Get focused coaching tailored to your riding style and goals with a fully personalised cyclocross training session. Whether you're prepping for your first race or fine-tuning specific techniques, these 1:1 or 2:1 sessions deliver practical, high-impact learning with a qualified coach.
Each session begins with a quick catch-up and briefing, normally over a coffee near the agreed meeting point. Once bikes are checked and you’re ready to roll, you’ll head into the park or woodland trail for a structured two-hour coaching session. Every lesson is built around your current ability, areas for improvement, and what you’d like to get out of it. You might focus on the basics like confident cornering and mounts, or dial in more advanced technique like fast off-camber lines, shouldering, and race pacing. If you're bringing a second rider, the session will still be tailored with both participants’ needs in mind.
The terrain used will depend on the selected location, but sessions typically take place in a local green space with a mix of grass, woodland, and single track—ideal for practising race-day scenarios. Expect a steady flow of skills coaching and direct feedback throughout, with plenty of stop-and-refine segments. Riders leave with clear areas to work on and increased confidence handling different types of terrain at pace. Expect a fun, fast-moving, and practical experience.
The meeting point is flexible and will be arranged once your booking is confirmed, but must be within a 30-mile radius of London. Sessions often begin at a café close to suitable parkland or woodland, with routes selected based on your ability and focus for the session. Common locations include south and central London green spaces, depending on availability and trail conditions.
Charlie will travel from Brixton, so when booking a time slot, it’s useful to factor in the logistics from that area. Good communication is encouraged beforehand to ensure the meeting point works well for both parties. Once confirmed, all finer details will be finalised directly with Charlie to make sure the session runs smoothly.
Riders should have a cyclocross or gravel bike in good working order. Helmets are compulsory. You’ll need to be comfortable riding on mixed terrain, but sessions are suitable for all levels and will be adapted accordingly. There is no need for previous race experience. Just come prepared with water, snacks, appropriate clothing for the weather, a spare tube, and a willingness to learn.
With over 20 years’ experience, Charlie brings a wealth of coaching knowledge to every session. As a qualified British Cycling Level 2 coach and cyclocross discipline specialist, he’s coached riders of all levels—from beginners to seasoned racers. He currently leads off-road coaching at Herne Hill Velodrome and manages over 100 riders as the cyclocross secretary for Dulwich Paragon.
Sessions are always supportive, flexible, and based around your needs. Whether you’re completely new to cyclocross or looking to sharpen race tactics, Charlie’s coaching style is clear, direct, and grounded in real-world riding. His local knowledge and experience planning and delivering rides means you’ll get the most out of every session.
This session is open to all levels, whether you're completely new to cyclocross or already racing regularly. Charlie adapts the content to suit your current skill level and goals, ensuring that you’re working on techniques that are relevant to you. No previous coaching experience is required—just come ready to ride and learn.
The flexibility of a 1:1 or 2:1 format means even mixed-ability pairs can benefit. Whether you're looking to build confidence handling your bike on grass and mud or fine-tune your remount technique for races, the session will be pitched at the right intensity. Each rider is supported with direct feedback and practical drills.
Ideally, you'll be using a cyclocross or gravel bike with suitable tyres for off-road riding. These bikes are built for mixed terrain and allow you to make the most of the technical training covered during the session. Drop handlebars, wider tyres, and good braking systems are recommended for safety and comfort.
If you’re not sure if your bike is appropriate, get in touch ahead of the session. While mountain bikes aren’t ideal due to geometry and weight, it’s still possible to work with what you have—just bear in mind some techniques like remounts or shouldering may not transfer directly to CX racing without the right setup.
Once you've booked, Charlie will contact you to agree on a meeting point within a 30-mile radius of London. Locations are typically selected based on suitability for off-road skills—this could include parks, woodlands, or grassy areas where cyclocross techniques can be safely practised.
The meeting point is usually a café or convenient landmark near the training location, with the session heading out into the surrounding terrain. Sessions commonly run in areas such as South London or accessible parts of Surrey, depending on trail conditions and participant preference.
Yes, although this is a 1:1 format by default, you're welcome to bring one other person to make it a 2:1 session at no extra cost. This is great for training with a friend or partner and helps share the experience while keeping it focused and flexible.
The coaching will still be tailored to both riders' levels and needs. Drills can be adjusted to suit a pair, and feedback is given individually. Having a second rider can also help simulate race conditions for certain exercises such as starts and tactical positioning.
You’ll need a helmet (this is mandatory), a spare inner tube that fits your bike, water, snacks, and clothing appropriate for the weather. Sessions run in most conditions, so a waterproof jacket is advisable if rain is forecast. Sunscreen is a good idea in warmer months.
Cyclocross riding can be physically demanding, so make sure you're dressed comfortably and can move freely. Gloves, glasses, and grippy off-road footwear are also recommended. There’s no need for race kit, but something you’re happy to get muddy in is ideal.
Coaching content is adjusted depending on your goals and experience. Common skills include climbing and descending on loose terrain, body positioning, off-camber handling, cornering lines, mounts, dismounts, and carrying or shouldering the bike. Tactical aspects like starts and pacing may also be covered.
You won’t just be doing laps—each technique is broken down, practised, and then applied in realistic settings. Expect structured drills followed by flow sections to put everything into context. Charlie gives frequent feedback to help correct small habits and build good riding technique that sticks.
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