Coaches for Road Racing

claret73

I know this might be asking 'how long is a piece of string' but has anybody got recommendations for coaches around the Midlands? I've done some Google research & found a few worth looking at, yet there are quite a few offering similar price plans and services. I do know some of the names & their backgrounds, but until I begin to make a call I'd be basing my feelings on a phone call...

If people wish to keep testimonials off topic, PM me.

ric/rstsport

where in the midlands? are you looking for one to one with skills based coaching or looking at the training & psychology around the event?

i'm in staffordshire.

ric

claret73

Hi Ric
I'm looking for a consulted plan of training to begin a winter programme to enable me to start racing on the road again next year, with this continuing into the racing season. I'd like to discuss Power Meter options and training with the like, diet and perhaps any links to bike fit, as I'm just getting through a minor knee injury so would like to rul out any misgiving there.
I'll take a look at your site & I'll be in touch.
Thanks.

ric/rstsport

there are 3 of us at RST Sport that (i think) fit into the Midlands. anyway, we can help with those points.

cheers and look forward to hearing from you,
ric

Pross

Beacon Ruth on here is also a BC Level 3 Road & TT coach.

http://www.rutheyles.co.uk/

(Sorry Ric, just offering an alternative!)

ric/rstsport

no need to apologise, it's fine to offer an alternative!

twotyred

You could try this guy http://www.sports-coaching.com/site/index.php. I'm not a racer but I've used him with good results. He's ex British Cycling.

Pross

twotyred wrote:

You could try this guy http://www.sports-coaching.com/site/index.php. I'm not a racer but I've used him with good results. He's ex British Cycling.

Interesting that that site, in the coaches profiles and qualifications section, mentions British Cycling Level 2 coaches. I assume they only do work with groups as you are not permitted to do one-on-one coaching and setting training plans under the BC structure until you get to Level 3.

CYCLESPORT1

http://www.cadencesport.co.uk/

Ex Tour de France rider

MikeWW

You could try Dan Fleeman ex Pro at Forme Coaching here http://formecoaching.com/ or Adrian Timmis ex Pro inc TDF rider who runs Cadence Sport here http://www.cadencesport.co.uk/

Both have got very good reputations

Eddy S

Pross wrote:

twotyred wrote:

You could try this guy http://www.sports-coaching.com/site/index.php. I'm not a racer but I've used him with good results. He's ex British Cycling.

Interesting that that site, in the coaches profiles and qualifications section, mentions British Cycling Level 2 coaches. I assume they only do work with groups as you are not permitted to do one-on-one coaching and setting training plans under the BC structure until you get to Level 3.

You assume wrong and you have not read the individual profile properly. I know this because John coaches me and has been doing so for 6 years. He uses other coaches (i.e. BC L2 coaches) to assist in other/group sessions. I know this because I'm one of those coaches...

Pross

Eddy S wrote:

Pross wrote:

twotyred wrote:

You could try this guy http://www.sports-coaching.com/site/index.php. I'm not a racer but I've used him with good results. He's ex British Cycling.

Interesting that that site, in the coaches profiles and qualifications section, mentions British Cycling Level 2 coaches. I assume they only do work with groups as you are not permitted to do one-on-one coaching and setting training plans under the BC structure until you get to Level 3.

You assume wrong and you have not read the individual profile properly. I know this because John coaches me and has been doing so for 6 years. He uses other coaches (i.e. BC L2 coaches) to assist in other/group sessions. I know this because I'm one of those coaches...

Thanks Eddy, in that case I assumed right though as I was looking at the general coaching section (hence coaches plural) and was just seeking some clarification on the role of Level 2 coaches in the set up. It wasn't intended as a slight I was just intrigued to see a coaching service with Level 2 coaches offered as being one myself I feel almost limited to coaching groups of kids at the club and never really thought of there being a role in a commercial set up. Hopefully that will change once I get a discipline specific Level 2.

claret73

I have to admit it's a minefield. Yet there seems a common pattern of commercialism (might not be the right phrase) in the fact most sites offer a package system based on the amount of contact...

I know of Ruth, used to ride for the Beacon.
Timmis & Fleeman ex Pros, you'd get the knowledge of bunch racing & Forme offer coaches who are riding Top end Premier calendar & International with Sports science guys on the books.

I've also had some contact at Birmingham University's HPI Lab as knew somebody there and my Mate used them some time ago. Bonus is they are on my doorstep...

So a lot of calling round & getting a feel who I'd be happy working with & who'd be happy taking me on . I'd be a 4th Cat as not raced for about 10 years! Rode a bike at club level since I was 17, now going on 40!...

ric/rstsport

and don't forget we've had success at both recreational level and at world class level. one of the birmingham crew works with us.

anyway, the best thing to do is to write down what you're looking for in a coach. write down what your goals are. see which coach(es) have covered those goals and whether they work with people like you. make a list of potential coaches. then either give them a phone call or email them and see how they respond. not everyone fits with everyone - you need to gel with your coach.

also check out things like what your responsibilities as an athlete are (e.g. do you need to send files to your coach? will you send them on time)?

hope that helps
ric

claret73

Ric
Yeah, much appreciate your advice. I'll be doing just that, so I will be in touch.
Thanks again,
Andy

martinnitram

Ric/RSTSport wrote:

where in the midlands? are you looking for one to one with skills based coaching or looking at the training & psychology around the event?

i'm in staffordshire.

ric

Hi ric, is that the place on staffordshire technoligy park, by the university? i've been looking for local trainers for next season

ric/rstsport

we're no longer in the tech park. but please give me a shout (ric at rstsport dot com)