Cycle coach wanted

[Deleted]

After getting into road racing a bit more seriously this summer and making my way up to Cat 3 I realise to continue to compete I am going to have to step my training up a bit.

Yes I have read the cyclists training bible, and no I didn't completely understand it and formulate a decent training plan. I have decided it will actually be worth my while investing some time and money to gain the advice of a professional.

Are there any cycle coaches within the club, or does anyone know of any who they would reccommend?

I have been getting my points in crits this year but would like to do more road racing as well as a little track.

I am based in New Cross/Brockley and am willing to travel a little if necessary as I imagine most can be done electronically.

Many thanks,

George

[Deleted]

I can recommend Paul Mill, elite cycling. I have trained with him for a year now and it's made a big difference to my TT times as well as to my confidence in racing in a tight bunch.

He is based in crystal palace and I think is a fantastic coach. Have a look at www.elitecycling.co.uk/about-Paul-mill.html

Ulrike

[Deleted]

Ulrike beat me to it. Give Paul a call.

[Deleted]

I have a couple of things to add.

While not mandatory many coaches will suggest you to train with a powermeter. It's an invaluable tool to a properly structured training program that can measure the actual work you are doing per session - speed and heartrate mean nothing really. They are fragile, expensive things but but you'll not want to go without one once you've got used to and reliant on the data using one provides. Prices from £500 for a 2nd hand powertap to £2000 for an SRM.

Other coaches being used by members of Dulwich are

www.trainsharpcyclecoaching.co.uk/
personalcyclecoaching.com/richard-simmonds/
www.palmares.co.uk/

If you're not quite ready for the full on coach & PM commitment a cheaper option might be Trainer Road www.trainerroad.com/
With a trainer road subscription ~£7 month, a turbo trainer, an ANT+ USB stick (£30) and a speed/cadence sensor (£35) you can work with virtual power and follow one of their structured plans.

Good luck!

[Deleted]

Power meters are the crack cocaine, or Heisenberg Blue, of training. Everyone I know with one said that having tried it once they ccouldn't do without it.

But there are other entry level training methods that do yield very good results. Training to properly tested heart rate zones couple with cadence will yield great result. I've followed this approach for the last year and have seen the benefits and have upped my 20m power by 50 watts July 12-13. Sure powermeters help a grest deal but are not mandatory for improved performance. So don't let not having one put you off signing up for structured and specific training coaching advice.

As it happens I've had the loan of a power metre for the past three weeks and I'm afraid to say I've gone the same way as those power meth heads before me succumbing to its evil grip. New purchase on the way.






...pointing the figure at my mobile device for any typos.

[Alex Ioannides]

I've used Richard Simmonds for 4 years now and I'll be using him for a 5th.