Sportive training

[Andy Jeffery]

Hi Guys,

Any tips on training starting now for next years sportive season?

Never done one and any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Andy.

 

[Dusty Bin]

Just ride your bike a lot. Sometimes shorter and faster, sometimes longer and slower, but ride regularly. The only objective of a sportive is that you complete the distance - so providing you are comfortable riding whatever distances you plan on doing, then you'll have no issues.

 

[Hill Wimp]

Get in lots of time in the saddle, don't worry too much about number of miles or time at first as those will follow on quickly. It is about being comfortable for the distance. The 100 mile rides when you first start could take you as long as 6-7 hours.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Yup! Just keep peddling!

 

[SquareDaff]

Put in a few miles over winter and if you can start the season with a "base" mileage of at least 30 miles then 100 will be no problem. Good luck btw: the 1st one is a big learning experience but it's onwards and upwards from there!!

 

[Hill Wimp]

Go for the middle mileage on your first sportive. There are usually 3 choices but unless you know you can do the middle one comfortably be wary of going for the big one as it may put you off doing sportives if you find it difficult especially if you have signed up to do a lot. Once the season starts there are lots around the country every week. With any luck by the time the season starts the 1st choice of mileage will be easy, the second a small challenge and the big one will be one to build to. By this time next year you will be well seasoned.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Put in a few miles over winter and if you can start the season with a "base" mileage of at least 30 miles then 100 will be no problem. Good luck btw: the 1st one is a big learning experience but it's onwards and upwards from there!!

This! I find that doing at least a bit of mileage (unless centigrade goes minus) through the winter makes me a LOT fitter come summer. I love winter riding!

 

[Andy Jeffery]

Thanks for all your advice guys. I have something to aim at now.

Cheers Andy

 

[pauldavid]

The british cycling site has a new training plan to get you ready for next years sportive season. Weeks 1-4 are on there now.

 

[naffa]

The british cycling site has a new training plan to get you ready for next years sportive season. Weeks 1-4 are on there now.

As are weeks 5-25. I'm in a similar position to the OP and have had a good look at the training plans after downloading them last night

 

[Herbie]

Just ride your bike a lot. Sometimes shorter and faster, sometimes longer and slower, but ride regularly. The only objective of a sportive is that you complete the distance - so providing you are comfortable riding whatever distances you plan on doing, then you'll have no issues.

great advice

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

I think all has been said. Ride a bit, ride some more and a then a bit more. High mileage is just a numbers game and a lot can be in your head. For example, having never ridden a 100 miler before I rode in a 227 mile effort last summer. I had put in about 1500 miles training beforehand, biggest solo ride before 'the big day' had been around 85 miles. On the day of your event just keep turning those pedals, if you do you are guaranteed to cross the finish line.