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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-
We are based in Briançon
Nice. Some great roads in that area, but the valleys can be busy as the road from Grenoble to Turin is a major trunk route through the Alps.
someone who I am staying with is keen on Stelvio so will be driving there to ride up
Er, what? That's a long way, like a 12 hour round trip long way.
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Want to do finestre
I'm really looking forward to this one. Brutal looking numbers (19km at 9% average) and lots of it on gravel, but is meant to be incredible. A mate said basically never put a foot down, 'cause if you do it's really hard to get going again.
We are basically doing the raide alpine north to south, with a few extras thrown in.
I'm going to be doing some increasingly long lumpy rides from March onwards if you fancy it.
andyp
TTM
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.