Inspired by Unbound and thinking of trying a gravel race, or wanting to improve your performance at Gravel Nationals?

Gravel racing is different from other forms of racing, and its unique demands require a specialised approach to training. Simply sticking to your road racing plan won’t maximise your performance.

Gravel races are characterised by a fast start, long distances, mixed terrain and group riding.

Fast Starts

Improve your body’s ability to handle fast starts by recreating this in your training. Moderate to high intensity intervals will increase the intensity you can deal with and recover from. Interval sessions with a hard opening effort followed by a prolonged effort at tempo will simulate this.

Long distances

Endurance is key when riding gravel distances, unlike a conventional road racing plan where endurance takes place early in the year it can be beneficial to focus on endurance closer to your race date, ensuring you still have sufficient endurance to handle the long distances of gravel races.

Mixed Terrain

Practice makes perfect with handling off road terrain, aim to spend at least 2-3 rides a week off road, as well as practicing some efforts on off road terrain to practice difficult surfaces at race pace. It is still beneficial to do a large proportion of your training on the road to preserve quality and consistency of efforts.

Group Riding

Working well in a group will take chunks off your finishing time in any gravel event. Practice this skill with group rides, chain gangs and bunch racing. Learn to read other riders and anticipate tactics.