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How to Train For A Week-Long Italian Bike Tour

Beppe Salerno
Posted by Beppe Salerno on Jan 24, 2017 5:00:00 PM

This time of the year it's difficult to think about next year's cycling season and the week-long bike tour you have scheduled, but now is the time to start thinking about training for that trip so that you can worry less about your shape and more about enjoying the scenic rides and amazing food and drink.

Here are three tips to making the most of your training so you'll be ready to embrace everything your Italian bike tour has to offer. And for even more tips, check out our free 6 week training plan.

Be Consistent (Outdoor or Indoor)

Nothing's more important than getting time in the saddle. What you do in those hours is up to you, but having a regular riding schedule is better than riding five days a week for two weeks and then not riding at all for the next two. Make a habit of hopping on the bike certain days of the week, or join a group ride at your local bike shop. Consistently riding will increase your fitness level without much extra thought. Indoor training is fine. I believe in indoor training so much that I took an indoor cycling instructor certification with Cycling Fusion. They really do a good job at riding indoor with a real cycling purpose, and they give you a helpful motivation boost. If you need an indoor trainer, consider reading How to Choose an Indoor Bike Trainer by Bicycling Magazine.

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Increase Mileage Steadily

You don't want to hop on the bike for the first time in awhile and immediately try to do 50-60 miles, or even just any ride that takes more than 2 hrs. It takes time to build up the stamina for longer rides, so work on increasing your mileage 20-30% week after week, with the occasional lighter week thrown in for rest. If one week you're able to do three 15-mile rides, try aiming for three 20-mile rides the next. Slowly but surely you'll be able to do that 50 mile ride without putting undue stress on your body. Cycling tours are rated based on the fitness level required

Our 6 week training plan will get you ready for your active cycling vacation.

Do Tour-Related Workouts

If your bike tour is mostly flat then you'll need different workouts than if you're climbing in the Dolomites. Your bike tour training plan should be specific. Take a look at the itinerary or speak with your tour provider and find out what the terrain is really like. You can then match what you'll be riding with the kinds of workouts you can do at home. 

Tourissimo 6 Week Training Plan

Topics: Cycling

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