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How Allan Took His FTP from 195 to 267 with Wattbike: His Winter Training Story
For many cyclists, the colder months can feel like a dead zone. Short days, freezing temperatures, and a sense that next season is still too far off to worry about getting on the bike. But for Wattbiker Allan McLellan, winter training has become the foundation of everything he’s achieved on the bike and it all started with a Wattbike Atom in a freezing shed at 5am.
“My goal was simple: get fitter and lose the weight I’d gained,” Allan says. “I just didn’t expect to fall in love with cycling the way I have.”
From Beginner to Sportive Rider
Allan, now 38, only started cycling seriously two years ago. After falling out of regular exercise while raising a young family, a personal loss prompted him to make a change. Encouraged by his boss who was a keen cyclist, Allan looked into indoor options and discovered the Wattbike Atom smart bike.
“I didn’t have time to ride outdoors all the time, so I needed something efficient. After a bit of research, I landed on the Wattbike Atom. It is hands-down the best decision I made for my health.”
The indoor setup quickly paid off. From his first FTP test to his first sportive, Allan found himself progressing fast. Even investing in road and gravel bikes to take his new fitness out into the real world. Today, he’s completed the Oban Sportive, Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4, and is planning longer ultra-distance events like the Badger Divide.
Why Indoor Cycling Is a Winter Essential
For Allan, indoor cycling isn’t just a backup plan for bad weather - it’s a key part of how he prepares for next season.
“Winter doesn’t change my training structure that much. It just shifts the focus indoors. I follow an 80/20 model: 80% Zone 2 endurance rides, 20% high-intensity VO2 max work. The Atom lets me control everything and tracks my progress perfectly.”
With family and work responsibilities, consistency is king. Indoor sessions mean no faffing with lights, layers or icy roads. Just structured workouts, finished before the rest of the world wakes up.
“Most of my rides are done before work. That’s a 5am alarm and up to 90 minutes on the bike. It’s tough when it’s -10°C and pitch black, but the Wattbike doesn’t just train your legs, it trains your mind too.”
The Wattbike Advantage in Winter Training
Using the Wattbike Hub app, Allan structures everything from steady-state endurance rides to hard VO2 intervals. His favourites include:
- 5x5 VO2 Max intervals at 115–120% of FTP
- Over/unders for building power and anaerobic capacity
- Low-cadence, high-torque drills to build climbing strength
“When I started, I couldn’t imagine how people could hold 300 watts. Now, I’m chasing that number myself. My FTP’s gone from 195 to 267. You can’t rush fitness. You’ve got to keep turning the pedals and putting in the effort.”
The Atom’s accurate data and realistic resistance help Allan simulate real-world riding, so when spring comes, he’s already road ready.
Planning for the Season Ahead - While Staying Warm Inside
So, what keeps Allan riding through the coldest, darkest months of the year?
“I think of every ride as an investment in myself. Miss a session, and you’re withdrawing from that account. I want to be ready when event season hits, not playing catch-up.”
This winter, Allan has his sights set on big goals: returning to the Oban Sportive, conquering the Bealach na Bà, and completing the 210-mile Badger Divide in under 20 hours.
“Winter is where I build the engine. The outdoor rides are just where I get to test it.”
Allan's Advice for Cyclists Training Indoors This Winter
If you’re just starting out with indoor cycling or looking to maintain your endurance base through the off-season, Allan has a few words of wisdom:
- Set a clear goal. Whether it’s a sportive, weight loss, or just improving fitness, having something to work toward keeps you accountable.
- Stay consistent. Skipping a few sessions might not feel like a big deal, but they add up - especially over a long winter.
- Dial in your setup. Layer right, manage your sweat, and make your indoor space comfortable. “Too much sweat with bad layering gave me colds more than once,” Allan warns.
- Fuel properly. Don’t treat indoor sessions like afterthoughts. Eat and hydrate as if you’re on the road.
- Find your rhythm. Whether it’s music, podcasts, or movies - make your training environment something you look forward to.
Train Smarter This Winter
Allan’s story is proof that winter training doesn’t have to mean falling behind. It can be where your next breakthrough begins. Whether you’re eyeing your first sportive or chasing a personal best, now’s the time to build your base fitness indoors.
Visit our Winter Training HQ to get access to expert advice, training plans, and more seasonal cycling tips over winter. Whether you’re riding towards a big event or your next personal best, we’ve got the tools to help you train smarter all season long.
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