“I contacted Paul to ask for help following a disappointing race result. Having self coached for years I felt I had run out of ideas and that the racing season would drift by without success. Paul came to the rescue with a rescue plan for the season. His racing pedigree was what drew me towards asking for coaching support . His enthusiasm, knowledge and understanding was what got me back on track for the racing season. After 30 years of competing in endurance sports it was exciting to discover new things and learn more about myself as an athlete. A well structured and adaptable programme saw me hit my main target event fresh and perfectly prepared to race. The result was my best performance since returning to racing. Seeing improvement in my athletic performance despite getting older is a great feeling, made possible with Paul’s help.”

“A crash at the Sunderland round of the Tour Series resulting in a large hematoma around my lower back and the top of my glutes had caused a significant setback for my preparations for the Irish National Time Trial champs. It was taking ages and ages to go down and I ended up having two weeks off the bike. We were now only five weeks away from the national champs. I knew I had to go all in with the time trial so i contacted a local time trial-specific coach, Paul Hart from Hart Performance Coaching, to see if I could get back into the shape required to do a respectable ride.

In the two weeks off I had lost roughly 30-40 watts so knew I would be up against it. Most of the rehab work was done on the turbo with a large focus on improving my core, back, and glutes so that I would be able to hold as aggressive a position as possible. In the final five days before the nationals my power was nearly back to where it had been pre-crash. I arrived on the start line in the best possible shape I could be in. In the end, I placed 5th, only 18 seconds off of the podium. I was really proud of my ride. I had just executed maybe my best time trial ever and all of the hard work had been worth it.”

“I went to Paul Hart on some recommendations. Riders that went to him couldn’t speak more highly and they were all smashing their PB’s. So I made an enquiry and Paul sat down with me and we discussed my goals including the 12 hour. I was really impressed with the depths he went into to understand me as a person and what drives me. I have always been very ambitious and whatever I do I like to do well. Paul commented on each session I did and we also had follow up skype calls to discuss the training plan, what was working and what wasn’t. Paul was very supportive and didn’t beat me up if I missed the odd session due to long hours at work. When I needed extra rest this was not a problem. I knew in advance what the week ahead was going to look like so I could then plan my work around training. I do like a plan!

“I first approached Paul at the end of the 2019 season after seeing great results from other HPC riders, and of course Paul’s own incredible performances! I wanted that same success and over the last two seasons with Paul’s coaching and my commitment to the training, I have achieved far more than I thought possible!  This season I have taken over 2 minutes of my 25 and 50 mile TT pbs, to 55:15 and 1:54:22, respectively,  along with winning some key races, one being the ECCA ladies championship!  I really enjoy the structure of the training and the support from the HPC community.  It has got me through those tough days in winter and lockdown!  Paul is always supportive and understanding and has prepared me well for every race, especially those times where self doubt creeps in, he’s there for reassurance! I’m really looking forward to starting my third winter training block and building on my success from the last two seasons.”

“This year i decided to take my time trialing a bit more seriously. I had watched my son make a return to the discipline due to lockdown restrictions and had accompanied him to a number of Opens and thought I’d like to be fit enough to make it worth travelling to races rather than just doing club 10s..As someone with a busy full time job as a teacher i needed someone who would understand the time pressures i was under, so  asking Paul to become my coach was the best decision I could have made, his tailor made sessions, constant communication, his advice and, most importantly of all, his encouragement have made all the difference. As an older cyclist, my best times should be behind me but with Paul’s expertise not only have i had a fantastic season – chopping off three minutes from my 10 mile time and slashing 10 minutes off my 25 time and hitting undreamed of course bests on a range of circuits.”

“I got in touch with Paul at the start of this year after a period of really low motivation and thought it would be good to add some structure to my training. I’ve always cycled and have done more seriously for the last 5 years or so but have never really followed a proper training plan. I had also dabbled in crit racing with limited success. Paul’s racing background was what really drew me in and I was keen to learn from his experience. I was also keen on o be part of a supportive group of athletes all with similar aims and ambitions. My aim was to get some results in crit races and hopefully get enough British cycling points to upgrade to category 3. My first crit race after a few months of working with Paul I won and after a successful season of top ten finishes in almost all races I completed I got enough points to upgrade to category 2. I’ve developed a lot as a rider and racer this season and I’m really looking forward to what I can achieve next season.”

“I knew if I was going to improve I needed to do something different and coaching was the choice – I needed to learn to train correctly and also prepare for races. I never thought however that I would be this impressed with the programmes, and also insights in to racing Paul has given me. From pacing of the race to the overall taper the instructions and support are extensive and nothing seems to be overlooked – I feel like I am the only one he is working with at times and this makes me want to push myself harder and harder to achieve my goals and show that the effort put in is worth it. My training has been transformed, I have increased power significantly as well as scored PBs in every distance this season, and in most races I have done against last year’s results. I turn up to the race mentally and physically prepared and know exactly what I need to do to improve and challenge for the top 10 in each outing.”

“Competitive cycling had been a big part of my life for 5 years.  I’d been racing road, TT and cyclocross for years with mixed success, always committed, always training hard, but crucially without structure or clear direction.  Realising I had reached a performance plateau towards the end of 2020 I reached out to Paul based on a number of recommendations.I went in expecting results, and was delighted to see rapid improvement in key performance metrics during the winter months.  It wasn’t until completing my first TT of the season that I began to appreciate the magnitude of the performance gained.  I took thirteen TT wins during the year at club and open level, contributing to a number of overall points competition and trophy wins for the season.  Having never won a TT before this year it’s fair to say I have been delighted with the results. The level of support offered by HPC is truly exceptional.”

“I’ve gone from an average racer to a winner in 2019.. If you put your faith in to Paul and dont miss a session then you will reach your goals. Believe in Coaching. Paul’s own performances should tell you all you need to know.”

“It’s been great working so closely with such a professional coaching outfit as HPC. The sign of a great coach is always how they respond when things don’t go to plan and Paul has been incredible, helping me to find race competitive form following a near life changing accident.  Paul is extremely knowledgeable and uses the latest coaching theory to maximise gains in fitness and outcomes. I am proud to represent HPC in my events and look forward to the coming season with excitement!”

“It hasn’t been an easy first 12 months as a coached rider with Paul. Personal loss, illness & injury caused by being attacked on the bike whilst warming up for a race have contributed to my year.  However the main constant through the time has been the knowledge, methods & coaching skills from Paul. Right from the first extensive meeting, through the almost daily communication, care & consideration that has been shown, my overall power has increased, my technique has improved & I am enjoying my riding again. I am now, with Paul’s expertise, confidently looking forward to achieving & exceeding my goals.”

“For many years I simply enjoyed riding my bike. Whilst this kept me relatively fit and healthy I always wanted to ride faster and further. This desire was well and truly ignited when I entered a novice crit race series in 2019. From that moment on I was hooked on racing and knew that my training had to change. That’s when I first contacted Paul at HPC. Having known Paul from the past whilst racing triathlons I knew of his prodigious talent on the bike. So to approach him for help was a bit of a no brainer. My thoughts were ‘what better person to coach you than someone who has been there and done it’? From our first meeting I could tell just how thorough Paul is in his approach to training. The training sessions he sets always have a purpose…..empty miles on the bike are most definitely a thing of the past! And after each and every workout Paul provides useful feedback on the session.”

“I wanted structure in my training and Paul Hart came highly recommended from a friend. Coming from a multisport background I wanted to see gains from my bike and increase power and efficiency.Paul discussed at length my race history and goals for the 21 season and what I wanted to achieve and improve upon. Paul carefully considered a tailored plan focussing on building big strength on the bike.  My data was evaluated after every session in detail providing me with invaluable feedback whether that positive or areas to work on.As a result my planned runs off the bike were getting stronger and stronger. I have only been coached for the last few months and I have to say it was the best decision made the results speak for themselves I smashed by last half ironman distance by 45mins at Holkham. Paul’s advice is second to none having been there and done it! We are now working on my next half ironman race in September!”

“I was recommended to Paul by another HPC member. I have been cycling for two years after retiring from rugby, and this year I decided to try racing. After really enjoying a couple of races I could see focused coaching was going to be key to improving. Paul’s coaching feels really hands-on and personal, he always listens and can often see how I felt before I’ve even fed back to him. I was always anxious about stepping my training up and how I would cope, but alongside the hard work, Paul is always championing the importance of rest and recovery. His knowledge of training and racing is extensive and has definitely given me the edge I needed. My goal was to move from Cat 4 to 3 but after two wins, two seconds, one third and a number of other points scoring results I have now achieved Cat 2. My results and achievements speak volumes for Paul’s programme and should be a top consideration for anyone who wants to achieve.”

“I’ve known Paul for around 10 years from triathlon, local TTs with Southend Wheelers my club, and know Paul is an incredible athlete and cyclist. After over a decade of triathlon, from sprint to Ironman, marathon swimming, whilst I was moaning about juggling all three disciplines and running injuries after a TT to the amazing Lisa Hurrell, she inspired me to just cycle this year, I had just done a 6 week pre season TT coaching taster with Paul via Southend wheelers and wanted more! So I put triathlon on the shelf, followed Paul’s coaching and cycled 5-6 days a week and as a 52 year old female was blown away by the results. I never expected to get faster at my age and this year have knocked around 10 mins off my 50, 9 mins off my 25, 3 off my 10 and had so many PBs. Paul said if you just cycle you will win some races. And he was right.”

“Since joining Paul Hart Performance Coaching my fitness & stamina has vastly improved. Spectators at events I have entered have commented on my speed and competitive killer instinct for competing and winning. The training programme and targets set have encouraged me to try harder to achieve and exceed these targets.

Due to Paul’s coaching, I was a finalist at this year’s RTTC National Hill Climb Championship sponsored by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors (Junior Men) and finished 39^th overall. I was also a finalist at the National Youth Time Trail Championship Final finishing 38^th overall and 10^th for my age”

I have known Paul for many years, I can remember completing my first ever 70.3 at Outlaw Nottingham and there was this super friendly supportive guy that flew around the course in the rain and wind finishing hours before me yet still waited for me to finish. I listened to him deliver a talk to our club listened in awe to the hard work he put into achieving his plan and sharing what he did and how he achieved his goals. It was so inspiring.

I wanted to complete my first ever full distance at Outlaw in the July. I hadn’t done much endurance training and especially not on the bike. He was so proud of what I achieved going from not loving cycling to believing I can cycle over 100 miles without stopping and being self-sufficient. We dissected my nutrition keep practicing it in training and reviewing it.

Working with Paul has been a pleasure. He inspires me so much with what he has achieved as an athlete and cyclist, yet equally he has this knack of making me feel proud of what I achieve in my training/racing. I love the training structure and even as it grew in both effort and distance I kept rising to the challenge. The genuine excitement that you get back from Paul when you complete a session is brilliant. I love the constructive fed back which is always given in a timely fashion and Paul is genuinely there for you when you have a wobble or a self-doubt moment.

I think he was generally as nervous as I was as I stepped up to the Outlaw in July. “Believe in your training” “trust in what you have done” now my mantra. One of my favourite things about Paul is his thirst for research and data, he loves to develop and evolve as a coach. He truly understands female athletes and how we train and race differently and that we are most definitely no “mini men”.

Most of all I feel I have grown in confidence I can achieve my goals and no goal is too big or crazy! I can’t recommend Paul enough the support and package you received is truly unique and outstanding.”

“Jack Martin – you – are – an – Ironman’

I crossed the line in 10:59:10. WOW!

I’d mentioned to a few people my A goal would be sub 11 and I cannot explain how happy I am with the day out and hitting my goal. The end result was well worth the effort, seemingly endless hours of training, solo rides, long runs and numerous days of thinking ‘who the f**k signs up for an Ironman….’ Turns out I did and I’m so glad I did.

I honestly can’t thank Paul Hart and Paul Whittaker for picking me up 3.5 months ago and imparting your wisdom, knowledge, patience, encouragement on me. It’s made the athlete I am after crossing the line with the ability to say I’m an Ironman and a pretty good one. I cannot believe I got my sub 11 on my first (and last) Ironman and just want to thank you both again.”

Full race report in the blog section.

“I’ve been with HPC for just over 4 months, I’ve got faster with less training and not so tired. Paul is a top bloke and always at the end of the phone. More gains to be made for next year.”

“The atmosphere Paul and Nick have created at HPC is amazing, the support and team spirit has helped motivate me to be my best. The coaches make you feel like a superstar which gives me the confidence to succeed whenever I’m at the start line. In the two seasons I have ridden with HPC I have Pb’d in Time Trials, won my first open, multiple podiums of the Track and in Crits. Being a part of HPC has improved my cycling performance both physically and mentally, my only regret is not being a part of this team sooner!”