Get Training and be in great shape for your ride

We get asked on many occasions about the rides; how tough are they, how much training should I be doing, what’s your steepest hill, what does it take to get a silver or gold??
Many “new” cyclists are keen to “fast-track” their way to success particularly where time for training is short
We decided that the best way to answer all of your questions was to team up with Andy Cook, one of the top British Cycling Coaches and National Cycle Training Instructors and invite him use his expertise to devise training plans for the Wiggle Magnificat.
 
We have a very good result!
Andy has designed three 12 week plans tailored to your cycling abilities, that enables you to gradually build up your training to reach your event in the best shape possible. The daily approach plans are created as sets of 4 week blocks with 3 weeks progressive work followed by 1 week ‘easing back’, building up to your goal event over 12 weeks. This allows you to build up the quality and quantity of work undertaken over 3 weeks followed by a ‘recovery week’ in order that a further progressive 4 week period can commence.
Here are Andy’s training plans for the Wiggle Magnificat;
 
  • AC Beginner Training Plan – for CommuniCat cyclists   
  • AC Intermediate Training Plan – for InterCat cyclists
  • AC Expert Training Plan – for MagnifiCat cyclists
 
Training Plan Breakdown
             Beginner:
  • You have recently taken up cycling or making a comeback to regular cycling
  • You are keen to improve your fitness and maintain a regular cycling routine
  • You want to improve your cycling skills
  •  You have time to ride at least twice a week.
  • You are want to cycle 51mile CommuniCat and other similar rides
 
Intermediate:
  • You already have an understanding of basic training techniques
  • You already ride regularly
  • You want to become more competitive
  • You have some 8 hours available to train each week
  •  You are considering 81 mile InterCat and century rides for the first time
 
Expert:
  • You already have a solid cycling fitness base
  • You are determined to achieve faster riding in events such as time trials or personal challenges in a sportive
  • You have a focused and committed approach to dedicate a good 10 hours a week to training
  • You are keen to achieve gold standard in the 127mile MagnifiCat.
 
When choosing your training programme be realistic when setting your aims and objectives and training time you can commit to.
 
How to get started:
1.      Invest in one of the training plans at £12.99 (15p per day). Click here
2.      Sign up to Charity Silver/Gold Bond package deal when you register for your event. Click here
 
Additional advice from Andy Cook:
  • It is essential to be comfortable on your bike as this assists with the actual effort of undertaking a structured training programme. Make sure you have the right size bike for you set up in the correct position.
  • Have a good quality cycling kit especially shorts! Having the best shorts you can afford helps to make sure that training is as pleasurable as can be!
  • Make sure your diet and nutrition is tailored to your increasing training efforts.