My preparation for the 2006 Etape won’t rate in the top ten of best training plans, that’s for sure. Lots of mid-week crit racing and a good base of stamina from MTB enduros just about got me up Alpe de Huez. If I do attempt next years Etape (which I’m seriously tempted to do), I’m going to approach my training very, very differently.

John Leitch – a qualified British Cycling coach often found working with the Surrey League – has planned a training day for anyone who wants to successfully ride next years Etape, or other cyclosportif events, on Saturday 25 November. Leigh village hall in Surrey is the base for the planned activities, which will include talks from John Capelin, Lee Oliver and Paul Howard. John will outline the main principles of a training programme, while both Lee and Paul, both previous Etapists, will describe how best to fit training around a full-time job and family duties.

To book a place email [email protected]. It’s £10 in advance and £14 on the door.