07/12/2025
Ready for YOUR Turn to Make History?
This year's Oryx UNBOUND Gravel Series promises even more action and is open for entries now! The dust has settled on 2025, and that epic feeling of conquering the Oryx UNBOUND Gravel Series is still fresh. Now, it’s time to shift gears. We know those challenging climbs of RACE2THESKY and the endless miles of MATSA. They demand consistency, dedication, and grit right now. Let’s be honest: the only thing worse than riding up a 20% gradient is riding up a 20% gradient when you promised yourself you’d train more. Don't wait for the start line to realize your legs have evolved into beautifully-rested, high-fibre cotton wool! Every pedal stroke you put in today is a down payment on avoiding a mid-race existential crisis next year.
That heroic moment is earned in the silence of your training—and maybe a few funny groans. Lace up, saddle up, and let’s get those legs in gear.
🔥 Your 11 week Challenge: GET READY TO RIDE! The countdown is officially on. We've got 11 weeks of focused training ahead to build the endurance, power, and confidence needed to conquer the gravel. This plan is tough, but it’s smart—we peak fast, then taper hard. Let’s commit and crush this goal!
11 Weeks to the Finish Line! Our Condensed Gravel Race Plan 💪
Goal: Crush the RACE2THESKY Gravel Challenge!
With 11 weeks on the clock, we're cutting straight to the chase. Here is the condensed, high-impact training schedule designed to get you ready for race day. Let’s dial in the focus and get it done!
🔑 Effort Zones (Pace yourself!)
Z2 (Endurance): Conversational pace. The core of all long rides.
Z3 (Tempo): Sustained, slightly uncomfortable effort (builds stamina).
Z4 (Threshold/Intervals): Hard, sustained power bursts.
S&C: Strength and Core (Off the bike work).
Phase 1: Base Building (Weeks 1-4)
Focus: Endurance and Efficiency.
Goal: Establish a solid aerobic base. Build up the weekend long ride to 4.0 hours (Z2).
Weekdays: Focus on short tempo (Z3) and low-cadence strength intervals to prepare the legs for hills.
Key Action: This is when we perfect our on-bike fuelling strategy!
Phase 2: Strength & Peak (Weeks 5-8)
Focus: Power, Climbing, and Race Simulation. (Condensed Phase!)
Total Weekly Riding Time (Peak): Up to 19 hours in Week 8.
Week 5-7: Hit targeted high-intensity intervals (Z4/Z5) and longer sustained Tempo (Z3) blocks.
Week 8 (The PEAK): This is our biggest week! We'll complete the critical 7-8 hour L*D ride to prove we can go the distance. Also includes a 5-hour Hilly Race Simulation ride.
Phase 3: Taper & Race (Weeks 9-11)
Focus: Rest, Freshness, and Speed.
Goal: Maintain fitness while resting the body for maximum energy on race day. The work is done!
Week 9: Reduced volume (3.0 hours max long ride), keeping a few high-quality intensity efforts.
Week 10 (Aggressive Taper): Volume drops severely. Only short, easy spins with a few sharp Z5 efforts to keep the legs "poppy."
Week 11 (Race Week): Minimal riding. Focus on hydration, nutrition, and bike prep.
🔥 RACE DAY COUNTDOWN IS ON! Let's stay consistent, respect the Z2 pace, and remember to fuel like a machine. See you all at the start!
P.S. Haven't registered yet? Lock in that full series discount and make sure all this glorious suffering has a legendary payoff! 👉 https://my.raceresult.com/355796/
🔑 Secure Your Spot & Get Discount!
FULL SERIES DISCOUNT: Grab 20% OFF when you enter all five races by December 15, 2025! 👉 Secure your discounted full series entry: https://my.raceresult.com/355796/
INDIVIDUAL RACES: Prefer to pick your battles? Single race entries are open now! 👉 Find your individual race entry: www.oryxendurance.co.za
