AS AN ATHLETE
An international cyclist for over 20 years, I took up cycling at the age of 14 and within a year had won my first race and that was it, I’d be hooked on the bike from then on. Cycling in Ireland was at a boom at the time and it was not unusual to have a field of 200 riders in the junior races in Ireland. I first represented my country in 1988 at the age of 16. This trend continued over the next number of years on Irish teams in one-day races and stage races n England, the Isle of Man, Scotland, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Italy, and culminated in the World Championships in Sicily in 1994.
In the early 90’s I lived and raced in France for 3 years as part of the top Parisian team of the time “ACBB”. Among the many top cyclists I trained and raced with was my own team mate and room mate Jaan Kirsipuu. Jaan went on to win 4 stages in the Tour de France and held the yellow Jersey in the 1999 edition.
After a long break from competition, I made a return to racing in 2007, winning 7 top Irish races and beating some of the top young riders around. A hernia operation put a stop to my racing in May 2009 but I still managed to get in two wins and I am looking forward to getting back to the start line in March. I have a career total of over 70 wins, including 3 Irish Championship medals and I’m not finished yet!
AS A COACH
I have coached endurance athletes (runners, cyclists, triathletes) since 1996 while also working as a personal trainer. I set up Winning Solutions in early 2006 and through working with Catherina McKiernan and Sean Kelly – both world class athletes – I have further perfected my coaching skills and training methods.
Working as a personal trainer and coach for over 13 years has given me the experience and knowledge to coach from beginner to top international level and confidence in my ability to provide the right advice for individuals to get the most from their training, taking into account their lifestyle, career and family commitments.
Triathlon Coaching Experience
- 2004 Triathlon Ireland two week training camp in Cyprus - Head Coach and all bike training
- Piranha Triathlon Training camp in Italy in 2003, 2004 & 2006
- Piranha Winning Solutions Squad 2006
- Coached at various Triathlon Ireland training events over the last 6 years
- Coached numerous sprint and olympic distance athletes looking for improvements
- Coached numerous first-time Ironmen
- Piranha Triathlon Club Head Coach for 2010
Cycling Coaching Experience
- Coached Irish National Team members racing in the FBD Ras and the Tour of Ireland alongside top professionals, including Lance Armstrong
- Coached all levels of cyclist over the years, from leisure cyclists training for their first ‘Wicklow 100’ to International Cyclists
- Organised and Coached Womens Commission cycling events
- Conducted training camps for clubs and clients in Italy, Majorca, France, Spain, and the Canaries
- Sponsored and Coached Winning Solutions Team 2008 + 2009 + 2010
- Coached numerous cyclists for endurance events including the following La Marmotte, L’etape de Tour, London – Paris, Trans Alpe, The 32 County in 32 Hours challenge, Malin to Misen (in 1 day)
