Dividing your annual plan into periods with different focusses and training effects is essential for maximising performance. The way this looks will vary for every athlete but in general the following phases will apply

Base Training

Largely consists of high volume aerobic work to build a foundation of fitness to support the following months’ training and racing.

Race prep

Training in this period is specific to the demands of racing and builds on the base you have built through the previous training blocks. The focus here is on training the aspects of fitness that will be most beneficial for your targets.

Early competitive season

Early season races can be sued for fine tuning, gaining experience and experimenting with tactics, fuelling and preparation. This is the time to make mistakes so that you don’t in your A and B priority races.

Overload

Progressive overload culminating in two weeks of high volume where final training benefit is eeked out before a high priority race.

Taper

Reduction in training volume but not intensity, which will promote recovery, carb loading and lead to a peak in form on race day.

Off season

4 weeks with no structured riding to recover and reflect ready for the next season.

All training programs are periodised depending on each athlete’s goals and race calendar for the year in order to make sure they peak at the perfect time and perform in the events that are the most important.