HOW TO GO THE DISTANCE

There's more to going long than just grinding it out. Steve Shrubsall finds out how to thrive during ultra endurance events

- 

Every long or ultra-distance ride is like a game of chess: you must think first before you move. Unlike shorter events where your physiology reigns supreme, ultra and multiday events need to be intricately choreographed in order to, well, survive.

Off-the-bike planning and preparation can start months before the riding is due to begin. From sleep and nutrition to training and pacing strategies, this feature aims to help you piece together the logistical puzzle of long-distance riding and make your next event your best yet.

• How to train for it?

Once you have planned a monumentally long ride or event, it can be difficult to know where to start with the training. Do you simply embark on three months of long endurance miles, or should you take a more calculated approach? According to round-the-world record holder Mark Beaumont, a method known as reverse periodisation is a good way to develop top-end fitness before developing the endurance engine required to go long.

“A lot of riders do their long, base miles over the winter, waiting until the season approaches before they get more pointy and powerful in their training. I do the absolute opposite for endurance or ultra endurance riding,” says Beaumont. “Start by really pushing up your FTP, doing a lot of interval work, expanding your intensity range. As you get closer to your big event, that’s when you can build your conditioning by doing longer hours on the bike at a steadier pace.”