As competitions are widely spread over a period of time, the cyclist, working with his trainer, has to fix a strategy and decide on the high moments of the season. When these decisions have been made, there needs to be a plan designed to get the cyclist to the top of his physical and psychological condition for these major days.

Planned training consists of different phases. Normally, we can identify four:
- General physical preparation (or preparatory period)
- Complementary physical preparation (or precompetition period)
- Specific physical preparation (or competition period)
- The transitional phase

Each period has its own orientation.

1. General physical preparation (during winter):
- Developing and harmonizing physical qualities
- Working on weak points (strengthening muscles in the top half of the body, developing force and power in the lower limbs, regular low intensity work, etc.)

2. Complementary physical preparation (approaching competitions):
- Developing physical qualities more linked to cycling
- Taking note of personal characteristics (working more on strong points)
- A lot of work
- Increased intensity
- This period may include some competitions

3. Specific physical preparation:
- Looking for the emergence of the peak of fitness
- Harmonization of all the factors governing performance
- Two periods: preparatory competitions and target competitions
- Training intensity is at a maximum
- The amount of training decreases with the approach of the target competitions

4. The transitional phase:
- Phase for slackening off progressively
- Distinct decrease in the amount and intensity of training
- A few competitions are still possible