Sportive riding - How much training should I do?

Good question!

With the increasing popularity of Sportive's up and down the country and even Grand Fondo's in central Europe preparation is key.

Too often even on the shorter charity rides such as London to Brighton people start with gusto only to fade before Turners Hill with half the course including Ditchling Beacon still to ride. A daunting prospect to the inexperienced cyclist which can turn into a miserable experience instead of a joyful occasion without a little simple training.

Its all very easy to work out. Take your sportive length - kilometres sound impressive but we measure in miles here! Estimate [realistically now!] your average speed taking into account whether its flat,  hilly or a mixture. Trust me, on a lumpy course you'll be down to around 14 -15mph - nothing to be ashamed of you're still twice as fit as the average 'couch potato'!

You will be capable of riding 3 times the length of your average ride. Typically if you train 1 1/2 hours 4 times per week = 6 hours you'll be able to ride 4 1/2 hours around 60 -70 miles.

Likewise 90 miles at 15mph will be a 6 hour ride so you'll need to train 2 hours 5 -6 times per week.

Riding with a group of likeminded friends or with club will always help.  Using the 'talk test' when riding will give the correct intensity, you should be able to just talk in short bursts - don't worry about power output/HR, just enjoy the ride. If you record it look when you get home or let me analyse it - if I coach you!

That's the basics if you really want to succeed contact me: coach@merlincyclecoaching.com

How much natural talent do you have?

After the article in Cycling Weekly last week we updated 'the company' Wattbike firmware to do the UCI-WCC talent test see video here

We warmed up head coach Paul Winkley on the Wattbike and tested him.

He beat the guy from Cycling Weekly but then he is the wrong side of 60 and results not bad for an old bloke.

He's always going to be a better coach than a pro-cyclist though!

Want to have a go?

Contact us - you never know, you might be the next winner of the Tour de France!

Coming soon FAQ's

In response to all your enquires we're currently compiling a comprehensive FAQ's page. Please do still send us any enquires so we can regularly update the page with your latest queries.

In the meantime we're looking forward to the new season and some warmer weather. Hope you're motivated and training hard - all the Merlin Cycle Coaching riders are!