Training Down Under

With the start of the 2016 season only days away for Luke and Dani, they are both out in Australia putting in a solid block of training for the Tour Down Under and rest of the season.

 

The main focus for both Luke and Dani, is building their form – not to specifically peak or try and target the Tour Down Under, however its always nice to hit the season opener with good form.

 

So what exactly are Luke & Dani doing out in Australia at the moment? What do their cycle training plans look like? Here is an insight…

 

Luke Week 1 Adelaide, Australia 2016

 

The focus is on general endurance, and building power, which are both vital components for the races Luke is targeting early season – The Classics.

With all of the Classics well over 200km and containing some seriously difficult terrain; bergs in Flanders, Cobbles in Roubaix, and not to mention the gail force cross winds throughout – you need some serious fire power to be able to stay in contention. These guys push out over 1000 Watts for prolonged periods, numerous times throughout an event like Paris Roubaix, so it needs to be replicated in training.

 

Luke’s toughest day this week was a 6 hour ride, packed with efforts which saw his max power hit, along with threshold / zone 3 efforts to build up his tolerance and ability to absorb the first few hours of a race, without digging in to his reserves too much.

 

 

Dani Week 1 Adelaide, Australia 2016

The focus for Dani is similar, where although women’s races are not as long as mens – they are still well over 100km, and require that sort of distance to be replicated in training.

 

Dani has been riding with the Team Sky boys where training plans permit, which is great training as the speed of the ride is just generally that few km an hour quicker than she would ride in a normal group or on her own.

 

Dani ensures she completes some specific efforts focusing on her speed, as this is naturally one of Dani’s strengths (coming from a heavy track background). A little top end speed work, coupled with some threshold / zone 3 work in and amongst some 4 hour rides is the main diet of Dani’s training.

With the weather so good out in Australia – Luke and Dani are sure to be building up a great sun tan, ready for the sleet and snow which will no doubt greet the Pro Peloton in Northern Europe this Spring.

 

Australia isn’t typical of the winter most of us experience – check out Rowe & King’s training article on Winter Training. Happy Cycling!

 

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