If you want to compete at your top-level, then you will want to periodize your training. Periodizing your practice can be done by planning your cycling training season for the year carefully.
Long-term planning and scheduling
If you have a long-term schedule and plans in your training, it is called periodization. In this planning for the year and scheduling, each period of your scheduled training program will prepare you for the next, more advanced period on your schedule.
This will perpetuate until you have peaked at the time of your most important competition of the season. Some trainers have used periodization for several years with the athletes they train.
If you vary the volume, the intensity, and recovery period in various scheduled periods of your schedule deliberately and systematically, you can maximize your level of performance at the same time as you reduce the risks of over-training or injury.
A Yearly Cycling Training Plan
You need to first look at your competition schedule for the season or year.
After you have researched your years’ competition schedule, you can create a yearly training schedule and plan that is periodized for your competitions. When you are planning for the year, you will want to periodontist the season by determining the specific training periods.
These periods may include:
- Your general preparation periods for the season and competitions
- Specialization for the specific races
- Competition in general
- Your transition periods.
Decide when the peak points are in your season for various levels of competition. During various levels of competition, you may want to peak mentally, emotionally, tactically, and physically. These times will include your year-end championship season.
The Macrocycle
The macrocycle is what many cyclists have termed the annual training season. A macrocycle is a complete bike training plan or cycle. Your macrocycle begins when your training commences and peaks at the time of a major competition. The macrocycle then continues through the transitional and recovery periods.
You will have the best opportunity to create a well-planned training schedule if you:
- have solid information about your strengths and goals
- make a yearly training schedule accordingly
Only a well-planned training schedule will allow you to work in specific training periods known as periods. You will want to divide your yearly training schedule into periods to get the best training possible and reach the best competition results.
Split the training Training into three separate periods.
These three periods are preparation (base training), competition, and transition. Transition is often referred to as active rest. Within each period, you will want to control the volume, intensity, frequency, and skill work of your training. This will help to direct you to your peak performance level.
