Here at Fit-For we have been receiving a number of enquiries with regards to practical coaching for the Etape du Tour; how should I be descending? How do I approach hairpin corners? How should I tackle a long climb? With so many people after advice, we have decided to hold a special Etape day on the 23rd April.

Under the guidance of ex-professional cyclists and qualified coaches, we are offering you the chance to join us for the day and get all the advice you will need in order to successfully tackle the Etape.

At this point the basic format for the day is something like this:

9am : Meet at Box Hill Café.

9.15 : Depart for hilly 60 mile group ride. This ride will not be fast. At the tops of hills we will wait to regroup before starting off again. The focus is on coaching, time in the saddle and some testing terrain. There will be at least 2 cycle coaches on the ride to give you some on bike advice and answer any questions you may have about the Etape and cycling in general.

1.15pm : Stop for 1hr refreshment break at the world famous (…well, it should be) Fanny’s Farm Shop. Here we will have a chat over a cup of tea with Dietician Becky Stevenson from Pro-Activate. Becky – who is currently working with the Professional DFL cycling team – will give you some valuable Etape specific nutritional advice as well as fielding any questions you may have. Probably about why you shouldn’t be eating that slice of Fanny’s Farm Shop cake….

2.15pm : Once the tea’s are all finished it’s back on the bikes for a quick 25 min ride over to Box Hill. Here we will spend an hour or so perfecting Etape issues such as: the best way to descend and climb hairpin corners, ideal gear selection and optimum climbing heart rate zones.

4pm : All done and ready to leave Box Hill.

The date will be Saturday 23rd April. Don’t worry if you are unable to make this date as we will be holding further sessions in May and June. We will be taking a maximum of 10 riders for the session. To guarantee your place send an email title ‘Etape Training Day’ to [email protected]

The cost of the day will be £30.

We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd

• If you want some ‘goal setting tips’ or would like any practical cycling advice then why not come along to one of the FIT-FOR training sessions? We will be only too happy to help.
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• FIT-FOR are a RCUK training advice partner. They supply advice on coaching and technique for our readers. If you have any questions for them, please send us an e-mail.