Haute Route Alps 2025 Training Plan advice

Training
1

Hi TR hive mind!

A long time forum lurker and podcast listener, I’ve signed up to TR to attempt to improve my training consistency for Haute Route Alps 2025.

I know there was a forum related to last years event and several here have used TR to train for it. I’m looking for advice as to which would be a good training plan to use (or custom?)

45yrs old, variable training hours available between 8-15hrs/wk, usually a long outdoor ride on Fridays and Saturday club races 1-2 hours in Autumn/ Winter (New Zealand based) 10+ yrs of power data. I’ve ridden the event 2 years ago (hampered by heatwave and illness) so know I’m aiming for fatigue resistance and prolonged SS/tempo efforts. Reasonable base fitness at present.

Any thoughts/advice on TR centric training plans much appreciated!

2

I’d suggest either Masters • Climbing Road Race or Gran Fondo depending on if you are racing it, or looking to finish it.

Climbing Road Race is a bit more punchy, to follow attacks, where Gran Fondo is more about consistent efforts.

You can also select “Stage Race” as the event type when setting up your plan.

4

Thanks for the helpful advice. Initially stage race hadn’t appeared to be an option but seems to be working now.

5

May be a useful read: <5 weeks to Haute Route Alps, best use of time

Good luck! Jealous :slight_smile:

6

Stage Race hides down the very bottom of the event options. It’s always been there, but it is easy to miss unless you scroll all the way down.

7

I followed that thread last year and must have read it three times since!

I did the 2023 event, but had a shocker due to heat and illness, I’ve got some unfinished business!

Out of curiosity did you do anything specific for recovery? I think I missed a trick there.

8

For the first 3 days, yes I tried to do a protein shake immediately after, tart cherry juice, and lots of rest. After the TT, I added a daily couple Aperol spritzes with the crew on the patio to the protocol. N=1, but I can definitely say it worked well for me :joy:

9

Eat lots of simple carbs and sleep!

10

A recovery beer or Aperol is essential I think. It is still meant to be a holiday after all!

11

Absolutely, it took me too long to realize I’m actually there to have fun. Still hurt, but then you laugh and enjoy yourself.

12

Me and wifey also participating this year, really looking forward to it.
I have no advice on the TR plans, but based on your past experience I would guess heat adaption will be a big part of your last couple of weeks before the event?

13

I’ll be heading to Scotland for a few weeks prior so not sure how well that will go for heat adaption!