing foundation rather than peak you for one specific event.
Once completed, you should be in a stronger position to move into more specialised training for road races, criteriums, time trials or your next performance goal.
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, race 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 foundation, develop your race fitness — and prepare for the next level.
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.