In the final weeks before the 2024 Tour de France Femmes (TDFF), professional cyclist Sarah Gigante’s Strava feed offered a clear view of her training sessions. Here we break down her preparation, highlighting key statistics and daily sessions as she geared up for one of the most demanding races in women's cycling.
Training Data Overview
Two Weeks Before TDFF:
Distance: 650 kilometers
Training Time: 21 hours
A fairly standard week for Gigante with a mix of longer and shorter recovery rides. Four rides were over 100km, with the longest being 163km. Sprinkled throughout the rides were a number of efforts, namely 8 min and 20 min @ 95%, 4 min VO2 and over/unders.
One Week Before TDFF:
Distance: 490 kilometers
Training Time: 15.5 hours
For the week before the TDFF, we’ll break down each ride and the specific efforts within. You’ll note numerous rides are all about recovery, with only a few real efforts throughout the seven days.
Final Week of Training
7 days to go
2:13, 72 kilometers, 186 watts, 132bpm
Intervals: None
6 days to go
1:30, 46 kilometers, 160w, 124bpm
Intervals: None
5 days to go
3:25, 102km, 177w, no heart rate data
Intervals: 2 x 20 min @ 260w
4 days to go
2:16, 79km, 187w, 141bpm
Intervals: 2 x 8 min @ 255w, 10 minute rest in between.
For the two efforts, Gigante’s heart rate started at a modest 130bpm and 137bpm, with a maximum of 175bpm for the first interval, and 177bpm for the second. The average heart rate for the two was 165bpm and 167bpm respectively.
3 days to go
2:12, 72km, 186w, 136bpm
Intervals: None
2 days to go
2:10, 67km, 110bpm
Intervals: None
1 day to go
1:40, 51km, 105bpm
Intervals: None
Tour de France Femmes Data
Gigante raced for a total of 1030km, with race time of 28 hours, finishing in 7th place. Notable was her appearance on the final stage, taking charge of the chasing group on Col du Glandon, and then a rapid ascent of Alpe d’Huez to finish the race.
Highlights during Gigante’s TDFF include:
A full hour effort up the Col du Glandon at 238w, 158bpm, with the final 25 min at 247w, 167bpm.
Alpe d’Huez: 50:22, 245w, 165bpm
Stage 6, final 33 min up Col de Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and Le Grand-Bornand: 244w, 167bpm.
Sarah Gigante’s training data provides valuable insight into the preparation of a professional cyclist ahead of the biggest race on the calendar. It showcases the disciplined and calculated approach needed to compete at the highest level in professional cycling.
Data courtesy of Sarah Gigante's Strava profile.
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