If you’ve been riding fewer than 5 years and you want to prepare for criteriums, cross-country or short-track mountain bike races, or road races up to about 60 miles in length, this is the program you should choose. The weekly workload in the New Competitor program is more appropriate for cyclists who have fewer years of miles in their legs, meaning it’s slightly lower than the Experienced Competitor program. The progression also spends a little more time on lactate threshold workouts before moving on to PIs. Some riders, especially those who have been riding 3 to 4 years, may be able to handle the workload of the Experienced Competitor program, but I encourage you to use the New Competitor program at least once before you decide to complete the harder one. Due to the intensity featured in these programs, it’s wise to be conservative with your choice.