Planning your 2025 Cycling Season

Introduction

As the offseason rolls around for many of us in the cycling world, it's hard not to look ahead and dream about what the next season could bring. The idea of cycling events and personal goals—whether it's competing in races, completing your longest ride, or planning an adventurous bike-packing trip—can be exciting, but also overwhelming. How do you balance cycling training, recovery, and personal life with a packed calendar of events?

This guide will help you effectively plan your cycling season by offering insights into setting clear goals, organizing your schedule, and optimizing your training. Whether you're aiming for a race victory or simply want to enjoy your time on the bike, these tips will keep you on track for a successful cycling season.

1. Determine Your Goals

Setting clear goals is the foundation of a successful season. These goals could include:

• Completing a specific race or event.
• Reaching a target FTP (Functional Threshold Power).
• Embarking on a bike-packing trip.
• Riding your longest distance ever.

Once you’ve established your goals, it's essential to put a time frame around them. If you’re racing, the date is often predetermined, making it easier to map your season. If it’s a personal goal, set a clear deadline to maintain motivation and focus. 

When it comes to competitive events, prioritize them with "A," "B," and "C" goals:

• A-Races: These are your top-priority events, where you aim to perform your best. You should peak for these races.
• B-Races: These are important, but not as critical. Use these to gauge your form, but don’t expect to peak.
• C-Races: These are more like training events. They allow you to practice race-day strategies without focusing on results.

2. Research Events and Dates

With a myriad of races, gran fondos, and group rides available, the first step is researching potential events that align with your goals. Here's what to consider when choosing your events:

• Event Type: Is it a road race, gravel race, or endurance ride? Make sure the event aligns with your strengths and what you enjoy.
• Terrain and Distance: Look into the terrain and distance of the event to ensure it suits your training plan. If it’s a mountainous race, for example, you’ll need to focus on climbing in your training. Or if it is a short crit or cyclocross race, you’ll want to focus on your top-end speed, like VO2 max.
• Weather Conditions: The climate during the race is a crucial factor. If the event is typically held in hot conditions, plan to include heat training leading up to it.
• Registration and Deadlines: Popular events sell out quickly, so register early to secure your spot. Consider travel plans, especially if the event is out of town, and book accommodations ahead of time.

Avoid overloading your schedule with too many races in a short span. Spread your races out to give yourself adequate recovery time between events.

3. Work Backwards from Your Main Goal

Once you’ve chosen your "A" race or key goal, it’s time to plan your cycling training. The best way to do this is to work backward from the event date. Your training plan will be divided into different phases, each with a specific focus:

• Base Phase (8-12 Weeks): This phase builds your aerobic endurance through long, steady rides at low intensity. The focus is on endurance and efficiency, laying the foundation for harder efforts later.
• Build Phase (8-10 Weeks): This phase increases intensity with intervals and threshold work, building your strength, speed, and power.
• Peak Phase (4-6 Weeks): This phase includes race-specific workouts and is designed to sharpen your fitness. You’ll taper during this period, allowing your body to recover and reach peak form.
• Recovery: Incorporate recovery days and weeks into your plan to avoid burnout and overtraining. Every 3-4 weeks, take a lighter week to let your body rest and adapt to the training load.

By breaking your training into these blocks, you ensure that you’re peaking at the right time for your "A" race.

4. Schedule Your Workouts with Purpose

As you get closer to your key events, tailor your workouts to match the demands of the race. Here’s how:

• Event-Specific Workouts: If you’re training for a long endurance event, prioritize long rides at moderate intensity to prepare your body for hours in the saddle. On the other hand, if you’re preparing for a short, intense criterium, focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and VO2 max efforts to build speed and power.
• Event Simulations: Try doing a few workouts that closely mimic race conditions. For example, replicate the race distance and terrain during a long weekend ride, or practice attacking and sprinting for a criterium. These simulations also provide a chance to rehearse your nutrition and hydration strategy as well as your pre-race routine, ensuring you're prepared for the big day.

Use apps and websites like Strava or TrainingPeaks to monitor and track your training!

5. Practice Your Fueling and Hydration

No matter how strong you are on the bike, poor nutrition can derail even the best-laid plans. During your training, experiment with various fueling and hydration strategies to see what works best for you.

• Carb Intake: Aim to consume around 60-90 grams of carbohydrates per hour during long rides or races. This can come from energy bars, gels, or drinks.
• Hydration: Don’t neglect fluids. Make sure you’re drinking regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty, especially during longer rides or hot weather conditions.
• Pre-Race Nutrition: Practice your pre-race meal routine on training days to ensure your stomach can handle it on race day. This might include a high-carbohydrate breakfast 2-3 hours before your event.

6. Offseason Training

Winter can be a tricky time for cyclists, but it’s also an opportunity to build a strong foundation for the coming season. Indoor trainers and platforms like Zwift are excellent tools for maintaining fitness, but avoid going too hard too often. The offseason should focus on base-building and recovery.

Base Building: Steady, endurance-paced rides are the key here. The goal is to increase your aerobic capacity without burning out. Cross-Training: Incorporate activities like strength training, yoga, or swimming to build overall fitness and prevent injury. These activities strengthen muscles that might not be engaged during cycling but are crucial for overall performance and stability. Avoid Burnout: Too much intensity during the offseason can lead to fatigue before the main cycling season even begins. Be mindful of balancing hard and easy sessions.

7. Ensure Your Gear is Ready

Whether you're doing a 200-mile gravel race or a 50-mile gran fondo, your equipment needs to be dialed in. Here’s what to consider:

• Bike Maintenance: Ensure your bike is in top shape. Check the drivetrain, tires, and brakes, and address any issues well before the event.
• Race-Specific Gear: If you're tackling gravel, for example, make sure your bike is equipped with the proper tires, tools, and bags. Will you need extra nutrition or hydration storage for long days in the saddle? Plan accordingly. 
• Weather-Appropriate Apparel: Depending on the event’s location and climate, you might need rain gear, windbreakers, or even thermal layers. Don’t leave this to the last minute—test your equipment in advance to make sure it’s race-ready.

8. Adjust When Needed

Even with the best planning, things don’t always go as expected. Illness, injury, or personal commitments can throw a wrench in your training schedule. It’s crucial to stay flexible and adjust as needed:

• Listen to Your Body: If you’re feeling fatigued or sick, don’t push through—take the rest you need. It’s better to take a few days off than to push yourself into overtraining or injury.
• Life Happens: Events may get cancelled or rescheduled, or you might have to adjust your goals due to unforeseen circumstances. Be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to modify your plans.

Conclusion

Planning your cycling season requires a strategic approach to setting goals, training smartly, and staying flexible. By setting clear priorities, organizing your training phases, and preparing your gear and body for the demands ahead, you’ll position yourself for success. Whether you’re aiming for a race victory, your longest ride, or simply a memorable season on the bike, this guide will help you make the most of your cycling year.

At Nomad Frontiers, we’re excited to hear about your plans and goals for the upcoming cycling season! Whether you're gearing up for your first race, planning an epic bike-packing adventure, or working on smashing your personal best, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, need advice on structuring your training, or want recommendations on the best gear to optimize your performance. We’re passionate about helping fellow cyclists achieve their goals, and we’d love to be a part of your journey as you prepare for your best season yet!

Remember: cycling is not just about reaching the finish line, but also about enjoying the journey along the way. Plan carefully, train hard, and most importantly, have fun!