‘Most people invest money into the latest kit, that may be the latest shimano or asssos but by forgetting the most important part of the package, themselves they negate any advantage this may give them. Since I started working with Dan Bennett I have reduced my body fat increased my overall fitness and gained confidence in my ability to perform. Now I can purchase new kit safe in the knowledge that Dan’s enormous level of knowledge and enthusiasm combined with the support he provides have given me the ability to use it’
J.P. Newhaven INTRA PROGRAMME
|
Thanks for the training regime, advice and help, through good and bad really. I certainly would not have trained as hard on my own. My cycling style has changed I now ride in a bigger gear and am able to ride more frequently for further (my recovery between rides is better). As for future rides, I don't know yet I will let the dust settle and see what happens. One thing is for sure every amateur cyclist should seek professional advice with regard to training for an event at least once during their cycling life time.
Once again many thanks and I plan to keep in touch if that's ok.
Kind regards,
Mark.
P.S.
I'll toast Progressive Cycling when I next crack open a beer; cheers Dan!! - that's when my hydration level returns to normal (I'm even taken note of my nutrition course)
Mark Bellamy PERFROMER Programme
|
I’m now into my 3rd training plan with Dan Bennett and I can feel the benefits starting to emerge.
By the end of last season I was spending too much time entering events and pushing myself too hard. The effect was totally negative, I started going slower and knew I had to deal with the situation.
This is when I contacted Dan, he assessed my available time to train, my family commitments and my goals and structured a plan that fitted in comfortably.
Like any form of training, it’s not all easy going but I feel fitter and stronger on the bike now and the season has not yet started for me. Also many of my midweek sessions have been turbo trainer based and that frees up the time I need for my work and family.
When I enter the early season events at least I will feel confident knowing that I’ve trained for them and given myself my best chance.
Craig Veall, East London. INTRA Programme
|
Dan has been training me for road racing for just over a year now. In that time I have enjoyed my best ever season, uninterrupted improvement and fantastic motivation.
Dan has been so reliable and supportive, I couldn't ask for more.
James King, London. PERFROMER Programme
|
Entering my second season being coached by Dan, I have found his knowledge and experience invaluable. Initially I was on the Intra programme last year which was really useful and one I followed as closely as I could. Unfortunately I only managed a hand full of events last season, but I'm sure that I wouldn't have been able to do as well if I'd gone it alone and really valued the purpose of each session.
This year, I've gone up one level to the Performer plan as I have added a PowerTap to my training arsenal with the gains it gives. I have been using the Performer Program since the start of the year and can honestly say that I've been surprised at how much quality over quantity my training has had thanks to Dan's direction and thoroughness of his program custom made around the time I have to train (with a busy work schedule and family).
My personal favourite are the 'tempo' sessions as I get to see how much power I put out using my Powertap and the accurate nature which I'm training within. Dan's as good, if not better than the 'top' coaches you read about in the magazines, and If you're lucky enough to get out on a ride with him, you'll understand why..
- DC, Corfe Mullen, Dorset. April 2008 PERFORMER Programme
|
'Dan has helped not only with my fitness but also my mental preparation, race planning, tactics and general organisation.
One of the main benefits of having Dan is that I have a specific training programme that I can follow that makes my riding a lot more structured and after just finishing my winter training I can say that it is very effective!!
Dan is also available to talk anytime I need help or need advice with my training which is very helpful.'
CB, West Sussex. PERFORMER Programme
|
I like most people live an increasingly busy lifestyle which invariably reduces the time I can dedicate to training. Therefore I need to make each and every ride count which until I sort Dan's advice I clearly wasn't doing. Now with a structured, tailor-made programme each session has a purpose and I have already begun to win some races!
If you're going to make the effort to get out on the bike - why not make it count. With Dan's help you can.
D.W. West Sussex INTRA Programme
|
After a couple of "stale" seasons I contacted Dan for a training program.
Best thing i've ever done, started in June and by September had got within 12 secs. of my 10 mile p.b and 30 secs. of my 25 p.b.
Currently enjoying my first real winter's training and can't wait for the season to start, with Dan's expertise in fitting training around work and family commitments i fell that this season is gonna be a good one.
Thanks Dan.
Dave Barker- PCA Ciclos Uno/Abbey Business, INTRA Programme
|
My training on the bike was a bit hit and miss, to say the least.
Having enlisted Dan Bennett's services, he provided me with realistic goals and targets, helped me focus, and greatly increased my fitness and mental attitude.
Andy Bristow, Barns Green, PERFORMER Programme
|
Dan Bennett was a great help to my training, before I started Dan’s program I would train with no guidance and I would see no improvement. Since starting the program I can always see big improvements after each 3 month program. The big difference is Dan is always available for expert advice so my training is always working and improving for me. Cheers Dan….
Ian Ryan, Forfar. INTRA Programme
|
Under Dan’s guidance I have seen my weight decrease from 17 stone to 13.5 stone over 12 months. He helped me with moral support and input of his expertise to achieve my goals. Especially increasing my fitness levels and helping me to achieve gold standards in Sportiff events on the continent. He’s helped me get back to my fitness level of ten to fifteen years ago.
M.C. Surrey. ELITE Programme
|
Riding with Progressive Cycle Coaching
About me. My name is Chris Cottrell, I’m a 47 year old telecommunications executive and PKD sufferer. Last year I rode the Dragon Ride as a personal challenge and to raise money for the UK PKD charity http://www.pkdcharity.co.uk/. I managed to get round the Dragon Ride in a slow time of 8hrs 4 min with the help of some good riding buddies and support at the roadside by family and friends. After the ride I decided that I could probably go much faster but would need a coach to provide direction and motivation. I found Dan on the web and after providing a letter from my GP saying that I wouldn’t drop dead in training I embarked on the 1st 3 month plan with Dan. I’m now coming to the end of the 2nd 3 month plan.
The challenge. At 6ft 3in and 14st I am never going to climb like Michael Rasmussen but the challenge I set Dan was to improve my climbing by about 10% to aid with the long climbs in sportive riding. I modified Dan’s climbing base line test so I use the same climb and measure improvement. The climb I use is known locally as “Westbury Quarry”. It is parallel to Cheddar Gorge and starts in Rodney Stoke and finishes just above the quarry above Westbury sub Mendip on the south side of the Mendip hills. The climb itself is a country lane; it is 2.25km long and about 200m of climbing. It has three pitches with some near flat bits linking them up, each of the pitches is about 14% to 16% with the average grade at 8.5%. My times have improved from a woeful 13min 54sec to a plodding 12min 16sec, however I think this is brilliant given my PKD.
PKD. Polycystic Kidney Disease is the most common life threatening genetic disease, it affects an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide regardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin. In fact PKD affects more people than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, haemophilia, Downs syndrome and sickle cell anaemia — combined. The chances of having it are about 1-800 in the general population but if you have it the chances of passing it on to your children is 1-2.
PKD and Me. We get on ok. I have 40% kidney function, well below normal haematocrit and haemoglobin levels and require blood pressure medication daily. My donations website is now close but you might find it interesting. http://www.justgiving.com/chriscottrell
This Years Challenge. This years Dragon Ride is 25% longer with 50% more climbing, my aim is to get round in the same time as last year for the longer, harder course. It’s a big ask…………..
Me and Dan. Dan provides me with a comprehensive training programme. I can usually only manage about 60-70% of it due to work and family commitments however Dan’s advice, positive attitude and cheery approach are very encouraging. We’ve never met so everything is done by email and phone. Is it hard? No doubt about it. Does it work? No doubt about that either. Nice one Dan.
Chris Cottrell, March 2007. INTRA Programme
|
Dan has brought a great level of purpose and focus to my approach to training and road racing. Previously I entered races completely unsure of what to do or how it would unfold. Now, Dan provides me with the ability to plan and execute race craft. With Dan's guidance over my last two races, I achieved 7th and 3rd places which is enough points to gain Cat 3 status.
SB. Haywards Heath. INTRA Programme
|
'....with encouragement and support from Dan, my first year on a bike has been most enjoyable. He has devised for me an individual structured training plan which has given me the confidence to try an array of cycling disciplines. I find Dan incredibly likeable, knowledable, unbiased, supportive and has an amazing enthusiasm for cyclists and their progress whatever their level......'
CL, Hove, INTRA Programme
|
Dan has made a huge improvement to my progression in cycling with a training plan and with his hands on experience and tips he has changed my thinking. The performance has improved as well as my enjoyment. I would recommend anyone to talk to Dan and he will bring order where there was chaos!
M.P. West Sussex. INTRA Programme
|
Being a typical club cyclist, Dan's training plan was a breath of fresh air. Each session has a reason, including the club runs which became more structured. Despite only starting the plan in November, the results are already evident. My strength has improved markedly, while my weight has reduced to a level that I haven't seen for 15 years. Thanks to Dan, I'm entering my first racing season with expectation, rather than trepidation.
TB, Haywards Heath. INTRA Programme
|
My first season being coached by Dan and very good it has been, I am now more confident with my bike skills in races and know were to be in the group. I started as a 4th cat and now I have got one of my goals and have become a 3rd cat (thanks Dan) his help to me has always been very professional.
G.M. Burgess Hill. INTRA Programme
|
"Dan has been a great help to me as an ordinary club cyclist. He has a friendly and easy manner which means he is very approachable and understanding. The training plan he produced for me is most comprehensive and, as I aspire to follow it, I have already felt the benefits which makes my cycling even more enjoyable. Above all I know that Dan is always willing to provide further help and guidance as I need it."
DC, East Sussex. INTRA Programme
|
|
