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Snap. I'm doing my first proper mountains trip in June, so obviously take my advice with the caveat that I'm learning as I go.
I've always thought FTP is important, but the more I read and train, the less it becomes. Specifity. Look at what you'll be riding each day and train appropriately. For me, that's 2-3 60'/90' climbs per day interspersed with the descents and flat valley work. For six days. So, as I build, I'm aiming to be able to hold upper z3 for the duration of those climbs and upper z2 for the rest. Also, to be able to do that day after day for the week. Also, I'm dropping a fair chunk of weight as I go (2kg so far, 2 to go).
And core work, as Andy mentioned.
Jim is your man though, as he's done a lot of this type of climbing.
TTM-
I've always thought FTP is important, but the more I read and train, the less it becomes. Specifity. Look at what you'll be riding each day and train appropriately. For me, that's 2-3 60'/90' climbs per day interspersed with the descents and flat valley work. For six days. So, as I build, I'm aiming to be able to hold upper z3 for the duration of those climbs and upper z2 for the rest. Also, to be able to do that day after day for the week. Also, I'm dropping a fair chunk of weight as I go (2kg so far, 2 to go).
Great points! We are based in Briançon, I haven't looked too much into logistics yet but doing the etape so Izoard. Want to do finestre, galibier and telegraphe if I can and someone who I am staying with is keen on Stelvio so will be driving there to ride up.
I think 65 is my optimum weight, I've gone under it but I feel like I lose power. PM will tell.
amey
oh hai fast ppl!
I have Alps trip in July, aiming to do 5 cols in 11 days. Its my first time cycling in Europe. I want to start working on fitness and peak in July. It might be too early given its not for another 6 months.
What I am looking for is not be shit at riding 100-ish miles with good amount of elevation i.e. a decent average speed. I am not that heavy, fluctuate between 67-65. I havent done FTP test since I sold my PM couple of years ago, then I was 3.5 w/kg so dunno where I am at now. Will be getting a left only PM for this and sell after.
I am good at hills, at least mentally. I love them, the longer the better. The only unknown is really long hills given 99% of my cycling has happened in home counties of London. But I am really looking forward to that aspect.
My biggest weakness is an absolute lack of upper body strength, core is OK but can be improved. That is an issue after about 60 miles I start to ache where I shouldn't. I have done 150 mile rides and still have energy in legs but my upper body gets pretty fucked. I am open to joining a gym (there is one just down my road) for this. I kinda hate turbo not for its intensity but utter utter boredom. I'd rather ride outside. So @andyp @skinny @TTM @jim1985 tell me where can I do FTP test in Kent.
I will be working full time till July with a 22-ish mile round trip commute which I want to 'use' if I can.
What do I do?