Testimonials

Working with Sally Bigham as my coach has been a really positive step for me and in just a few months I’ve seen huge improvements in my training and performances. Sally Bigham is a great communicator, pays considered and close attention to detail, and balances the art and science of coaching perfectly. I’ve also benefitted from Sally’s huge depth of experience racing at the highest level – there’s no question Sally can’t answer, and nothing life can throw at me that she can’t handle and still get a great outcome. With Sally I’ve been able to achieve all my goals while working full-time, and best of all I’ve been able to balance my training better than ever, leaving time to enjoy life and spend time with loved ones.

Sally’s coaching has taken my cycling strength to levels that I am certain I couldn’t have achieved on my own and in less time than I’d ever anticipated. Before I started with Iron Sally Coaching, I was having a tough time pulling training together.  I was putting way too much in and getting very little back. I was no longer improving and instead I felt more drained than ever. Sally’s ability to analyse my workouts, give me continual feedback, point out my weaknesses and provide me with the necessary tools to improve on those weaknesses has been an absolute breakthrough for me. Having a coach that takes into consideration my stressful life and interests when planning my workouts has allowed me to get the best out of training and has helped me no end.
This year I’ve achieved great results, have learned so much more about both myself and training. I’m doing less time in training and reaping much more in reward. I’d encourage anyone interested in improving their cycling strength to talk to Sally and give her training a chance. You won’t be disappointed.

Within a short space of time Sally made me a stronger rider and despite having worked together for over 2 years now, sessions remain interesting, varied and challenging.  She approaches coaching with as much dedication as racing, providing me with regular feedback, and always available to share her extensive knowledge on training, racing, nutrition etc.  Having such great input and support from Sally gives me a huge confidence boost going into each race.

Working with Sally has had a hugely positive impact for me. Under her guidance I have significantly developed my ability and I continue to improve my racing results. I have benefited from a bespoke training programme created with attention to my abilities and personal circumstances. Sally’s expert advice, monitoring, feedback, support and encouragement have increased my interest in, and knowledge of the sport, and my enjoyment of it also. I am delighted to be working with Sally and will continue to do so.

I wanted some structure to my training to help me progress as I felt that my performance had reached a plateau. Self-coaching and advice can only push your progress so far before you need the knowledge and guidance that can only be achieved through a one-to-one training programme. I also wanted to compete in my first ever stage race and go to it with the confidence that I was at the peak of my performance. Sally’s training and input is professional and her knowledge and experience are without doubt, second to none. It always feels as if nothing is too much trouble for her and no question I ask is deemed stupid or daft. Anyone looking for a personalised training plan can expect the best possible results by working with Sally.

I’m in my first year of coaching with Sally, and already I can see big improvements in my riding. I’d previously followed a training programme for the past couple of years, but it got to the stage where I felt I wasn’t really progressing any more. It felt like the right time to get a coach, and choosing Sally was definitely a good decision. She fits rides around your lifestyle, and will alter sessions at short notice when, inevitably, circumstances change. The amount of feedback you get is really encouraging, and knowing that Sally analyses your workouts in such detail gives you that extra push in training, especially the tough sessions! I thought getting a coach would mean more rides on the turbo trainer – Sally makes sure you’re enjoying your riding, so knowing that I’m not keen on this the majority of my training is outside. I would recommend Iron Sally Coaching to anyone.

I ride and race my mountain bike for fun with my husband and our 2 kids. I don’t have a whole lot of time to do this as I am a working Mum with a full time job and a long commute to London. So 6 months ago I asked Sally to help me get the most out of my time on the bike. With Sally’s help I am now racing harder and having more fun than ever before.
After an initial meeting to discuss my aims, current level of performance and goals, Sally prepared a plan to suit my availability and target races which we are now constantly tweaking and refining based on my feedback, results and new goals.
Sally has also helped with racecraft, nutrition and recovery strategies. So now I have confidence that for every race we target and goal we set, Sally will get me to the start of it prepared to have fun and perform to my best possible level. And so far together we’ve had a lot of laughs and a few podiums along the way.

In the short time – less than a year – that Sally has been coaching me, she has managed, very gently but firmly to completely change my training style and technique, resulting in dramatic improvements in my power, speed, endurance and overall fitness.  Her own racing pedigree and experience, combined with her knowledge of nutrition and PhD in Psychology, has transformed my approach to races and events. Sally’s coaching has given me a much better understanding of how to get the best out of my body, and the confidence to push myself to my limits, both in training and on race day.  This has resulted in a number of podium finishes and category wins – thank you Sally!
Despite a busy work and family life, Sally has managed to tailor my training to fit around this and give me the best possible returns for training time invested. She constantly monitors my riding, and alters my training schedule to suit, if life gets in the way.
Most, if not all cyclists happily spend thousands of pounds on bikes and new kit in the pursuit of more speed, but don’t invest in top quality coaching.
I can categorically say that Sally’s coaching has given me far better returns than a new set of fancy wheels, or lightweight components.  She keeps my training fun and interesting, motivated, and focused on my goals.  I can’t recommend her highly enough.

When considering an endurance mountain biking coach, you will not find anyone more qualified or invested in your success than Sally. Like many aspiring mountain bikers, I had a dream of completing the legendary Leadville 100 mountain bike race. I don’t think I realized how hard this goal was really going to be for a middle aged recreational cyclist like myself. What I did know was that the most important success factor would be finding a good coach. Luckily, I discovered Sally. In no time, she had assessed my fitness, and put together a plan to begin the long building process to prepare me for such an epic race. This, however, is not what makes Sally such a special coach. As the race began to get closer, I was confronted by anxiety and doubt about my ability to achieve my goals. Sally not only prepared me physically, but also provided the kind of strong encouragement I needed to be prepared mentally. Because of Sally, I showed up to the Leadville start line prepared both physically and mentally for success. I finished the race with time to spare, and could not have done it without her.