Poor climber to beast climber - how to do it in 3 months?

[BigDL]

I have a 5 day MTB stage race/ride in Italy in either May/June or at the end of August (covid dependent). Routes were published last night and are worse than I (ignorantly) anticipated.

 

The long and the short of it is that the 5 days total distance is 227 km (doesn't sound like a lot) with total climbing of 8,850 m (sounds like a *** load to me at least), with the toughest day being 2750 metres climb in a 55km stage. There are lots of incredibly steep climbs on the route, as you can imagine.

 

Anyway, I am very much a Diesel engine type rider, without a huge amount of climbing endurance. At 104 kg's and 193 cm, I am at best a grinder up hills and have never really sought them out just for fun.

 

So, I am looking for advice on the best way to quickly get stronger on hills without completely destroying myself through stupidity. I have searched the forum but can't really find any threads since 2013, so am hoping for some nuggets. Is there a specific training plan you could recommend? Should I be doing any programs on Zwift/TR etc? My instinct is to just go and ride hills a lot, but not sure if this is correct.

 

Currently riding a Giant Anthem X 29'er (2014 model but with a 2016 frame). Should I be looking to make it lighter by upgrading components etc? Should I stick a bigger cassette on the back (currently standard 2x10)?

 

I am already in the process of losing weight and have decided to accelerate this process from today. Aiming for 89kg's which should help somewhat.

 

Any advice will be appreciated and paid for in beers at the next bikehub international get-together.

 

Edited March 22, 2021 by BigDL

[gummibear]

Most of the events here that were scheduled for May or June have been postponed to September or October.With the numbers rising in Italy I fear the same will happen.

[BigDL]

Most of the events here that were scheduled for May or June have been postponed to September or October.With the numbers rising in Italy I fear the same will happen.

100% - the backup date is currently last week of august, which I imagine is a slightly higher possibility than May.

[Chris_]

(don't stop your watch and you can add an everesting to your CV)

[BigDL]

(don't stop your watch and you can add an everesting to your CV)

[emoji23]

[Chris_]

My first thought was go to gym and get stronger, but then I pictured the typical pro climbing specialist (road though) and they're stick insects. So your weight loss goal is probably a really good idea.

 

Saying that, I've never mtb'ed so I have no place here. I will read replies with interest.

[Kranswurm]

I have a 5 day MTB stage race/ride in Italy in either May/June or at the end of August (covid dependent). Routes were published last night and are worse than I (ignorantly) anticipated.

 

The long and the short of it is that the 5 days total distance is 227 km (doesn't sound like a lot) with total climbing of 8,850 m (sounds like a *** load to me at least), with the toughest day being 2750 metres climb in a 55km stage. There are lots of incredibly steep climbs on the route, as you can imagine.

 

Anyway, I am very much a Diesel engine type rider, without a huge amount of climbing endurance. At 104 kg's and 193 cm, I am at best a grinder up hills and have never really sought them out just for fun.

 

So, I am looking for advice on the best way to quickly get stronger on hills without completely destroying myself through stupidity. I have searched the forum but can't really find any threads since 2013, so am hoping for some nuggets. Is there a specific training plan you could recommend? Should I be doing any programs on Zwift/TR etc? My instinct is to just go and ride hills a lot, but not sure if this is correct.

 

Currently riding a Giant Anthem X 29'er (2014 model but with a 2016 frame). Should I be looking to make it lighter by upgrading components etc? Should I stick a bigger cassette on the back (currently standard 2x10)?

 

I am already in the process of losing weight and have decided to accelerate this process from today. Aiming for 89kg's which should help somewhat.

 

Any advice will be appreciated and paid for in beers at the next bikehub international get-together.

 

Intervals...3 x per week.

End of story.

It makes you stronger big time

On a road bike eats it like a mielie

Edited March 22, 2021 by Kranswurm

[Patchelicious]

If you get below 90, that will make a huge difference. 2 x 10 is plenty.

In short, focus on the weight loss. Spanish steaks help.

Edited March 22, 2021 by Patchelicious

[gummibear]

Spanish steaks help.

 

[love2fly]

I lost about 25kg over 3 years. I am now chasing phase eleventeen and wanting to lose another 10. The challenge is to get fit/strong AND to lose weight. I have decided to chase weight loss about 80% of my rides and do 2 fasted but shorter rides in the week and longer normal rides on weekends.

It's more about the weight than the power. I now weigh 100 odd and find my best climbs start slower and I find my rhythm and get a bit faster nearer the mid point. If you want to lighten your bike go for a light wheelset. I think GCN have a YouTube video test. Good luck

[Zebra]

I know weight loss is way more affordable than saving grams on expensive parts, so I do feel weight loss (combined with the training others will proscribe) will REALLY help; I lost around 6 kgs since 01st Jan (Hub weight loss challenge) and it makes a REAL, immediate difference to climbing speed/endurance, etc, for me, anyway.

 

Good luck

Chris

[bullet77]

Buy a nice new light modern geometry bike and you will be more committed to training and...... ????

[J∆kk∆ls]

We have member that became beast climber by losing weight. The problem is that he now lacks the explosive power on the flats when us bigger lads put the hammer down. It is important to lose weight when you want to go faster but remember to stay within you BMI. 

[eala]

It depends what the terrain looks like also .Smooth gravel roads or single-track .That is a lot of climbing and an anthem climbs well .I had two of them .Some of those climbs are really long so you need to find a way to alternate the climbing muscles by standing and using your glutes and hips .I prepared for the 2019 Epic by riding my single-speed on alternate days and working on my standing climb posture .you will be amazed how far you can stand-pedal if you have your cadence and posture correct .Move your saddle forward so that your stroke is more vertical and the front does not wonder to much .Find hills and ride them often .Ride recovery days at higher cadence and flat roads so that you "bank' the climb training .Repeat and loose weight .At 193 cm ,your weight should be between 93 and 103 kg depending on your body type .Ride with nylon sole shoes . Walking with nylon sole shoes is  much easier than with carbon sole shoes 

Edited March 22, 2021 by eala893@gmail.com

[Skubarra]

With the other hubbers here, sadly no real short cuts to faster climbing other than weight loss. If you can be in the lower 90's by the time the race comes around it will make a far bigger difference than any training technique or new bike component you acquire.

[Maniax]

drop them Kg's and you'll fly.

Do hills. loads of them. steep ones, long ones, short ones. find the worst mother and ride it till it feels like a small hill.

If you drop 10kg's but still put out the same or more watts, you'll be a beast on a hill.