Great Western Training Program 2024: A Ride to Remember
Jan 03 | ( 0 ) Comments
The 2024 Great Western Training Program (GWTP) was a nine-week intensive program with a history spanning more than 30 years. Designed for coached athletes, members, and invited guests, it offered a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, sharpen their skills, and connect with others who share a passion for cycling. From strength workouts to race-day simulations, the program focused on pushing limits while keeping the experience fun and engaging.
Weekly Workouts: Progress You Can Feel
Each week introduced new challenges, keeping riders motivated and engaged. The program followed a progressive structure, helping participants prepare for the 2025 season. Here’s a quick summary of how the program unfolded:
- Building Strength: In the early weeks, muscle endurance is targeted with challenging low-cadence intervals. These sessions laid the foundation for strength and prepared riders for the weeks ahead.
- Building Cadence: Riders then shifted to high-cadence intervals, emphasizing proper form and efficiency at higher revolutions.
- Team Time Trials: Mid-program workouts included team time trials to “4 Corners.” These sessions emphasized strategy, as teams worked together to ensure no rider was dropped before reaching the end.
- Anarchy Rides: Each week wrapped up with the Anarchy segment, an all-out, race-pace effort that pushed boundaries, tested grit, and left it all on the road.
- Final Time Trial: The program culminated in a 32-mile time trial with 3,200 feet of climbing, testing everything the riders had learned and built over the past two months.
More Than Just Miles
GWTP wasn’t just about the rides—it was about the people. From pre-ride conversations to post-ride laughter over snacks and drinks, the program brought cyclists together like family. Special thanks to Jacobo and Dan for their incredible support in making this program a success.
On the final day, we capped things off with a post-program meal and an awards ceremony. Empanada Kitchen donated delicious empanadas, Mr. Mo contributed his homemade bread, and Freddy treated everyone to pizza and drinks. It was a celebration full of smiles, stories, and great camaraderie.
Top three times for the time trial:
- Alexis H. – 01:29:05
- Jorge C. – 01:30:13
- Larry T. – 01:30:38
What’s Next?
We’ll close the 2024 season with an awards ceremony on January 18th, where we’ll celebrate achievements like Best Junior Athlete, Best Master 60+ Athlete, Most Improved, Best Female Athlete, Most Aggressive on Anarchy, General Classification Anarchy, and Perfect Attendance.
The Great Western Training Program 2024 was an incredible experience, and plans for 2025 are already underway. Whether you want to level up your cycling or simply enjoy riding with an amazing group of people, GWTP is for you.
If you need help with your coaching, I’d be happy to put together a tailored training plan to help you reach your goals. Let’s gear up for another great season—see you at the awards ceremony!
Thank you for reading!
Gilberto Cortez - USA Cycling & TrainingPeaks Certified Coach