Just wanted to add few more opinions based on my recent personal experience.

1. Only seek coach if you are 100% committed and have the time and flexibility to train 5-6 days per week because otherwise you will be wasting your money and coach's time.

2. Be ready to train alone especially if you are enjoying group rides because you may be doing intervals on Saturday morning in stead.

3. Cycling training will become a part/full time job so forget other hobbies/activities otherwise you are cheating your training.

For the past 12 months I have been working with wonderful coach that help me with my training. Fitness gains from training with coach were indisputable based on my power data unfortunately my pathetic racing skills delivered only marginal race results. My season is officially over and I will not seek help of coach for next season because I do have life outside of cycling including a full time job, family with kids and other hobbies and my training was taking over.

So unless you are a pro getting paid to cycle, selfish egomaniac, unemployed or have nothing else going on in your life, be prepared to lose the enjoyment cycling is when is done the fun way because at least for me, going out to do whatever was on my training schedule when the weather is bad or I dont feel like training will take away the enjoyment from cycling I had when riding for fun.

I'm not giving up on cycling or bike racing but for now I have other priorities. I know I wont be winning races without hard training so lets be it. I will still race from time to time but just for fun without the added stress or worries why my power was few watts lower etc. On the other hand I will have more time for my kids and other hobbies and will have fun riding my bike again.

J.