San Fairy Ann Cycle Club

Hi,

I am considering entering a number of long sportives over 100 miles and even a cuple of audaxes 200k and 300k and I am wondering about the training for them.

I am not going to have the time to do this length of ride that often, but can probably do 100 mile rides at the weekend.

Is it still possible to train on 100 mile rides and having a decent chance of finishing an Audax that is over 200k?

How do other people with limited time train for them??

Having done some sportives I am quite happy with their formula, and I have a number planned. Audaxes however are totally new to me.

I have been told that Maltloaf could be a useful food to eat on an Audax, and as I can eat it by the packet I am seeing a great opportunity to eat a few!

Thanks

Joe

Joe.

From my experience:-
Aim to train for at least 75% of the distance upto 100 miles and make sure you have done a couple of these before the event. So if you want todo a 200k then 150k (100 miles) training rides are fine.

200k rides are great training for a 300k

I find after 4-5 hours in the saddle there's not a lot of difference between 4-5 and 8 hours.

However its very important to understand how you body works and how to keep yourself hydrated and fed during the ride. You need to be nibbling or eating quality foodstuff and keep plenty of fluids going in. Being de-hydrated is not nice and medically unsafe.

Joe,
Unless you are using them as serious training rides and going for the maximum average speed of 30kph (including stops at controls) Audax rides are a lot more relaxed than sportives. The minimum average speed is usually 15kph (just under 10mph). They are not competitive in that the publication of finishing times is specifically banned. (The competitive element is collecting points at the rate of one per 100k in rides of 200k and above.)

Most rides use some cafes as control points so you have time for a stop or two and still have time in reserve for the odd puncture. When you are riding comfortably within your limit the extra distance is no real problem. The mental approach is not to think of the total distance - start off knowing you will be riding for xxx hours and just make your target the next control.

If you find yourself riding in a group be careful not to try to hang on if the pace is a bit too high for comfort. Drop off and ride at you own pace and hopefully find another group later. Be prepared to ride alone most of the way if necessary.

Hi Joe,

More of the same really. I tend to aim for a 20kph average including stops so for a 200k - 10 hours. I usually end up somewhere close. As for training; Local riding for an hour or two at any average above 20 as I can manage. I'm not particularly quick but I can keep going.
On a 200, I like to tag along with a fast group for one leg, say 50k's worth. That said, its never the first leg as I seem to take about an hour to get going and they'll always be at the first cafe stop! There is plenty of scope on an Audax for either the tortoise or hare approach, whichever suits, but bear in mind Ron's comment about punctures (time consuming especially when you are close to the wire) and Phil's remark's about food and drink. The less frenetic nature of Audaxes can be deceptive (as can some of the riders!). Fuel is still required.
It's great fun and the sense of achievement isn't diminished by the alleged (!) non competitive element. You'll feel like you've been somewhere!

skål

Andy