THE FOCUS RIGHT NOW
BUILD THE INTENSITY.
Eight weeks out, the build phase kicks in. One threshold session, one VO2 max session, and the long ride all in a week. Volume stays high, but now intensity layers on top. This is where your FTP should start climbing — if it doesn't, distribution is wrong, not effort.
THIS WEEK'S ANCHOR SESSION
2X20MIN THRESHOLD
Warm up 15min. 2x20min at 91-105% FTP with 5min recovery between. Cool down. Hit the target power both reps — if you fade the second, you started too hard. This is your bread-and-butter threshold session.
EVENT INTEL
WHAT THE MALLORCA 312 ACTUALLY DEMANDS
The Mallorca 312 is spring's most talked-about sportive — 312km around Mallorca with 5,000m+ of climbing, including the classic Tramuntana climbs that define road cycling on the island. Runs in late April. Open-road format, closed to traffic in parts. Route varies year to year; some editions include Sa Calobra, others do not.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- ✓Tramuntana range — Puig Major, Coll de Sóller, Coll dels Reis stacked early
- ✓Sa Calobra features in some editions: ~10km descent to the sea then ~10km climb back out at 7% average
- ✓312km distance means fuelling strategy determines who finishes
- ✓Three distance options: 312km, 225km, 167km — pick realistically
- ✓Weather shift from cold morning climbs to afternoon Mediterranean heat
COMMON MISTAKES
- ✕Choosing the 312 because you've done other long sportives — Mallorca's combination of distance + heat is different
- ✕Underfuelling the first 80km because the climbing starts easy
- ✕Forgetting Sa Calobra is a ~7% sustained climb, not a gentle return — many riders bonk here when it's on the route
PACING
The 312 is a fueling problem more than a fitness one. Pace the opening 100km at 60-65% FTP maximum. Ride the middle 100km conservatively with strict carb/fluid discipline. The last 100km is where preparation shows — those who fuelled correctly can even push. Arrive at the final named climb with reserves, not red-lined.
FUELLING
A 10+ hour plan needs a gut-trained carbohydrate range and reliable resupply. Use representative warm rides to estimate fluid loss and rehearse bottle access without forcing full replacement. Review sodium across food, drink and supplements rather than assuming electrolytes become a universal priority after a fixed hour. A 'second breakfast' at the Pollença aid stop (km 80) is a practical real-food option.
KIT
Long-finger gloves + gilet for the first two hours (cold on the climbs pre-dawn). 34x30 minimum, 34x32 recommended for Sa Calobra late in the day. Extra bottle cages or a frame bag for the long desert-like middle section.
WANT THIS BUILT AROUND YOUR FTP?
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OTHER PHASES FOR THE MALLORCA 312