Originally Posted by
Racer Ex
GOOD coaches will help you avoid pitfalls and maximize your training time.
+1000
I am a first year "racer" and second year cyclist. I used a coach to maximize my available time, evaluate my riding, fit my bike, offer encouragement, set goals and avoid injury. I did throw my back out this season but that was not related to cycling. My coach improved my threshold power ~15% with eight hours a week in training. I never would have gotten those gains any other way.
I believe that it's more beneficial to have a coach when you are beginning than when you have ridden for years and want to make the podium. Kinda like having hiring a golf instructor after you have developed years of poor habits there is to much muscle memory to overcome.