Looking for a really big destination? How about Mount Everest? Climbing until you reach 8,848 metres in altitude - Everesting is the trend among racing cyclists. The rules are simple: the aim is to cycle up and down any given climb until 8,848 metres in altitude on the speedometer.
Everesting has everything that makes a great destination: slightly crazy, challenging, but achievable with training. A bit like the Ötztal Cycle Marathon. But without the unpredictability that the big events suffer from in times of Corona. Everesting is almost always possible, it is possible on small and large climbs. The timing is entirely up to you.
Everesting for beginners: 1,840 vertical metres in one ride
The basic idea of Everesting can also be applied to lower altitude goals, for example the Stelvio Pass (1,840 metres altitude), which is more realistic for riders with a limited time budget. We have therefore drawn up two plans, one that will take you up Everest and one that will take you up the Stelvio. Ultimately, it doesn't matter on which climb you realise this plan.
Everesting on a road bike: the right preparation
Steep climbs are particularly efficient, where the shortest riding times can be expected - the Irish record holder Ronan McLaughlin chose a short, steep climb with only 117 metres of elevation gain and an average gradient of 14 per cent. Steady climbs are preferable to unrhythmic ones. And in any case, the gearing should be prepared in such a way that a fluid tread is possible (around 85 revolutions per minute).
It is also important to have an optimised and proven Diet with 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour. This is because the body burns more calories during sustained high exertion than in a race or training session with flat passages and slipstream effect.
The TOUR training plans for Everesting
The 12-week Everest plan The programme provides for an average of 12 hours of training per week and peaks at just under 18 hours per week. It is only suitable for highly trained cyclists who can cope with such volumes. In the record attempt, the target performance range is the upper basic GA1 to GA2 range. Depending on your ability and the route, you should expect to ride for 9 to 20 hours. If you have to cancel a session due to weather or time constraints, make sure you complete the workouts marked in dark green: They are the key to ultimate success!
The four-week Stelvio Pass plan can be attempted by anyone who has ever tackled a pass with an altitude difference of at least 700 metres; the training volume of 7 to 9 hours per week is much less than for Everest. The same applies here: the key units highlighted in dark green are the most important for getting in shape.
