Former professional cyclist JC Nel has teamed up with In the Bunch to devise a structured six-week training programme for 947 Cycle Challenge participants.
The former MTN-Qhubeka road specialist, who raced to podiums and victories in races like the Tour of Good Hope and Clover Tour during his six-year career, will make the training programme personal, individualised and affordable for those who will line up in Johannesburg on November 18.
“To be able to enjoy the 947, a minimum of three rides per week for six weeks will be enough to get you through the day with a smile,” said Nel.
However, he added that spending some long days on the bike and covering 85 per cent of the 94.7km distance at least once prior to the event would be crucial.
Sign up for a personalised six-week training programme for the 947 Cycle Challenge by former professional cyclist JC Nel. Photo: Monica O’ Reilly Photography
An average programme, he explained, would consist of a long ride, an interval or intensity day and one strength session per week. Additional distance or intensity days will be added should time permit.
Click here to sign up and pay.
Nel said he would also provide a personalised zone chart based on the client’s maximum and threshold heart rates and work out a programme based on the person’s fitness level.
The information he needed included which and how many days a person was available for training per week and how much time they could devote to it per day.
“With my current clients I communicate as often as needed through e-mail, phone calls or personal chats.
“For the number of people we’ll target with the 947 programme, I would pick six useful subjects or tips, discuss them in detail and send out a mass e-mail once a week to everyone who has registered.”
Nel, who has been a cycling coach for four years, said his clients ranged from novices to some of the top juniors and elites in South Africa.
“I have been assisting clients to achieve personal goals, which include targeting professional races and classifications in major tours in South Africa.”
The 947 package includes a six-week programme, weekly tips and advice and what to pack for race day.
Nel said the value of a programme was less wasted time on the bicycle.
“Just because you’re out on the bike does not mean you are progressing as fast and efficiently as you could.
“By following a personalised and structured training programme your improvement rate will be increased and you’ll see better results for the equivalent time spent on the bike.”
He said a structured programme also helped with discipline and was a commitment to self-improvement.
Details
Cost: R600 including VAT
Closing date: September 30
Start of programme: October 8
Click here to sign up and pay: JC Nel’s six-week 947 Cycle Challenge training programme
