Cycling Training Plans

TrainerRoad’s well-structured training plans gave me the ability to hold near-FTP for the hill climb TT, sustain power during a long uphill climb in the road race (~2 hours with some short downhill sections), and also have the “kick” to get into a breakaway during the crit following the road race. It boosted my confidence to know that, even with the Climbing Road Race plan, I wasn’t tied to a single type of training, and thereby had more versatility in my strengths.

Simple, it made me stronger than I have ever been on the bike. I used to just go out and hammer for an hour or so until I had turned myself inside out. I rode very hard and was faster than many of the folks I rode with, but there was no structure to my training. But once I started using TR training plans my FTP jumped about 30 watts and has continued to grow year after year (with the occasional dip as fitness cycles).

TrainerRoad and Plan Builder take the guess work out of training. The steady predictable, consistent approach to training never had me over-trained but consistently progressing toward my goals.

TrainerRoad helped me to be more consistent than in seasons past. Using the plan builder and the calendar features allowed me to have a set plan and visualize the work ahead. My target race was the first race of the season, so dedicated high quality trainer workouts allowed me to open the season in excellent form.

I started consistent training with an FTP of 183 (3.3 W/kg); almost a year of training brought it up to 231 (4.2 W/kg) for the race.

Higher FTP, better muscle endurance, increased ability to suffer through long intervals that seem impossible (GRIT!). I have been chasing down attacks in races where I am sure that I just can't go for even a few more seconds. But when I look at my power meter I see that I am doing wattage that I know for a fact I can sustain or repeat thanks to the variety of energy systems worked by the TR plans. That is the genius of the plans, they work every level of the power spectrum so you become a more well rounded cyclist able to deliver power at all different percentages of FTP.

I continue to see steady progress in raising my FTP, but more importantly, it has me addressing weak spots in my fitness, by having me work through 2 long stages of Sweet Spot Base, my endurance strength really has grown over the season.

Following the training plan I entered the season as a well rounded and balanced athlete. The training plan also helped me to increase my constancy, riding five days a week rather than just riding when I felt motivated. I had set power PR's for 1, 5, 10 and 60 minutes, which led me to finishing on the podium in 4 of the first 6 races.