Testimonials
Gabby Traxler
This is my fifth season working with Gabby and there are few cyclists who train or race harder. She is an absolute joy to coach and likes to be deeply involved in the coaching process, which I like and welcome. Gabby has changed direction and has now entered the world of gravel racing with great success. This is what Gabby has to say about our work:
"I have transitioned to gravel racing this year and Mark has been a key part to make my transition successful. He has prepared me for big events such as UCI Gravel Races, The Traka 200, and Unbound 200 miles. Mark has been extremely meticulous and thoughtful when planning my training in making sure I am at my best for each race. I believe one of the reasons I have had a successful transition into gravel racing is the research and work Mark has done to create the best training plan possible. There is no way I would be where I am today without the help and guidance from Mark's coaching!"
Simon Carr
I was very fortunately early on in my coaching career to work with established professionals in road and cyclocross. However, I felt that my coaching experience wouldn’t be complete without taking a rider from amateur into the pro ranks. So, when Simon Carr made that transition under my guidance it was a huge achievement for both of us. I not only coached Simon but I was also his university tutor so we have a very special relationship. This is what he says:
“I chose to work with Mark as he had the knowledge and experience I needed to get me to the highest level in cycling. I first worked with Mark as a cat2 U23, and within months I was winning my first Elite races. Now I am racing in the World Tour but still regularly reach out to him for advice and guidance.
When I think about what sets Mark apart from other coaches the phrase that comes to mind is: “The more you know, the more you know you don't know.” Most coaches believe they have THE coaching recipe, but Mark is a cut above. He is open about the fact there is no perfect training session or plan, even while getting you as close as humanly possible.
The biggest thing I’ve learnt from Mark is that are no shortcuts! The key factors that make you a faster bike rider are training more and/or harder and recovering well. There’s no magic bullet and many of the things that are sold as such are purely marketing, unproven by credible science.
Whatever your athletic ability or aspirations, I would highly recommend Mark Walker.”
Sean Dunlea
Sean Dunlea was coached by Mark as an under-23 cyclocross rider. Sean says,
“Since working with Mark Walker before my breakthrough season in 2013/2014, I’ve seen not only my performance increase hugely, but also my professionalism and motivation. Through goal setting and regular contact, we kept on a plan that took me to winning the National Cyclocross Series – something that was a dream of mine for so long! I’ve taken a step up in my career into the U23 category, and Mark’s training plans and attitude towards the sport made the transition so smooth and trouble-free. I recommend Mark to anybody looking to improve every aspect of their cycling performance.”
Sean was interviewed a couple of years ago by Youth Cycle Sport and said,
“My coach Mark Walker specialises in cyclocross and so he really helps me with every aspect of living the life of a ‘cross rider, physically and psychologically.”
It has been a real pleasure coaching Sean and watching him flourish in his cyclocross career. The biggest breakthrough was when he won his first National Trophy race in 2013.
Hugo Robinson
“Mark Walker has been my coach since late 2012 and I am about to start my fourth cyclocross season under his expert guidance. What Mark has given me over the years however is much than just training plans. He’s given me nutritional advice, athlete lifestyle guidance, psychological coaching, advice on cycling teams…The list goes on. Mark's made me more professional as a rider and how I present myself as well accomplishing great physiological gains with consistent year on year increases in power.
He’s been there for me through illness and injury and the dark times where all I’ve wanted to do is hang up the wheels for good. But he’s stood by me and supported me through them, allowing us to share the joys of getting my first top 10 in a road UCI stage race this summer at Stage 8 of the Ras, in my first year of road racing. There are a long list of people that have got me to where I am today and Mark is very high up on that list. Without him I probably wouldn’t be riding at the level I am.
All of my physiological testing is done at Mark’s top of the range facilities at his Essex lab, giving us all the data we need to train smart and effectively.
Mark’s experience in multiple disciplines has helped me to achieve results year round in both cyclocross and road at an international level. There’s not a lot of coaches out there who can say they coach world medallists in cyclocross and Grand Tour stage winners.
So thank you Mark for all that you have done and will do in the future to make me the best athlete and person that I can be!”
The joy of coaching Hugo is that he is one of the hardest working riders I coach. I know that he will always follow the training I set to the letter and I am proud to have helped him in his cycling career.
Helen WYMAN
I remember very clearly when Stef and Helen Wyman first visited me at Writtle College to discuss the possibility of providing sports science support for Helen’s training. I was so excited at the prospect of working with Helen and never expected that I would have the privilege of assisting her during one of the most exciting phases of her career. It was just 8 months later that, just a few miles from my home, I watched Helen win her first European title as she crossed the finish line in Chantry Park, Ipswich.I remember very clearly when Stef and Helen Wyman first visited me at Writtle College to discuss the possibility of providing sports science support for Helen’s training. I was so excited at the prospect of working with Helen and never expected that I would have the privilege of assisting her during one of the most exciting phases of her career. It was just 8 months later that, just a few miles from my home, I watched Helen win her first European title as she crossed the finish line in Chantry Park, Ipswich.
I thoroughly enjoy working with Helen and her positive attitude and hard work ethic are second to none. Helen says,
“We have been working with Mark for quite a few years now. He is a great guy to work with and an absolute fountain of knowledge. He is always up to date with the latest research and coaching techniques and brings a great scientific background to validate my training program.”
Clare Simon
"I’ve been working with Mark for 12 years, and have seen my cycling performance improve over that time despite now being over the age of 60. But here’s the twist....I’ve transitioned from time trial and road racing, to karate!
I only took up karate to supplement my winter training, but as I progressed and spent more time in the dojo, I was performing both sports, side by side, for about 2 years. Inevitably, the strain on my body to perform both sports at a decent level became too much. I’d reached the peak of my cycling performance, winning regional and national trophies, and representing my country several times. By contrast, Karate is a lifelong journey, where one can never say they’ve peaked, and where continual improvement is strived for.
It was time to be bold and make the change. This was much easier than I thought, as Mark and I had already been working on a project we called ‘Fit for 60’, which involved lots of strength and core work, to develop my whole body, so I didn’t end up walking with a hunch, as many cyclists do in their later years.
I earned my Black Belt in 2025, and am now honing my art. Mark has tailored my training to my specific needs, and he is able to adapt my training as I progress, so I am able to perform better and better with the passage of time.
Mark researched the exercises I need so I can train my body to perform the specific stances, and jumps with the power and precision required by Shotokan Karate. I ride my bike 4 times a week, for endurance and anaerobic power, undertake gym/strength sessions 3 times a week, as well as core and plyometrics twice a week. This variation is great for my body as well as my karate, and sets me up for fitness in my older years.
I’ve always trusted Mark with my training, knowing that I’ll get to the start line (or the dojo), in great shape, ready to perform at my best. Mark will tailor my training around ill health, family commitments and even give me holiday workouts, (if I ask). He’s totally trustworthy and discreet, and as well as being a fabulous coach, he’s a real confidante.
Clare Simon, March 2026."
Gemma Melton
Gemma is known in the Eastern League as a highly competitive rider and regular race winner. I have worked with Gemma for a number of years and she has seen marked improvements in her performances. One of my proudest moments was watching Gemma put in a fantastic performance on a very demanding nationals course at Gravesend.
This is what she has to say about our work together:
"Mark Waker is a fantastic cycling coach and all round great guy. When looking for a coach I wanted someone who would be able to help me have both a cyclocross season and a road racing season. Mark has experience in both and seems to like the challenge that this brings.
Mark’s scientific background as a University Lecturer appealed to me. After discussing his training sessions I soon learnt that everything is done for a reason and carefully planned. Everything is truly bespoke to the rider and the rider’s lifestyle. I am not very scientific or mathematical but Mark takes cares of the numbers and makes this interesting for me.
We have been working together now for over three years. My fitness has increased massively with great rider and coach feedback. Mark actually listens when something isn’t working, if it is becoming boring or perhaps even too hard or too easy. He is great at coming up with interesting training sessions to get me through the winter and understands how important the life balance is for me in order to improve. Mark is also very knowledgeable on female athletes' training and can offer some good advice and flexibility around this.
Highlights so far with Mark as my cycling coach include my first ever National Cyclocross Championship in Gravesend. The course was technical and I felt prepared with my skills sessions under my belt to tackle this. We had also worked on some psychological exercises to help with nerves. As a result I had a top 20 finish. The next year I had a top 10 finish in Wales at a National series event. We also continued a road season where I won the Suffolk Cycle Racing Series with some impressive criterium racing.
My confidence has grown with Mark as my cycling coach which is now seeing me take on mountain biking! Having a personable, trusting relationship is so important and helps towards achieving your goals.
During a very unpredictable 2020 my training has helped to keep me focused and allowed me to try out new things I might not normally have time for during racing."
