Getting Better
What Is The Best Way To Train?
There are a few approaches depending on how much structure you want. Pick the one that suits you.
Option 1
Get A Coach
The best way to improve is to have a coach who can build a training plan around your goals, abilities and life. They can help to monitor your improvement and tailor things to your individual needs — whether that's an experienced club rider, an online coach, or a professional coach.
Option 2
Downloadable Plan
Pre-built spreadsheet plans in various lengths and weekly hours. Choose a goal event, work backwards through a General Preparation phase (8–16 weeks) and a Specific Preparation phase (8–12 weeks). The plans adjust training times based on your available hours.
Option 3
Cycling Analytics
A web-based training platform with club plan templates. It emails your plan daily, tracks progress, and lets you upload ride files for analysis. Free for the first month, then ~$A10/month to upload more rides — or use it free just to receive the plan by email.
Option 4
The "No Plan" Plan
For those who prefer to just ride. Take at least one day off per week, one easy day, one or two intense days (hills, a race, or intervals), and keep everything else at a pace you can still talk. Have an easier week every 3–4 weeks at about half your usual hours.
Spreadsheet Plans
Plan Download Links
Click any plan to copy it to your own Google account. Enter your start date in the first date cell and the rest updates automatically.
General Preparation — 4 days / 5 hrs per week
General Preparation — 6 days / 8 hrs per week
General Preparation — 6 days / 9–12 hrs per week
Specific Preparation — 6 days / 9–12 hrs per week
Online Platform
Cycling Analytics
A web-based training platform you or your coach can use to build your training plan, review data, and track progress.
Club plan templates are available — email coach@cyclingmarlborough.org.nz to get set up on one. Using a club plan means someone can check in on your training if you have questions, and you can modify or create your own plans over time.
Cycling Analytics emails your plan each day, tracks progress, and lets you upload bike computer files for review and analysis. Free for the first month, then ~$A10/month or $A80/year to upload more rides. You can also use it for free to receive the plan by email without uploading rides.
Supplementary
Zones, Strength & Stretching
A few extra resources that complement any training approach.