Lessons from Bora Head of Performance.
When we look at professional athletes, it’s easy to imagine their success is built on secret knowledge or cutting-edge methods.

But as Dan Lorang, Head of Performance at Bora-Hansgrohe, shared with me recently, the pros succeed because they execute the basics exceptionally well.

And one of those basics is planning.

Here’s a common trap many of us fall into: you set up a perfect periodized training plan.

Build in week 1, push harder in weeks 2 and 3, then recover in week 4. On paper, it looks flawless. But life isn’t a spreadsheet.

A work deadline, a family commitment, or unexpected event can derail everything.

Suddenly, you’re in a recovery week without having built the fatigue to recover from—or worse, forcing yourself to cram workouts and heading straight for burnout.

Dan explained it simply:


"It makes no sense to build for week 1, build for week 2, and then you're set to build for week 3 but you have an event which disrupts that training week. Now you're into a recovery week, but you haven't built the fatigue to recover from."

The pros avoid this by starting with life first.

Before layering in races or training, they map out their non-negotiables—family events, sponsor obligations, travel, and recovery.

Only then do they add A-races, supporting races, and training blocks.

The result? A plan that adapts to their reality, not the other way around.

For amateurs, this approach is transformative.

Dan’s advice is clear:


"Planning is the biggest milestone. A good plan works with your life, not against it. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency."

How to Plan Smarter:

Start With Your Life: Block off your non-negotiables first—work, family, and social commitments.

Adapt, Don’t Force It: Life busy this week? Shift to a recovery block. Have more time next week? Push harder then.

​Consistency Beats Perfection: Forget rigid plans. Training success is about showing up, adapting, and building over time.