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HOW DO ALTITUDE TRAINING CAMPS WORK?

By Anthony WalshRoadman CyclingUpdated

WHO THIS IS FOR

IS THIS YOU?

The cyclist planning an altitude camp

You need a camp structure rather than a destination recommendation.

THE ROADMAN VIEW

The Roadman view

The camp is not the hotel elevation. It is the complete exposure, training, sleep, recovery and return-to-sea-level plan.

EXPERT EVIDENCE

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

  • Altitude-training literatureEndurance camp design and acclimatisation evidence

    Useful adaptation depends on adequate exposure and the ability to preserve recovery and training quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

DO THIS WEEK

  1. Define

    Set the event or adaptation goal and measurement plan.

  2. Acclimatise

    Use conservative early training and monitor symptoms.

  3. Return

    Plan post-camp recovery and testing rather than assuming an immediate peak.

COMMON MISTAKES

WHAT CYCLISTS GET WRONG

  • MISTAKERacing the first week.

    FIXUse internal load and progressive acclimatisation.

  • MISTAKESelf-prescribing iron.

    FIXUse clinician-led testing and interpretation.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long should a camp be?
There is no one useful public duration for every elevation, athlete and goal. Specialist planning is appropriate.
When should hard sessions start?
When acclimatisation, recovery and response support them; do not use a universal day number.
Will I peak immediately after?
Not necessarily. Fatigue, travel and individual response affect timing.

NOT DONE YET

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