Athletes

In 2009 Eric transitioned from triathlon to cycling and had some success in the Cat 5 and then Cat 4 ranks. As a self-coached athlete Eric had some structure but felt something was missing in his training and decided to step up to a coach. Through his own research and some recomendations Eric signed up with Coach Peter in December 2009.

Coach Peter has helped Eric identify his strengths and weaknesses as a cyclist and has him on track for a successful 2010. With the results Eric has achieved he will be upgrading to a Cat 3 this year. Below is a letter Eric wrote to the Coach about his training. Thank you Eric.

Peter,

On Saturday I did the NYS RR CAT 4 Championship. The CAT 4 road race was 3 laps around a 18 mile circuit that consisted of continuous rollers and one long steep climb that dropped riders with each of the 3 laps we completed. After the third lap the race turned to Whiteface Mountain for a 1.6 mile climb the was a consistent 8% grade with the final couple hundred meters being at 11%. I knew I couldn't match the strongest climbers in the remaining group so I found my own pace, made a solid climb finishing climb and finished in 6th place for the NYS CAT 4 RR Championship.

On Sunday I raced in the NYS CAT 4 Criterium Championship in Saranac Lake. The
course was a short half mile loop that included two especially tight and fast corners. Right from the starting gun the pace was very fast and had the field stretched out in a long paceline. The fast and hard pace had riders getting pulled early on in the race. I felt pretty good through the race as I tried to race smart and conserve as much as possible for the final laps. With 3 laps to go I started working my way to the front and with 1 lap to go I was very happy to be in about 6th position. Entering the final three corners the race got very aggressive with riders trying to set themselves up for the final sprint. In almost an instant I found myself boxed in and lost 10 places or more heading into the final turn. Exiting the final turn I managed to find a line that allowed me to make a strong final sprint to grab 3rd place for the NYS CAT 4 Criterium Championship.

A couple of observations from this weekend. I am in really good shape right now. I am clearly the strongest I have ever been on a bike since I started racing a couple of years ago. The RR was a very hard race with a very strong field. While I didn't get on the podium I am very happy with how I was able to ride a course like that with about 4500 feet of climbing. I am not a climber for sure, but with the training plan you have put me through, I was able to hang and compete in a race that was definitely more suited for skinny climbers.

For the crit, I felt really good despite the hard RR effort the day before. Again, the program had my physically ready to compete at a high level. Physically, I could have and maybe should have won that Cat 4 race. But, I am still learning how to race crits and need to be more aggressive and determined in being where I need to be in the race to have a chance to win.

After taking a quick look at my power numbers from the weekend it appears I have again set new personal highs for 5 mins, 10, mins, and 20 min power outputs. So I would say you did have me peaked and ready to go. Thanks!