Coaching Testimonials

Dean Hudson | Top 10 National Sportive rider

"I decided after 3 years of riding that if I wanted to move on from top 25 finishes in UK Sportives and continue the momentum built up from the end of last season I would need some guidance and structure. I asked around and looked at a few websites and decided to approach Paul to see what he thought of making me a top 5 to top 10 in UK sportives and getting me to a sub 8 hour Marmotte. I wanted to have someone to ride with and talk to face to face so that I could understand more of what I was being asked to do. He said that if I had the will he would find the way. Many guys knock sportives but I don't have time to race properly and a busy family life has to be accommodated so I set Paul the task of giving me a training programme that had to fit in to the same number of hours each week as my actual sportives. Its less than either Paul would like but that is life and he worked with me to accommodate it.

So, 6 months after starting with Paul the first objective is achieved. I am now in the top 10 at least in any event I have entered. The latter objective we still have to wait for but I am now confident I have the weapons to go sub 8 hours.

To be able to go out with Paul on winter rides and train properly with him has been an invaluable education. Slow means slow, fast means fast, tempo means tempo. Every session has its place in a bigger picture and Paul has been able to build that picture for me. I now understand what we were doing and why and this is going to make me much smarter going forwards. My power outputs are significantly up and while there will always be faster guys out there I am realising more of my potential, which is all I can ask for."

Mark Newton | Time trial rider

"Before joining Paul I was totally unfocused, spending all my time on the bike in the belief that the more I did the better I would become. However since I have been with Paul he has motivated me to become focussed on my season goals through a well structured and tailored weekly training plan fitted around my work and family life in order to bring the best out of me at the right time. Judging by early season events my investment is paying off!

Andy Ross | Sub 6 Hour International Sportive rider

"It has been great working with Paul over the last 4 months. He has helped me to really focus on the coming season and my training programme has helped me achieve a measurable improvement in a relatively short space of time. He is laid back in his approach, but at the same time also very motivational. This has given me the confidence to compete at a higher level and to raise my future performance goals. I would recommend him to cyclists of any level."

Trevor Simmons | Ironman Triathlete and Massage therapist at Crystal Palace

"Thanks to Paul and his coaching skills and friendship I have been able to make the transition from a county standard marathon runner to age group winner at triathlon. He has a vast wealth of knowledge on his true passion, that of cycling. I have the pleasure of working with him at the Crystal Place Sports Injury Clinic, and have watched him coach first hand beginners and Elite level athletes but the main focus is the same for all, in that they are there to improve their ability but have a great time doing so."

Clive Burr | National Mastersage Group Track Champion and World & European medallist

"Paul has been my coach and good friend for several years now, dragging and me through the winter months, whatever the weather – sounds bad… But we have had some great results, 2 national master's titles, and medals in the World and European masters track Championships.

"Constant help and encouragement all the way, I wouldn't have missed a moment."

Jean Luc Harnay | Ironman Triathlete

Quite simply Paul is an excellent personal coach, not just an experienced athlete on the other end of a computer terminal cranking out cut & paste schedules. I met Paul in the summer of 2009, after I had struggled through Ironman Lanzarote in 14hrs 20mins.

Over the summer months Paul transformed my cycling .He created a tailor-made, individual programme and took the time to understand my physiology, my ability to recover, family-time pressures and the type of training that I needed to do. The purpose & intensity of each session was explained, as well its position in the overall plan. I progressed very quickly and with a perfectly timed taper, I was overwhelmed with a time of 11hrs 46mins, at Challenge Barcelona IM distance tri, just 3 months later in Oct 2009.

What differentiates Paul from other coaches (apart from his extensive knowledge and real understanding of the science behind successful endurance training), is his focus on the individual. He took the time to ride & run with me, understand my physiology, motivations, ability to recover, and created a truly personal training plan. Sure Paul expects hard-work (and some !) but he's also prepared to put himself out to help you achieve your goals. How many coaches would endure a 4am start on a bank holiday weekend to accompany you on 125 mile training ride to ensure the correct tempo?

I cannot recommend Paul highly enough. If you are thinking of spending any money on improving your times, new bike or aero wheels, think again, call Paul Mill and transform your performance !'

Mark Pinsent | Organiser of Les Veloistes Gentil

Paul joined Les Veloistes Gentils for our recent ride across the Alps. We were a big group of mixed ability, both of which made things challenging for Paul, not least because he had to get around a group that was often strung out over kilometers of mountainside! Paul's skill in quietly assessing everyone's level meant that he was able to offer relevant and useful advice across the group, whether related to more efficient climbing, safer and faster descending or riding effectively in a group. I've certainly returned from the trip a far better cyclist than I was beforehand.

Isobel Joiner | Iron lady Triathlete

I had a great race on Sunday, despite the hills and the heat! Finished in 11hrs 41mins which is nearly an hour faster than my IMUK time and was 5th in my age group. Needless to say, I am thrilled as well as amazed!

Thanks so much for all the coaching in Gran Canaria, advice on the bike was invaluable and whilst I am still a bit slow on the descents (and ascents) and there is much work still to be done, I was definitely much more confident than I would have otherwise been.

Paul Smith | Time trial rider

I initially met Paul at Elite Cycling earlier this year for a Bike Fitting session after he had sorted a couple of friends positions out on their bike. His advice and knowledge immediately puts you at ease. After the bike fitting I was in a much faster, comfortable and more powerful position.

Now I had a great position but I wanted to achieve more in regards to performance and race times. After discussing my goals for the season, Paul defined those needs and goals so you can achieve them with a completely tailored programme.

The training programme makes you work hard but with a training schedule to obtain results but with the emphasis on quality so you can also have a balance with work and home life.

Paul helps to make your goals achievable. For me I wanted to improve my Time Trial skills and of Course Times, mid season and I have PBs already in a 25 and 10 TT.

It is also an added bonus that Paul knows all the TT Courses through his own racing so he can discuss the course and go through them with you, a truly bespoke service.

Although whatever cycling I do, I want to become a better rider and consistently striving to improve, with Paul s knowledge and straight forward coaching approach that is what is happening, results speak for themselves.

Richard Tully | Time trial rider

I met Paul at Crystal Palace when I was attending the Sports Injury Clinic. For some time I had been looking for a coach who could help me realize my full potential. Elitecycling seemed to fit the bill.

In his down to earth manner Paul was able to provide me with a vision of what the future could hold. Elitecycling provide me with training schedules, preparation for events and is always keen to hear feed back and discuss the next step forward.

I find Paul truly inspirational.

Andrew Lawrence | Adventure Rider

Having been inspired by a friend's London-Beijing ride in 2008 (where the sole purpose was to arrive in time for the Olympic Games) I decided I needed to put the running to one side for 12 months, buy a touring bike, panniers, get bike fit & book 3-weeks off work for my version of this epic challenge: LA to New York, solo, unsupported in less than 3 weeks.  Being far from a 'club rider' my knowledge was lacking when it came to my new bike set up.  With months of bitter winter riding in the bank & niggles here and there it was clear I needed an expert to help fit me 'perfectly' to the bike I'd be spending 16 hrs a day in the saddle of.  A contact at my local bike store recommended Paul, without a shadow of doubt, the best decision I made in the run up to the adventure.  The video analysis reworked my position on the bike, helped me feel more natural and relieved what had been unnecessary knee & arm fatigue.  Had it not been for Paul's expert equipment & rich knowledge there would have been little chance of making it from California to New York a day earlier than planned.  Don't hesitate, book your slot - you won't regret it

LA to New York (April 2011)

Reza Pakravan | Guinness World Record holder for The fastest crossing of the Sahara Desert

I was training for my record-breaking expedition and suffering from loads of pain and my progress was slow. My physiotherapist recommended me to see Paul Mill. When I walked into Elite Cycling I had no idea that Paul will become my manager and bring me to the level that I could smash the World Record. Crossing the monotonous Sahara and being mentally focus to do average 100miles a day is a psychological challenge as well as being a physical challenge. Paul’s training sessions targeted both elements. Also my training plan was designed to fit my busy day-to-day life. Paul also worked with me in a consultancy role for my cycling equipment, bike fitting and helped me with my nutrition needs. His passion, energy, knowledge and experience played a very important role in my training. Towards the end of the training I knew the record was mine.