I have coached cyclists since 2002 and have done so professionally since 2012. Before coaching full time I spent 20 years teaching sports science at university, principally exercise physiology, built two university sports science departments, published research, and have reviewed for the Journal of Sports Sciences. I hold a BSc, a PGCE and a master’s in sports science, the British Cycling Level 3 coaching award (I assisted with developing British Cycling’s Level 3 cyclocross course) and a bike fitting qualification.

My athletes have won at every level. Alex Dowsett won Commonwealth Games time trial gold, the British time trial title and the 10-mile record, and set the UCI Hour Record. Helen Wyman won national and European cyclocross titles and two Koppenberg crosses. Blaine Hunt became a para-cycling world champion and Paralympic medallist, and Simon Carr progressed from second-category amateur to WorldTour professional. Others have won masters national titles on road and track and national cyclocross series.

The same principles apply whatever your level. Consistent, well-fuelled training is the foundation. Science informs my coaching, but I treat it critically and judge every method by how each rider responds. Training is built around your life, goals and physiology, and adjusted week by week from your data and feedback. Your health always comes first.

Most of my clients come through recommendation. Whether it is a first sportive or a championship, you get the same care.