Train smart with a cycling training plan by Joe Friel, best-selling author and internationally recognized endurance coach.

• Plan is intended for the beginner rider who wants to prepare for a ride of approximately 100 miles (160 km).


• Plan is for 12 weeks of Build-Peak period training, culminating with a century ride, a Gran Fondo, or a Cyclosportif.


• Receive two follow-up emails from Joe with more information on the plan (must provide email address at time of purchase).


• If plan is not working for you within the first 2 weeks, you can switch to a plan of equal value or receive a full refund.

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“Joe Friel is arguably the most experienced personal cycling coach in the U.S.” —Bicycling magazine

“Joe Friel is one of the world’s foremost experts on endurance sports.” —Outside magazine

“To say that Joe Friel knows a thing or two about how to ride a bicycle and stay fast would be a severe understatement.” —Road Bike Action

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This beginner century–Gran Fondo–Cyclosportif plan was designed by Joe Friel using the principles from The Cyclist’s Training Bible and Fast After 50. Having these books handy will help with many of the workouts presented in the training plan but is not necessary.

Who is this plan for?

This training plan is intended for the novice rider who wants to prepare for a ride of approximately 100 miles (160 km). The event course will have moderate difficulty, with some hills and perhaps even a few short climbs. The plan uses common cycling language to describe the workouts, with workout length in miles for the long weekend rides and in time for others. You don't need any devices such as heart rate monitors or power meters. Workout intensities are described as “easy,” “moderate,” or “hard.”

When should you start the plan?

This plan is best started 12 weeks prior to your event. You should be riding at least 5 hours a week and have completed a long ride of at least 1.5 hours before starting this plan.

What is the weekly volume?

Weekly volume starts at about 7 hours of riding time in the first week and builds to about 10 hours in the biggest week. With this plan, you will ride five or six times a week. Week day rides are 1–2 hours long. The longest weekend ride is about 80 miles and the biggest weekend volume total is about 100 miles. There are three recovery weeks built into the plan, including the week of your century, and these recovery weeks are more frequent the closer you get to the event.

Do you need any devices or apps?

You do not need any devices or apps for this plan. Note that this plan does not include expected workout TSS and does not use the TrainingPeaks “Workout Builder” format. TSS, however, is still calculated on completion of every workout.

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After your event, please provide feedback on how this plan worked for you. Thanks again for your interest in my training plans, and I hope your training and racing go very well this season.