Testimonials

It’s been great to work on my training with Alistair. He’s created plans and provided positive encouragement to improve my performance this year… I know it’s worked from the feedback I’ve received from him and also from those I’ve ride with regularly… as it’s always best to be the first up a climb in the Peaks – Simon 2020

[line][line]

I contacted Alastair regarding coaching when I had a foot operation scheduled and knew I would be off my bike for some time and was terrified of losing all my fitness.  Alastair helped me through my recovery, by discouraging me from getting back on the bike too soon (which I would have done otherwise, probably to my detriment), giving me gentle yoga exercises to do and gradually adding short, gentle sessions on the turbo.

These workouts steadily increased in longevity and intensity, and I found myself becoming much stronger quite rapidly. I really enjoyed the workouts too, they were tough but fun, and I always felt massively accomplished when I completed them.

Although I have a demanding job and not a lot of spare time, Alastair managed to get me fitter than I’ve ever been, relatively quickly. I enjoyed working with Alastair so much. He’s is such a nice guy and so confidence inspiring. He made me believe in myself! Even if, like me, you don’t really compete but just want to perform to the best of your ability, then I can’t recommend him enough. Joolze 2019

[line][line]

“Main targets for the 2017 season were to attain a podium placing in the shorter distance VTTA National Championships.  Attain my VTTA standards.  Achieve a sub 57 minute for a 25 miler.  Oh and get the odd course PB along the way.  All nicely challenging :o)  Let 2017 begin!

Winter training commenced as usual mid-October.  Then as seems to becoming the norm, I had to have 4 weeks off the bike :o( gutted!  Having a great coach helps in so many ways.  Firstly you don’t need to panic.  Panic often means you get back on the bike too quickly and ramp the training up soon and which in turn can lead to more time off the bike.  Secondly if the break is quite long they help you to re-profile and reprioritise your season goals and key events.  So all’s well.

Did I attain my main targets? 

  • Bronze Medal – VTTA National Championship – 10 miles
  • Bronze Medal – VTTA National Championship – 15 miles
  • VTTA Standards at 15 and 25 miles
  • Sub 57 minute for a 25 miler? Not quite.  Season best was 57:33 getting closer!
  • Course PBs: 10 in total
  • VTTA Midland Group – Bart Cup – Best on Standards Women
  • VTTA Midland Group – Bayliss Cup Best on Standard Women – 2 open 10s and 2 open 25s

Pretty good season if I don’t say so myself :o)

To summarise – really pleased with my training, with my commitment, with my achievements.  But most importantly extremely pleased with my coach, Alastair Semple without whom I would not have been able to achieve any of the above.” Sue Nov 2017

[line][line]

“When I started working with Alastair 7 months ago I had been time trialling for 3 seasons, including a few hill climbs. Having qualified for the UCI Gran Fondo World Champs TT in Albi I wanted to improve my performance, but had no idea how to.  Alastair undertook a thorough assessment of my fitness and background. Knowing my goals he set me daily training sessions (with rest days) to gradually increase cadence, power and speed. My time over a 10 mile TT has consequently reduced by about 1 minute.  He has given me tips on everything cycling- related, including nutrition, kit, rest and cycling related exercises. He is very supportive and patient and I can thoroughly recommend his services.”  best wishes  Sally Sept 2017

[line][line]

 

For me having a coach is not just about ‘going fastest’ it’s about training smarter.
I chose to return to being coached by Alastair due to his increasing knowledge and understanding of how the body reacts to training and what training suits a particular individual.
I have had my fair share of injuries and illness, the impact of which has been greatly reduced due to the watchful eye of Alastair.
Alastair makes training fun, he makes it interesting and importantly for me he explains what I can expect to achieve from the phases and specific sessions.
I took up cycling at the age of 40 in 2006 and started training seriously for the 2009 season. I have steadily progressed and at the age of 49 I achieved a Time Trial Age Record for 10 miles. At the age of 50 along with my Born to Bike/Bridgtown team mates we won National Time Trial Team Awards at 50 miles, 100 miles and the British Best All Rounder (BBAR).
I’m now looking forward and excited to see, with the help of Alastair’s coaching, what I can achieve in the 2017 season! Susan

[line][line]

Having worked with Alastair throughout 2016 I can wholeheartedly recommend his coaching services.  I knew that I wanted to start competing in time trials and also improve my cyclocross results compared to previous seasons but didn’t know how to do so.  Alastair took the time to understand what time I had available and what type of training I had used in the past in order to set a plan for the year ahead.  This was laid out in an organised calendar for the year ahead and bi-weekly phone calls ensured we were heading in the right direction.  Working with Alastair has been a hugely motivating factor both in terms of his methods but also from his personality and enthusiasm which has really spurred me on.  Now looking back at 2016 I still can’t believe by how large a margin I have exceeded my targets by. Dave

[line][line]

I started a training plan with Alastair back in February (2016) at the beginning of my TT season. We discussed my aims for the season and set some realistic goals so the training could be tailored to my needs. It was the first time I’d undertaken any kind of structured training and so found it a real help having each session planned out ahead of time. Alastair was able to keep the sessions varied and interesting rather than a “sit at x effort level for x amount of time, rinse and repeat” approach. He provided me with great support and positive feedback throughout the training and adjusted the plan to suit my change in available time.

It was an enjoyable experience and helped me to achieve my goals. For anyone wanting to get the most out of their training I can highly recommend Alastair’s coaching. James