Criterium Build-Peak-Race Period (Under 50) ~11hrs/wk
Author: Joe Friel
11 weeks - $99.95
Total Hours: 143

This criterium Build-Peak-Race periods training plan was designed by Joe Friel to prepare you for an A-priority race in the last week of the plan. It is based on the the principles described in his book, The Cyclists Training Bible. It is best started about 11 weeks prior to your A-priority race.
This plan is intended for the under-age-50 cyclist who has been racing for two or more years. To start this plan you should be able to train about 12 hours a week. The weekly training hours vary from 11 to 9 hours depending on periodization. There is an R&R/adaptation week every fourth week. The emphasis is on power for sprinting but there is variety each week to develop all race-specific abilities. Strength maintenance workouts are included once each week.
The plan uses common language to describe the workouts and is easy to follow. By the end of 11 weeks you will have excellent fitness and be ready for your A-priority criterium race.
What do you get with a training plan?

After purchase, your plan will be available in your own private online training log account. You'll enjoy these benefits and more:
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Sample workouts:
Day #1
SM, 2 sets
Planned Time: 0:30
Warm-up 5-10 minutes on a stationary bike. Then complete 2 sets of strength maintenance (SM) weight lifting using the exercises listed under Comments below. The first set is light (12 reps with a load you could lift 15 times). The second set is heavy (3-5 reps with a load you could lift 6 times). Complete both sets of each exercise before moving to the next exercise. Cool down for 5 minutes by spinning in an easy gear/resistance at high rpm. For details see attached or go to The Cyclist's Training Bible, chapter 12 or see attached.
Day #2
Sprints, hill, short
Planned Time: 1:30
BT: Hill sprints. On 6-8% hill do 18-24 x 12-15 second, all-out sprints (3 minute recoveries). If using a powermeter this is done at CP1. Combination of sitting and standing. Otherwise heart rate zones 1-2.
Workout #2
Sprints, crit, long
Planned Time: 1:30
BT: Crit sprints. After warm-up do 3-5 sets of 3 x 20-25 second sprints. Intensity is 10 (1-10 scale) or with powermeter it is CP1. Include corners. Recover until heart rate is in zone 2. 5 minutes of recovery between sets.
Day #3
Tempo--30'
Planned Time: 1:30
BT: Warm-up well. Then ride 30 to 40 minutes non-stop in the heart rate 3 zone (or CP90 if using a powermeter) on a mostly flat course. Slightly bigger gear than usual. 80-90 rpm. Smooth pedaling. Aero position.
Day #4
Sprintervals
Planned Time: 1:30
BT:Sprintervals. After warm-up do 3 x 15-20 seconds all out (or CP1 with powermeter) with 1-minute recoveries followed immediately by 3 minutes to heart rate 5b zone (or CP6 with a powermeter). Take 8 minutes of recovery and then repeat this 2 more times. 95-110 rpm. Aero position.
Day #5
Recovery spin
Planned Time: 1:0
Go for a very easy recovery spin on a mostly flat course (or indoor trainer if no flat course available) in the small chain ring. Heart rate zone 1 (RPE 1). Light on the pedals. Comfortably high rpm focusing on pedaling skills.
Workout #2
Recovery Day
Planned Time: 0:0
Actively focus on recovery today: 1) stay off of legs all you can, 2) watch nutrition closely (healthy carbs, lean protein, and good fats), 3) stretch, and 4) drink plenty of fluids. Other common recovery aids include massage, napping, elevating legs, floating in water, and listening to music.
Day #6
Group ride, how you feel
Planned Time: 2:30
BT: Group ride. Ride how you feel today: If tired, sit in at heart rate 1-3 zones (RPE 1-3); if fresh, ride race efforts in all zones (RPE 1-5). Be smart.
Workout #2
Race
Planned Time: 2:30
Race. If racing tomorrow instead reverse these Saturday-Sunday workouts.