Training tips for the upcoming 2026 PAU Cycling Series in Staffordshire
The 2026 PAU Cycling Series is set to be an exciting season for riders of all abilities, with three fully supported 100 km rides across Staffordshire: Spring Forward in April, Made of Stone in June, and Sandon Century in September.
Preparing for the 2026 PAU Cycling Series means you can fully enjoy Staffordshire’s scenic routes and ride with confidence alongside our community of cyclists.
1. Building a Training Plan for Staffordshire Sportives
With our own junior cycling Team PAU, we know a thing or two about training on two wheels. Preparing for the PAU Cycling Series starts with a structured training plan. Gradually build your weekly mileage to increase endurance while balancing longer rides with shorter, faster sessions. Road and gravel rides demand slightly different preparation, so mix in training on both tarmac and mixed surfaces to replicate what you’ll experience on the Spring Forward, Made of Stone, and Sandon Century rides. For a detailed month-by-month timeline, check out our PAU Cycling Series Training Plan approved by our cycling Coach, Maddie Gammons.
2. Key Workouts to Build on Endurance and Speed For Cyclists
Cyclists preparing for 100 km rides should focus on workouts that build both endurance and speed.
– Long endurance rides: Practice pacing and build stamina for the 100 km distance.
– Interval training: Short bursts of speed help with climbs and punchy sections of the route.
– Climbing practice: Staffordshire offers rolling hills and gentle climbs, so incorporate hill repeats to strengthen your legs.
3. Riding Gravel and Mixed Surfaces with Confidence
For rides like Made of Stone, which include around 25% gravel, it’s important to practice on a variety of surfaces. Include the following in your training:
Smooth tarmac: To build consistent pedaling rhythm and endurance.
Quiet country lanes: To simulate the winding roads you’ll encounter in Staffordshire.
Gravel or green lanes: Practice handling loose surfaces, corners, and small climbs.
Bridleways or compacted dirt tracks: Helps improve balance and confidence on rougher stretches.
Also consider tire choice and pressure. Slightly wider tires and lower pressure on mixed surfaces can improve comfort and grip. Focus on staying relaxed and confident over different terrains to make the ride safer and more enjoyable.
4. Bike Maintenance and Gear Check
Bike shops can get fully booked ahead of popular sportives, so it’s important to plan early. Before your ride, make sure your bike is in top condition: check brakes, gears, tires, and overall safety. Book a professional tune-up at PAU Run & Ride well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Also, ensure your clothing, lights, and hydration setup are ready for comfort on longer rides.
5. Fuel Your Body for the Long Term
Eating well isn’t just about what you consume on the day of the ride. Maintaining a balanced diet year-round helps you stay healthy, build endurance, and enjoy every KM of the PAU Cycling Series.
On ride day, aim for a carbohydrate-focused breakfast about 1.5–2 hours before you set off. Pair carbs with a little protein and healthy fat for sustained energy, for example porridge with fruit and peanut butter, or toast with banana and yogurt. Stick to foods you know work well for you to avoid any digestive surprises during the ride.
6. Mental Prep For 100KM Sportives
Cycling 100 km in Staffordshire can be physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to:
– Set realistic pacing goals and break the ride into manageable sections
– Focus on enjoying the scenery and the experience rather than just speed
– Visualise the route in advance to boost confidence and motivation.
So What Are You Waiting For?
Riding with PAU is about more than just the route, it’s support, community, and shared achievement. Benefit from mechanical assistance and feed stations at every ride, meet fellow cyclists to swap tips and stories, and for those completing all three events, enjoy exclusive perks including a Series Finisher’s jersey.
Sign up for the 2026 PAU Cycling Series today to secure your place on one or all three rides and take advantage of Early Bird pricing.
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