The experience of working with a cycling coach is different from that of other sports. They typically aren’t on the sidelines at your races, and they rarely go for a training ride with you. Most cycling coaches create training plans and use software like Training Peaks to analyze ride data, from which they provide you with post-workout feedback.

But is there more to it than numbers? Yes, we think so. Having the right coach can make all the difference. A good coach does more than give you a training plan, they help elevate your performance to new levels. It’s a collaborative relationship between two people that requires clear communication, expert guidance, and genuine compassion.

Whether aiming to get faster, tackle longer rides, or compete in races, the right coach will provide the guidance, support, and expertise you need to achieve your goals. As a coaching group, we know firsthand just how powerful coaching can be, which is why we created this guide to help you find a coach who can unlock your potential and take your cycling to the next level.

Consider Your Coaching Needs

First, you must write down the qualities and attributes you want in a coach. This could include their expertise in specific areas (like sprinting, endurance, or nutrition), their coaching philosophy, and their approach to training plans.

You also need to identify your primary cycling goals. They can be broad, like improving race performance, increasing endurance, skill refinement, or specific, like completing an event under a certain time or accumulating points for race category upgrades. Be sure to specify areas where you may need guidance, like technical skills, recovery strategies, or mental conditioning.

Consider practical aspects such as the coach’s location, availability, and mode of communication (in-person, online, and phone calls). Most coaching today happens virtually via video chat and software. But many still seek out a coach that is local, which makes it easier to meet in person a few times a year. The timezone is also something to consider.

Determine your budget for coaching services. Remember, investing in a coach is an investment not just in your cycling but also in your health.

Do Your Research

The next step is to do some research. You will want to gather information from various sources to build a list of potential coaches who might meet your criteria. It's a crucial step to ensure you have enough information to make an informed choice.

One of the best ways to approach this is to ask fellow riders, racers on other teams, or people on social media about their coaches. If you’re on a team or belong to a cycling club, ask other members for recommendations. Your club or team may already have a relationship with an existing coaching group, which you can consider.

If you receive recommendations from others, get their perspective on what their experience was like. You will want to visit their website to assess their qualifications and track record. Many coaches post regularly on social media, this can be a great resource for getting a feel for what their coaching is like.

Verify Experience and Credentials

Once you have a list of potential coaches, you will want to verify their qualifications and credentials. This step ensures the coach has the necessary education, experience, and certification to provide high-quality training and guidance.

One important point to consider is that your coach has a background in racing or the type of riding you like. Many former racers and pro riders have successful careers as coaches. Their achievements and expertise should be easy to track down. A license from USA Cycling or a reputable licensing group is also something you should ask about.

Arrange a Discussion

After narrowing down your choices, you should talk with a few potential candidates. This is your opportunity to get to know them better, discuss your goals, and gauge how well their coaching style aligns with your needs.

You should have a good understanding of their approach if you do your research. But be sure to ask questions to understand what it’s like to work with them. The goal is for both parties to understand if they are a good fit for each other.

Choose a Coach Who Believes in You

Choosing a coach isn't just about their qualifications; it's also about finding someone who believes in your potential. You will want to gauge the coach's ability to motivate and inspire you, which is crucial for your growth and success in cycling. A coach should encourage you, help you learn from failures, and celebrate your successes. A coach's faith in you can significantly boost self-confidence and performance.

What is it like to Work With an Achieve Coach?

We take a hands-on approach to coaching. It’s not simply “Here’s a program. Go to it, and good luck!” Ongoing communication is a key component of coaching excellence, and we work hard to maintain consistent communication with our clients. With gratitude, we have received some kind words that support this approach.

We believe sport-specific experience is important to being a great coach. Hence, our roster of coaches includes riders who have, and still are, competing at the highest levels of the sport.

All training plans include:

Individualized training plans
Workout analysis and feedback
Structured workouts are easily downloaded onto a cycling computer

But you also get:

A coach invested in your success and overall well-being
Frequent scheduled check-in calls
Daily review of your training and metrics
Feedback on workouts and races
Tactical race advice from experienced racers
Nutritional guidance
Access to our Slack channel
And most importantly, compassionate support from the Achieve Community

Cat A Cyclocross Racer and Achieve Athlete

“When I signed up to work with Achieve, I was pretty certain I'd get the performance benefits I sought, and I did in spades. Put simply, I got fitter than I've ever been, and I won races.

What I got, and continue to get, that I wasn't expecting is a coach who cares about my performance in life as much as in sports.

My coach's sensitivity and keen intuition have allowed him to tap into my inner workings, especially the mental side of things. I credit these qualities as the most salient to my significant recent gains in sports and perhaps in overall well-being.

I lead a complicated and somewhat challenging existence, and my coach will attest to the hurdles I've cleared to reach my objectives because he 'knows me.' The fact that I can text or email him for clarification on a workout or to bemoan a lackluster performance is icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.”

Choose the Right Coach for You

Choosing a cycling coach is a very personal decision. It's about finding someone who provides expert training advice, aligns with your personality, supports your goals, and believes in your potential.

The right coach can transform your cycling journey, bringing structure, efficiency, and enjoyment to your training. Remember, it's a team effort – you and your coach working together towards your next milestone.

If you want to learn more about working with an Achieve Performance and Training coach, fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

How to Choose the Right Cycling Coach for You