XC Mountain Bike Race Training Plan For Beginner/Sport Racers

$99.00

Whether it’s your first-ever mountain bike race or you’re chasing the podium in the Sport class, this 12-week plan builds the speed and endurance to get you across the line strong.

45-page PDF, worksheet & training journal
Optional TrainingPeaks version, or just follow the PDF
12 weeks · 4 workouts/week (up to 6 hrs)
Race-day tips, plus email access to Coach Kristen

Line up ready

Cross that finish line strong

Whether you’re preparing for your first-ever mountain bike race or want to be competitive in the Sport class, this 12-week plan is built to get you to the line ready.

We work on both speed — because XC races are fast — and endurance, so you don’t fizzle out halfway through.

What’s included

Here’s what you can expect

45-page PDF planWorksheet, training journal, and email access to Coach Kristen.
Optional TrainingPeaks versionFollow it in the app, or stick with the PDF, your call.
12 weeks of workouts4 focused sessions a week, up to 6 hrs on the bike.
Off-the-bike trainingStrength & mobility recommendations to round out your fitness.
Race-day tipsHow to show up prepared and ride smart on race day.
Train your wayZones by feel, heart rate, or power.
The full playbookPlan your week, fuel, hydrate, recover, and much more.

This plan is great if…

You just signed up for your first cross-country MTB race
You’ve done a few and want to get faster and stronger
You have limited time to train
You’ll be racing in the Beginner or Sport categories

Maybe not if…

You’re training for a long-distance or downhill race — a different plan will serve you better
You’d rather work with a coach 1:1
You have more than 6 hours a week to train
You’re racing in the Expert or Pro categories

Your coach

About Coach Kristen

Kristen Bonkoski is a USA Cycling certified coach and the founder of Femme Cyclist. Her favorite disciplines are mountain biking and bike commuting — though you’ll also find her cranking out a century on the road or touring with her husband and son.

If it has to do with two wheels, she loves doing it — and loves helping other women feel strong and capable on the bike.

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a heart rate monitor or power meter?

No, every workout can be done by feel (perceived exertion). If you have a monitor or power meter, you’ll get instructions for using those too.

Is this the right level for me?

It’s built for the Beginner and Sport categories — first-timers through riders wanting to get more competitive. If you’re racing Expert or Pro, you’ll want a custom training plan instead.

I only have a few hours a week — is that enough?

Yes. The plan runs about 4 workouts a week, up to 6 hours on the bike, and is built to make the most of limited training time.

PDF or TrainingPeaks — which do I get?

Both. Follow the PDF, get instructions on using it in TrainingPeaks, or use whichever suits you best.

This is a downloadable PDF and/or TrainingPeaks plan. All purchases are final and non-refundable.