Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s Base Builder training on rouvy

This 12-week online training programme by the pros at Team Visma | Lease a Bike is designed for road cyclists who want to build their fitness while maintaining the joy of riding.

The Base Builder plan by Team Visma | Lease a Bike

Train like the pros with Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s Base Builder plan on ROUVY. It focuses on structured endurance and aerobic development, helping cyclists strengthen their foundation, enhance stamina and set the stage for next season.

a 12-week plan to Build Your Base Like the Pros

This structured 12-week plan is designed to lay the foundation for your future cycling performance, inspired by the latest training principles from Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Perfect for the off-season, it immerses you in focused base training that strengthens your aerobic engine, improves endurance and prepares your body for peak performance in the months ahead.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #1

The first week is light and focused on easing back into structured training. The goal is to find your rhythm again with some gentle tempo and sweat. If you have extra time, use it for additional riding in Zone 1 and 2 to wake up your endurance system.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #2

This week introduces torque work to improve pedalling efficiency and muscular strength. The focus remains aerobic, but low-cadence efforts will start building the foundation for future power. Use any additional time for relaxed endurance rides.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #3

In week three, intensity slightly increases. You’ll include short sprints, climbing tempo and faster endurance riding, similar to pulling in a group ride. This helps your body adapt to changes in pace while strengthening fatigue resistance.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #4

This is a full recovery week designed to let your body absorb the training gains. Rides are easy, focused on Zone 1 and low Zone 2. Please avoid going above 80 percent of FTP, even that is only for short hills if necessary. Enjoy the coffee spins – the goal is freshness, not fatigue.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #5

We return to structured work with a focus on torque intervals and steady Zone 3 efforts. You may start to notice improvements in power or heart-rate efficiency compared to week 2. If possible, add longer Zone 1/Zone 2 rides on the weekend to deepen your aerobic base.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #6

Week six continues building base power but shifts toward sustaining pressure for longer durations. Expect longer tempo blocks and controlled strength work. This week rewards patience, keep cadence smooth, and focus on efficiency rather than speed. Weekend endurance rides remain highly valuable.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #7

This is the final and strongest week of the base block. You’ll combine torque, extended Zone 3 work, and controlled tempo to fully solidify your foundation. It’s not maximal intensity yet, but it will feel demanding. Listen to your body and fuel well. This week sets up the work to come.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #8

A crucial recovery week before entering the high-intensity block. Keep everything smooth and easy, again below 80 percent of FTP. You’ve built a strong base, now allow adaptation. Enjoy relaxed rides and a mental reset.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #9

The first week of the high-intensity block begins with controlled FTP efforts. Sessions focus on steady intervals around threshold to improve sustained power and lactate tolerance. While challenging, this week is about discipline rather than all-out effort. The goal is to reintroduce higher intensity under control and build confidence at race pace. Be sure to fuel properly and recover well.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #10

Intensity increases this week with the addition of VO2 Max intervals. These short, high-intensity efforts stimulate aerobic ceiling and your ability to handle repeated accelerations, just like in fast group rides or race surges. Expect to ride above threshold and manage accumulated fatigue. Stay focused on breathing and cadence, these sessions are tough but essential for top-end performance.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #11

This is the peak of the build block. You’ll combine threshold and VO2 Max work with one key session: a long Sweet Spot effort. This ride simulates race effort under fatigue, testing both physical and mental resilience. Proper hydration and carbohydrates are crucial. By the end of this week, you should feel stronger, more durable and ready for final sharpening in Week 12.

Base Builder plan: WEEK #12

The final week is designed to secure all the gains made over the past 12 weeks. The focus is on steady endurance, rhythm and leaving the block with strong legs and a clear head. Rides stay mostly in Zone 1 and Zone 2 with only light touches of low Zone 3, just enough to keep your legs engaged without creating fatigue.

AFTER THE Base Builder training plan: WHAT’S NEXT?

After completing this training programme, it's crucial to give your body the rest it needs. Enjoy a week of easy riding in Zones 1 and 2, maintaining a steady cadence of 90 RPM. Then, once you’re ready, consider moving on to one of ROUVY’s more specific training plans – such as Increase Your FTP, The Climber’s Plan or the UNBOUND Gravel 50 Plan – depending on your goals.

BENEFITS OF STRUCTURED TRAINING PLANS ON ROUVY:
Since ROUVY's training plans are designed by pros, there's no guess work
Train at your own pace any time, no matter the weather or time restrictions
You can boost your FTP, VO2 Max, climbing power and more with indoor cycling
As you progress, move up to more advanced training plans on ROUVY
Training plans for beginners bring you up to speed at your own pace
Each workout on ROUVY can be ridden on real routes around the world
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USD 19.99per month

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Cycling training tips from the ROUVY team

The muscles used in cycling & how they power your ride
Mark Nessmith  ·  9/16/2025
The muscles used in cycling & how they power your ride

Understanding the primary muscles used in cycling is key to increasing power and endurance, and preventing injury. This article explains the main cycling muscle groups, how they work together through each pedal stroke and how to strengthen them with off-bike training. We also discuss how indoor training on the ROUVY app improves cycling biomechanics and results in smarter rides.

HOW TO START TRAINING On rouvy

1

Create a ROUVY account

Sign up, and then download the ROUVY app (available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Apple TV).

2

Connect your trainer

It’s easy to connect your indoor smart bike, direct-drive or classic trainer.

3

Begin riding

Start riding real routes around the world today!

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