About Us

Why Do I Coach?

Because I just love cycling in pretty much every way. From delivering race sessions for the UCLan Cycling Team, to teaching leisure cyclists to ride one handed for the first time, riding with my 7-year-old whilst chatting about her school day, to entering a 60-mile road race at the age of 46. The joy I and others get from riding their bikes whether it be racing, mountain biking, commuting, family bike rides, making new friends, enjoying our beautiful countryside and finding new roads is something that inspires me to motivate others. It’s an ever-developing passion and I love to see new and old faces just enjoying cycling experiences. I feel privileged to be a coach and have been inspired by other passionate coaches throughout the process.

How It Started

From 18 years old I knew I wanted a career in fitness, health, and sport, and I have chosen a path to excel in my 28-year career. I studied Sport and Human Biology A Levels which lead onto a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University.  After graduating in 2000 I have coached many athletes in both indoor and outdoor settings, motivating them and ensuring they achieve their goals. I am a great believer in constantly developing my own knowledge and qualifications (see below). I am also fortunate to work at the University of Central Lancashire where I can access elite level facilities and cutting-edge sports science research. I also coach the aspiring UCLan Cycling Team who compete in the British Universities & Colleges Sport competitions nationwide.

The Coach

As I coach, I am qualified to the highest level – British Cycling Level 3. Very few coaches have qualified to this level as it takes numerous years to complete and requires successfully passing of Level 1, 2 and Road/TT Discipline Specific Units beforehand. I can deliver high level technical skills sessions, create individual annual periodised training plans, tactical analysis and sports psychology including the use of visualisation. This qualification is not to be confused with other Level 3 qualifications.  Due to my Sports Science knowledge and training of athletes for decades, I have a thorough understanding of human anatomy and the application of training through cycling, strength, and full body conditioning. I can take anthropometric measurements including body fat and conduct other physical testing protocol. My rounded knowledge and experience of the sport, training principles and physiology is not something that can be learnt in a 6-week online course, but over 2 decades of learning, understanding individual athletes and real-life practical delivery.

So why choose me?

‘Not only passionate, it will be difficult to find a more highly qualified and experienced fitness professional, sports coach and successful amateur athlete.’

The Athlete

I predominantly played football until my mid 20’s and my passion for cycling only started when I was 28. Initially I had modest aspirations of becoming a 2nd category racing cyclist and hopefully to win a race. Not being the fastest, strongest, or lightest rider I listened and took advice from experienced cyclists and coaches to develop tactical and technical skills in order to just ‘get round’. The ability to survive and ride smart ensured I positioned well and be at the pointy end of races. Roll on nearly 2 decades and I have since held a British Cycling Elite License for numerous years, raced in Belgium 2013-15, been TLI National Masters Champion 2016, competed at the UCI Amateur World Championships in Albi 2017 and won over 20 races in between. In 2016 and starting a family meant I couldn’t justify training 20 hours a week on the bike. Being ‘time-crunched’ meant I had to find a quick way of keeping fit, so I decided to take up running. This in turn lead me to start competing in Duathlons (run-bike-run). Taking wins at the Snowman 2017, Slateman and Sandman 2018 plus the Adventure Championships in 2022 spurred my motivation further, and I won the English Duathlon Masters Championship title in the same year. I am now back on the bike in 2023, lining up against young men in E12 races, at the ripe old age of 46! #notdeadyet

CYCLING QUALIFICATIONS

  • British Cycling Level 3 – Road, Plan and Prescribe Training
  • British Cycling Level 2 – Road – Discipline Specific Unit
  • British Cycling Level 2 – Coaching Cycling
  • British Cycling Level 1 – Recognition of Prior Learning 
  • British Cycling Level 1 – Ride Leaders Award
  • British Cycling – Engaging your Riders 
  • British Cycling – Using Rollers 
  • HSBC Ready, Set, Ride!   
  • British Cycling – Risk Management and Awareness 
  • Educare – Safeguarding 
  • British Cycling – What is Cycling?
  • British Cycling – Riding Position and Equipment 
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • BSc Hons Sports and Exercise Science 2:1
  • A Level Sports Studies and Human Biology

FITNESS QUALIFICATIONS
  • YMCA NVQ Level 2 Fitness Instruction   
  • Focus Training – Pure Lifting
  • Lifestyle and Fitness Assessments
  • Technogym ARKE Functional Movement Training
  • Core Stability – Focus Training
  • England Athletics Leadership in Running Fitness
  • Jonny G Spinning Instructor
  • Boxercise Instructor Qualification
  • Community Sports Leaders Award
  • FA Management and Treatment of Sports Injuries
HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES
  • First Aid at Work and AED
  • Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Managing Safely
  • Safeguarding Level 2

PALMARES
  • Criterium wins at UCLan Sports Arena, Salt Ayre, Litherland, Rhyll, Shrewsbury.
  • Road Race wins at Pimbo, Bashall Eaves, Audlem
  • Duathlon wins at Anglesey, Llanberis, Betsy Cowed and Darlington
  • National Masters TLI Road Race Champion
  • British Cycling Road Race – 2nd Place
  • English Masters Duathlon Champion