My goals: Getting it out there!

There’s something powerful about saying your goals out loud. For me, it’s not just about holding myself accountable—it’s about creating a clear path forward. After my recent fitness test, I’ve got a better picture of where I stand today, and where I want to go.

So here they are, my goals:

• FTP: 300 watts (currently around 280)
• Join Training App score: 38 (currently 22.4)
• Weight: 78 kg (currently 82.7)
• Bike weight: 10.5 kg (currently 11.7)
• Dead lift: 112 kg (currently around 75-80) This would mean I have solved my back issue.

A pretty ambitious goal which will bring me on 3,85watts per kg at the start of the race. Even more ambitious is our (somewhat idiotic) goal to finish in the top 20 of the masters category (40+). That is really a long shot, but also not something we can train for specifically. Goals need to be SMART I've always learned: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. So here you go:

Specific

Each goal targets a clear area: raising my FTP to 300 watts, reaching a Join Training App score of 38, lowering my weight to 78 kg, and trimming my bike weight to 10.5 kg. Even my strength goal is defined in collaboration with my trainer. Nothing vague, nothing fuzzy.

Measurable

All of these goals can be tracked. FTP is tested directly on the bike. The Join score is updated after every session. My weight can be monitored weekly, and the scale doesn’t lie. The bike goes on the balance. And the deadlift will be a clear number once agreed upon. Progress won’t be a feeling, it will be data.

Achievable

My recent test gave me a clear baseline: 82.7 kg body weight, 18.1% fat percentage, and power levels that put me on 280 W FTP. For someone at 45, research and coaching experience show that FTP gains of 5–10% over a structured year are realistic. That will push me into the range I’m targeting, but that goal is by far the hardest to reach as FTP is not something to easily by a lot at my age. On body composition, dropping from 18% to around 14–15% body fat would bring me to my weight goal of 78 kg—healthy, sustainable, and performance-enhancing on climbs. The bike, currently above my 10.5 kg goal, still has room for optimization: lighter drive train, cockpit components, or finishing kit can shave off the last few hundred grams. None of this is a pipe dream—it’s a matter of consistent training, careful nutrition, and smart equipment choices.

Relevant

Every goal connects directly to my bigger mission: riding stronger, recovering faster, and enjoying performance at the Cape Epic. Higher FTP means more sustained power, lower body weight helps on climbs, and a lighter bike makes every uphill that bit easier. Strength work ensures I can handle the demands of stage racing without breaking down.

Time-bound

I’m not giving myself forever. These goals are set against a clear timeline—Cape Epic in March 2026. That gives me structured training blocks to work through, and clear checkpoints along the way. Each FTP test, Join score update, and weigh-in becomes a milestone on the journey.

So that's out there. I said it! If you want to see if I'm able to do it? Keep following the blog or subscribe!

Until then, Keep Chasing!