Despite only receiving coaching since January 2018, my cycling has improved greatly. Building up my endurance and speed with structured plans helped prepare me for my last Junior year and then transition to U23. Balancing training, college and work is key and Dave has done that perfectly. My first race of 2018 was going well and I was looking at getting a good result but a pile up ended my race - however I have come back stronger with a structured approach. Joining VC St Raphael has definitely boosted my confidence too.
Harry Johnson VC St Raphael RT [2020 Nopinz Symec RT] British Cycling South 2019 Regional Circuit Silver U23 1st Cat 2019 |
I started receiving coaching from October 2017, I’ve felt more confident in what I’m doing and that it was ‘all’ for a valid reason. I also managed to fit in more structured training while coping with school/college stresses, keeping the equilibrium. It’s taken a lot of pressure off me trying to figure it out for myself and still ‘do’ the rest of my life. This year I am hoping to progress and become a stronger rider, improving on my weaknesses. I’d also like to have some top 10 results in nationals. As well as also doing my acamemic work (revision & exams) still balancing in some training.
Freya Richardson Hargroves Montezuma Ladies RT [2020 LivAWOL] 1st Year Junior 2nd Cat 2019 |
I started to get coaching from Dave in March 2017. Between May and October I got about a 20 watt FTP gain and also improved my bike skills and handling considerably at the South Downs College Cycle Coaching sessions, my confidence in my own ability has improved also, I have noticed this in the corners and on club rides. The structured training is great and I always know what I need to do on what day, mostly last year I have been doing training rides to help get used to my power zones. They are flexible too, if there is a day that you can't train Dave manages the week’s training around that. I'm competing in the British Cycling National Junior Series, local and regional races, when I turn up to the start I always have a strategy to try and stick to and it helps me to be more confident on the start line and realise that I do belong there. This year I am hoping to get some good results in races and time trials and be able to show off my full potential in bike racing.
Matthew Houlberg Portsmouth North End [2020 Meudon Pedal Heaven RT] 1st Year Junior 2nd Cat 2019 |
David has been coaching me for around a year and a half now and I feel I have improved massively since then. Having a plan to follow, for me, helps me to stay motivated and to give it 100% during rides and even races. Reassurances after races allowing me to know that I did actually do well and what I needed to improve on. Especially as a 1st year junior there is a lot of learning that goes with racing with much stronger and more experienced riders.
Ethan Court Meudon Pedal Heaven Le Col RT 1st Year Junior 2nd Cat |
Thanks to Dave my 2017 season went very well. He helped me to build up my engine but more importantly he helped give me some tactical knowledge, providing me with structured race plans - whereas my old race plans were to simply ‘fly off the front’. He also balances school life and cycling well, especially in the run up to exams. Dave also helps me achieve goals that are challenging yet achievable. One goal which he helped me achieve during 2017 was to get onto the British Cycling Regional School of Racing (RSR). We have continued to develop the 'plan' for the 1st year of being a Junior, illness has made that definitely more challenging however, the regular meetings and monitoring of performance has helped to work on the 'come back'.
Owen Giles Portsmouth North End 1st Year Junior 3rd Cat 2019 |
Dave proved to be a very flexible coach which helped having a young family at home as plans can constantly change! I found the workouts well tailored to my specific goals and they helped me achieve PB's on all of my usual TT courses. I think in years past I had been over-training with no real focus and Dave's plan concentrated my efforts to specific points of the season with a view to peaking for set goals. I can thoroughly recommend Dave's programme.
James Ayton Portsmouth North End Senior Time Trial Tester |