My Story
Coming from a non-sporty background I became overweight and unhealthy in my teens. Realising that I had to do something about it I tried a number of activities but nothing clicked until I purchased my first road bike back in 2005 and I was immediately hooked.
Since then I have completed numerous cycling challenges including Ironman, Lands’ End to John O Groats twice, Mt Ventoux (all 3 ascents), London to Paris, the BBAR challenge which included a 12hour TimeTrial. More recently completed Paris Roubaix, Tour of Cambridgeshire and the Mallorca 312 four times now.
After working for BT for many years I decided that in 2012 I wanted to pursue a different career and finally do something that I was passionate about. Initially going into the retail side of cycling I soon realised that I wanted to share my knowledge and passion for cycling. This was initially achieved through bike fitting and led to wanting to help others to achieve their goals through coaching. I am passionate about making riders faster on the bike from whatever level they are starting from and providing the knowledge and support to train smarter and ride faster.
The Birth of Ride Harder
Ride Harder started in 2012 and initially focussed solely on bike fitting using the Retul 3D motion capture system. Since 2012 Rider Harder has improved the comfort, and performance of hundreds of riders.
Since 2015 Ride Harder has expanded to ensure there is an offer which is fit for purpose for all. This includes 1:1 coaching and the Ride Harder Academy which is now into its 7th year and offers a group training package that has now seen hundreds of athletes improve their cycling through training smarter.
In 2019 Ride Harder moved to the home of Factor Bikes in the UK. Supplying bike fitting services for their clients along with continuing to grow the client base of 1:1 and academy coaching. After 2 successful years with Factor the focus is now on growing the number of coached athletes. This allows them the best service with a personalised tailored plan to achieve their goals.
Having been involved with the Mallorca 312 for a number of years it was awarded the “official training partner” for 2021/22. Throughout this period of time many athletes were coached to complete the challenging event through the academy and stand-alone training plans
Moving into 2023 there are many exciting plans on the horizon which will see the business grow further into Europe!
Cycling Achievements
Ironman Finishes
LEJOG Completed
Mt Ventoux Accents
London to Paris Rides
KMs ridden at Mallorca 312
hours completed in a single TT
Time Trial PBs
10 mile
25 mile
50 mile
100 mile
12 hour
(miles)
Qualifications
British Cycling
Level 2 Coach – Aug 2015
Power: Understanding Cycling Performance – Sep 2015
Training Peaks
TrainingPeaks University – Nov 2016
Level 1 Coach Certification – Jul 2017
Power Certification – Oct 2018
Level 2 Coach Certification – Jan 2019
Association of British Cycling Coaches (ABCC)
Certified Level 3 Coach – Nov 2020
Diplomas
Diploma in Sports Nutrition Level 3 – Dec 2015
Diploma in Sports Science Level 3 – Currently Studying
1st4Sport
Level 2 Cert in Coaching Strength & Conditioning for Sport (QCF) – Jan 2019
Testimonials
“ The plan ensured that I wasn’t wasting time on inefficient training and was maximising the fitness gains I made. The plan also gave me the knowledge to understand the specific purpose of each training session as well as periodisation as a whole. The volume was manageable and meant that I could re-arrange my training week around life commitments without missing key training sessions, James highlighted within TrainingPeaks which sessions are “key” and which sessions are “optional” which really helped me manage my training for the best possible results. I think that this plan is excellent both for athletes who haven’t been coached before and are looking for a halfway step at a reduced cost for an entry to structured training, as well as those who have extensive experience and so wish to have more control and input into their training plan. I follow this plan year after year with continued improvements and hope that many others will #TrainSmart and #RideHarder“”
I hit my biggest ever FTP!
“ I only started cycling in April 2020 due to lockdown and after doing it for a few months I wanted to progress so started looking at training plans but didn’t know what sort of training to go for so thought it would be a good idea to sign up to the Ride Harder 16 week Plan. I am so glad I did as my fitness and overall knowledge are improving, and I can’t wait to continue.“THIS SETS OUT ALL THE BASIC TRAINING AND TECHNIQUES TO USE”
FTP up and body weight down!
“Starting the Advanced plan after this to keep improving!”
My FTP went from 244w to 269w after 16 weeks
“The academy from James worked really well it's a very structured training plan that at times does feel like you are not training hard enough but trust the plan. It does work! One of the real value points of working with James is the nutrition guide and ride plan that’s included that was worth its weight in gold. Stick to the plan use the advice - train hard ride easy!”
Ian Stacey
“Purchased the 16-week 312 training plan. Been using your plan for a month now and can already see and feel the difference in my strength and stamina when out on the bike Added bonus, I'm stronger up hills already and I've lost 5lbs in weight. Can't wait to put all this training into action on 30th April Mallorca 312. Really enjoying the workouts, it's a different way of training for me, as used to do hard interval sessions for racing but I feel I'm just as strong building up the endurance. Thank you, James”
Nikki Tout
“Thanks for everything - I owe a lot to the plans. Of course, I had to get up and put in the work, but the plan was a great forcing device that really worked for me. Thanks, James.”
Boris
