Go all in for 2025. Purchase a training plan and get 15% off Premium at checkout for a limited time.

Browse More Plans

Gran Fondo Pre Season (1 hour sessions) 4 week plan no1

Browse More Plans

Gran Fondo Pre Season (1 hour sessions) 4 week plan no1

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Author

Nicholas Smith

All plans by this Coach

Length

5 Weeks

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Plan Description

Intro:

This 4 week Pre Season plan works on building your cycling fitness to help get you ready for those wonderful Gran fondos. We will build your ability to get you ready for that Season of hard training and superb Events that lay ahead. The workouts are around 1 hour except for your endurance ride. Through the duration of this plan you will feel yourself get stronger. Then with confidence knowing all the hard work has been done you will be able to go on to your Gran Fondo Season Plan. All workouts and therefore plans at Core Cycling are world class and have been tested by elite athletes!

Type of Events plan is for:

Want to have your best ever season and do better than you ever thought you could? Then this is the plan for you!! This Training Plan is designed for any Riders who want to ride those majestic Mountains or Big Gran Fondos all around the world and have their best ever year ahead.
By raising your FTP, Strength, VO2 and your ability to push those pedals round even up those steep gradients, you will prepare yourself for those…. key events.

Who the plan is for:

Workouts in our plans at Core Cycling are tried and tested by all kinds of cyclists from Elite, as previously mentioned, to your everyday rider, male or female, looking to get fit. At Core Cycling we have coached riders from many parts of the world. The weeks range from 6 hours for a recovery week and upto 11 hours for your biggest weeks. The plans also include your Strength and conditioning sessions.
This plan is perfect for cyclists of most abilities (from rider who has been riding for 6 months all the way through to Elite). It is perfect for that rider wanting the best season ahead and looking to build from a solid foundation to the first few Events as they approach those Key goals a few months later. Check out my profile for alternatives continuations and 12 week options of this plan. Links to the follow on 4 weeks will be at the end of the Plan. One-to-one coaching is available too. Please contact me by the email address provided on my profile.

Where and how to complete the plan:

Due to the workout builder, your plan can be used on Zwift, Garmin, Wahoo etc. This makes it a great interactive experience whether you choose Zwift or the road. Please have a look at each workout description too to help you understand what's being asked and why. Please remember that recovery is just as important as the effort itself. My advice would also be not to use ERG mode. There are tests every 7-9 weeks, including in other plans going forward, to help you see your progress. Please always start easier in the 20 minute test to allow for you to be strong at the end and get the best out of yourself. Also remembering you are improving more on the most important part of what you need for your discipline. ….For this Plan it will be your FTP and VO2 and your ability to push a heavy gear….

Whilst all sessions are set out with a workout, I would recommend that for your Endurance Ride you just enjoy your ride by putting a few efforts and even sprints in as suggested on the ride description. Endurance is always more exciting on the Road with Friends. So whilst doing your “training” might be best on your own, get out and enjoy those endurance rides without being restrained to wattage.

The plan is mainly based on building the aspects of your cycling component that are most important to you. All your workouts are set up for them to appear on your Device. Please follow the link to set this up https://help.trainingpeaks.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000325647-Structured-Workout-Export

If you are coming up to an event, do a Wake Up ride the day before the event and a Recovery Ride two days before. These are at the end of the plan, just drag them into place with your mouse.

If you are struggling with an aspect of the plan or need some guidance please feel free to send the odd email for help.

How it Works

Load Your Plan

Quickly view upcoming workouts in the TrainingPeaks app.

Workout and Analyze

Upload completed workouts from your favorite tracking app or device.

Track Your Progress

Get feedback, stay on top of your training and perform at your best.

Learn More

Training Plan Sample Week

Stats

Average Weekly Breakdown

Workouts Weekly Average Longest Workout
Bike x5
07:55:00 06:00:00
Strength x2
01:12:00 00:30:00
Workouts Per Week Weekly Average Longest Workout
Bike
07:55:00 06:00:00
Strength
01:12:00 00:30:00

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

  • Power Meter

All supported devices

Nicholas Smith

Core Cycling

With over 15 years of Coaching experience, 35 years of riding experience and British Cycling Level 3 and Training Peaks qualifications, at Core Cycling, you will know you are getting the best Coaching in order to get the best out of your body with your time spent with us.

From Novice to Elite riders I can support you in getting the most out of yourself.

Demand More From Your Cycling!!


  • This plan includes a Free Basic TrainingPeaks Account.
  • Access your training plan anywhere on the TrainingPeaks mobile and desktop apps.
  • Track your performance with robust data tracking and detailed graphs.
  • Plan for your event in the TrainingPeaks calendar.
  • Track your weight, sleep, hours, fatigue and stress while you train.
  • Completed workouts sync with popular apps like Garmin and Wahoo. Learn More
  • If plan includes Structured Workouts, then planned workouts sync to compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time. Learn More

Refund Policy

This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.

Still have questions about this plan?
| Premium

15% Off

Bundle your plan with TrainingPeaks Premium, and you'll unlock our progress-tracking tools, plus the freedom to move workouts to fit your schedule.

$106.24 USD for the first year, billed yearly.

$37.00 - Buy Now