Table 1. Training program during the experiment Day Microcyle 1 Microcyle 2 Microcyle 3 Microcyle 4 1 Day off Day off Day off Day off 2 T1 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) T2 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) T3 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) Day off 3 3h of endurance training 60-75% of WRLT with accent of speed (2x6x10s-max) 3:30h of endurance training 60-75% of WRLT with accent of speed (2x6x10s-max) 4h of endurance training 60-75% of WRLT with accent of speed (2x6x10s-max) 1h active recovery ride <55% WRLT 4 T1 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) T2 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) T3 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) 1h active recovery ride <55% WRLT 5 Strength endurance (gym) Upper body 1h active recovery ride <55% WRLT Strength endurance (gym) Upper body 1h active recovery ride <55% WRLT Strength endurance (gym) Upper body 1h active recovery ride <55% WRLT Testing 6 T1 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) T2 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) T3 + 2h endurance training (60-75% of WRLT) 7 4h of endurance training (60-75% WRLT)with strength endurance(4x10min uphill; 95-105% WRLT) 4:30h of endurance training (60-75% WRLT)with strength endurance(4x10min uphill; 95-105% WRLT) 5h of endurance training (60-75% WRLT)with strength endurance(4x12min uphill; 95-105% WRLT) Training in the lab - 15-min of warm-up (60,70,80%WR), 95%WR - group H or 100%WR - group C for 30-min and cool-down of 15-min at 60%WR. Training in the lab - 15-min of warm-up (60,70,80%WR), 95%WR - group H or 100%WR - group C for 35-min and cool-down of 15-min at 60%WR. Training in the lab - 15-min of warm-up (60,70,80%WR), 95%WR - group H or 100%WR - group C for 40-min and cool-down of 15-min at 60%WR