Want this training plan?

12 Week First 100 Mile Gran Fondo Training Plan

Experience Level

Beginner

Number of Weeks

12

Training Plan Introduction

Are you ready to take on your first 100 mile ride?
This plan is your gateway to building the stamina, strength, and confidence you need to complete your Gran Fondo and achieve a massive milestone in your cycling journey.

Break Milestones

  • Conquer 100 miles: Build the endurance and mindset to comfortably complete your first 100mile ride.
  • Increase Strength & Stamina: Develop strength endurance with intervals and long-distance rides.
  • Peak with Confidence: Enter your event feeling prepared, capable, and excited to achieve your goal.

Is This Plan You Need?

  • Structured & Progressive: Designed to build your distance and fitness gradually over 10 weeks without overloading your body.
  • Beginner-Friendly: With just 3 rides per week and manageable progression, this plan balances intensity and recovery.
  • Flexible Training: Sessions based on power or perceived effort, making it accessible with or without advanced cycling gear.

Tap Into Your Potential

This plan is for cyclists who are new to long-distance rides but are determined to reach new milestones. With commitment and consistency, you’ll complete your first 100 mile with strength, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Key Features

Structured Progression

  • 3 rides per week, starting with the longest ride at one hour in week 1.
  • Gradual increases, leading to a longest ride of 80 miles in the final weeks before the big day.
  • Averages 5 hours of riding per week, balancing intensity and recovery.

Flexibility & Adaptability

  • Adjustable sessions to fit into your schedule while maintaining progression.
  • Compatible with smartwatches for easy tracking and real-time feedback.

Personalised Approach

  • Training sessions tailored to perceived effort (RPE) or power zones, allowing you to train effectively with or without advanced cycling gear.
  • Progress tracked using TrainingPeaks.
  • Direct email support for guidance, motivation, and event preparation.

Who Is This Plan For?

  • Beginner Cyclists: Riders preparing for their first 100 mile ride who can currently ride for an hour and a half comfortably.
  • Time-Limited Athletes: Cyclists looking for structure and results with only 3 rides per week.
  • Goal-Driven Riders: Athletes ready to complete their first Gran Fondo and enjoy the process.

What You Get

  • 12 weeks of detailed training: Progression-focused and time-efficient.
  • 3 sessions per week: A mix of long-distance, interval, and recovery rides.
  • Coaching support: Email access for personalized advice and motivation.
  • Fully integrated calendar: Track your training and stay on schedule.

Added Extra Benefits

  • Expert Guidance: Backed by 12+ years of coaching experience.
  • Gran Fondo Tips: A guide to pacing, fueling, and staying comfortable on long rides.
  • Smartwatch Integration: Make the most of your training tech to follow every workout live
  • Event Readiness: Detailed event-day preparation advice to ensure you’re ready to succeed.
  • Welcoming Document: Full setup guide and terminology explained for easy plan use.

Take the Leap

This plan isn’t just about completing 100 miles; it’s about growing as a cyclist and proving what you’re capable of. Every session has a purpose, and every mile builds towards your success.

Let’s make your first 100 mile ride a reality.
Start today and take the first step toward completing your goal!

Training Plan Sample

Training Plan Cost

Training plans are processed in USD $. Conversions are estimates.

Full Compatibility

This training plan is compatible with...

Your Coach

Chris Searle the head coach of efficient endurance

Hi, I’m Chris.

I’m a professional coach with 12 years of experience. My coaching approach for cycling is all about time efficiency. Every session is designed to get the most out of your available training time, helping you improve without unnecessary effort.

I focus on smart, effective training that maximises your progress in the shortest time possible.

FAQ's

These plans are tailored for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced, looking to maximize their performance. If you’re unsure of which level you are, get in touch!

The only thing you need is a trainingpeaks account and the usual cycling kit (bike, helmet, suitable clothing) but to get the most out of your training plan, having the following would be ideal:

  • Compatible* smartwatch / bike computer

The following items are optimal but not necessary:

  • Chest Based Heart Rate Monitor
  • Power Meter

 

*All common devices sync with trainingpeaks, check here to see if your device is compatible with the structured workout feature so you can follow your sessions on the go.

Training sessions are written in an optimal order for improvement, progression and recovery, but plans change and when they do you can move sessions across days and weeks with a premium training peaks account.

If you need to move things around but are not sure what is best, get in touch and I will help you out.

Most likely. Plans that have strength sessions included use weights such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and cable machines. You don’t have to do these sessions but they add another dimension to your training that running alone can not do.

Sometimes, we have to miss a session, life gets in the way. Fortunately these plans are robust and consistency and efficiency will keep you progressing. Don’t fret over a missed session and don’t try and catch up either, you will still keep moving forwards.

You can adjust the schedule or swap sessions with a premium training peaks account; email support is available for advice if you’re unsure of what to do.

Every session includes detailed instructions and the rationale behind it. Feel free to email if further clarification is needed.

Improved endurance, better race-specific fitness, and confidence on race day. Results depend on how disciplined you are to the plan- it is designed to keep you motivated.

Our guarantee ensures that you are on the right training plan for you. If you find your plan is too much, too little, too hard or too easy, get in touch and we will swap you onto a more suitable plan.

We would love to issue refunds but do not have the option for this as payment is taken by trainingpeaks.

Absolutely! Email support is available for guidance and motivation.

We only provide support for the duration of your plan and 2 weeks afterwards. If you would like coaching after your plan, get in touch!

Why choose Efficient Endurance

Efficient Endurance Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Ability-based plans & email support
  • Expert Input - Designed by a qualified, experienced coach
  • Structured Progression - Detailed progression
  • Detailed Sessions - Clear explanation of how sessions support your goal
  • Training Volume - Balanced for your level
  • Tech Integration - Compatible with smartwatches and bike computers
  • Support & Advice - Email support from a coach
  • Plan Guarantee - Free plan swap if needed
  • Cost - $3 per week

Free Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Generic & non-specific
  • Expert Input - No professional input
  • Structured Progression - Some progression
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Inconsistent and limited
  • Detailed Sessions - No race-specific advice
  • Tech Integration - No compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No support offered
  • Plan Guarantee - No other plans
  • Cost - Free

Other Premium Training Plans

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Limited ability variations
  • Expert Input - Created by a qualified coach
  • Structured Progression - Include generic progression
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Suitable volume for athletes
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - Occasional support, sometimes outsourced
  • Plan Guarantee - Limited or no guarantee
  • Cost - $4-8 per week

AI Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Algorithm-based, lacks nuance
  • Expert Input - Automated, no human touch
  • Structured Progression - Only if the algorithm says so
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Metrics can miscalculate workload
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No human support available
  • Plan Guarantee - No guarantees
  • Cost - $10+ per week

Related Training Plans

8 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan For Those With Limited Time

8 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan – 4-5 Hours Per Week

8 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan – 5-6 Hours Per Week

6 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan – 5-6 Hours Per Week

6 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan – 4-5 Hours Per Week

6 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan For Those With Limited Time

4 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan – 5-6 Hours Per Week

4 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan – 4-5 Hours Per Week

4 Week Time Trial Improvement Training Plan For Those With Limited Time

12 Week First 100 Mile Gran Fondo Training Plan

Want this training plan?

Efficient Endurance focuses on getting the best out of everyone with the precious time we have

Training Plans

Contact

Newsletter

Access a free training plan example by subscribing to our newsletter