MTB Coaching

More than just MTB coaching

“Building Better Riders. Developing Better People”

At HOLOS Cycling, mountain bike coaching is about more than just improving your riding skills. It’s about building confidence, developing discipline, learning to overcome challenges and becoming a stronger, more capable individual both on and off the bike.

Whether you’re taking your first steps on the trails or looking to develop as a competitive rider, my approach combines structured coaching, real-world experience and a strong set of values to help you reach your potential.

Meet Your Coach

I’m Roman, a qualified mountain bike coach with a background in sports coaching, adventure tourism and competitive cycling.

My coaching is built on a combination of formal education, practical experience and a genuine understanding of what it takes to progress as a rider. Having competed across different cycling disciplines, I’ve experienced first-hand the physical demands, technical challenges and mental resilience required to push beyond your comfort zone.

I’ve also completed demanding endurance challenges, including the GB Duro, which have tested my own physical and mental limits and reinforced the importance of preparation, consistency, resilience and determination.

Alongside my riding experience, working within the Downhill World Cup environment has given me valuable insight into how high-level riders and teams prepare, approach performance and work towards continuous improvement. I use those observations to inform my coaching, adapting relevant principles to each rider’s experience, ability and goals.

My aim is to make high-quality coaching accessible, purposeful and rewarding, helping each rider develop not just their technique, but also the mindset and habits that support long-term progression.

My Coaching Philosophy

¨High standards. Mutual respect. A commitment to progress¨

I believe that great coaching starts with the right attitude. Skills can be developed, confidence can be built and performance can improve, but meaningful progress requires commitment, respect and a willingness to learn.

My coaching is founded on four core values:

Respect

Respect starts with yourself. Respect your coach, fellow riders, other trail users and nature. Leave no litter, protect the trails and wildlife, and treat everyone with consideration. Bullying, disrespect and putting others at risk have no place in my sessions.

Discipline

Progress comes from consistency, focus and effort. I encourage riders to listen, practise with purpose, take responsibility for their development and understand that improvement takes time.

Teamwork

Mountain biking can be an individual sport, but nobody needs to develop alone. I encourage riders to support one another, celebrate each other’s progress and understand that a strong riding community makes everyone better.

Effort & Resilience

I don’t expect riders to be perfect, and I don’t expect everyone to progress at the same pace. I do expect a willingness to try, learn from mistakes, face challenges and keep working when things become difficult.

My coaching isn’t about being the fastest from day one. It’s about showing up with the right attitude and being willing to improve.

This approach may not be for everyone, and that’s intentional. I set clear expectations and maintain high standards, while adapting my coaching to each rider’s age, experience, confidence and individual needs. I want every rider to feel challenged, encouraged and proud of their progress.

More Than Just Riding

“The Lessons We Learn on the Bike Last a Lifetime”

Through coaching, I aim to help riders develop:

Confidence: trusting their abilities while understanding their limits.
Resilience: learning from mistakes and approaching challenges with a positive attitude.
Responsibility: making considered decisions, respecting safety and taking ownership of their actions.
Respect and empathy: treating teammates, competitors, coaches and others with consideration.
Independence: developing the judgement and confidence to make better decisions.

For younger riders in particular, these lessons can support their development at school, at home, in future employment and in their relationships with others.

Success isn’t measured only by race results, speed or technical ability. It’s also measured by the person a rider becomes along the way.

My goal is to help develop capable, confident riders who carry the values of sport into everyday life.

Qualifications

Built on recognised qualifications, extensive practical experience and learning from some of the most experienced professionals in mountain biking sector.

Mountain Bike Coach- MBCUK Level 3
3 years on the BASE Mountain Biking Performance Programme — Borders College & Dirt School
Diploma in Coaching and Developing Sport
Exercise and Fitness Leadership
Mountain Leader
Outdoor First Aid
PVG Scheme Membership