Coach Gordy

About Gordy Paulson

Co-Owner, Coach, Instructor: Performance Cycling

gordy@speedmadison.com

What do you like best about coaching & leading instructional rides?

People. Specifically the interaction with athletes who are willing to dedicate themselves to the process of improving what they can do, and pursuing what they dream. Whether I’m coaching an athlete individually, or leading an instructional ride, the connection to people who share my love of cycling and who are pursuing their goals is what I enjoy the most.

Why did you become a coach?

I wanted to give something back to the sport of cycling and I realized many other cycling athletes could benefit from the knowledge I have gained from study and experience.

What is your coaching philosophy?

My coaching philosophy can be summed up with a series of statements. Rest as hard as you train. Make a commitment to consistency and excellence. Plan to persevere; patience pays. Achieving the “impossible” takes a while. A good coach is a mentor and a guide; but, you are the one pedaling the bike. Do not seek, or accept ‘short cuts’; they do not exist. Set your goals, follow the path, and you will attain success.

Your own athletic accomplishments:

I began racing bikes in the mid 1980’s at the age of 34. I took a break from racing in the 90’s. After 12 years, I decided to return to the sport. My first major accomplishment was coming back into the sport of cycling after such a long time away. Much had changed. Bikes were lighter, training more sophisticated, and, it seemed, racing was faster. To become competitive I knew I needed to learn how to use power measurement as a training tool. My second accomplishment was to integrate power training into my plan. I also adopted a periodized approach to training. Since returning to bike racing, I was upgraded to USAC Road and Cyclocross Cat 1, rode to eight Master’s National Championships, multiple podium finishes at Master’s Nationals, seven top 10 finishes in international competition including two wins, multiple WCA Series championships as well as WiSport Fastest man recognition, and I won 13 Wisconsin State Championships and many local victories. I have particularly good results in time trials where I set numerous course records in Wisconsin and Minnesota. However, one of the most important athletic accomplishments that I am proud of is the achievements by athletes I’ve coached. Many of them have surpassed my course records and have gone on to achieve, State, National and international prominence.

Things you are currently working on / training for:

UCI Master’s World Championships

Certification:

USAC certified Level 1 coach
USAC Cat 1 Road & Cyclocross racer

Results:

2010
USAC Master’s National Time Trial - 2nd
USAC Master’s National Road Race - 7th
WCA State Road Race Championship - Champion
L’Alpe ‘Blu Huez TT - Champion
ABR State TT Championship - Champion
Chiropractic Partners TT - 2nd
USGP Planet Bike Cup CX #1 - 3rd
Blue Mound Classic RR - 4th
L’Alpe Blu Huez TT #2 - Champion
La Crosse Fitness Festival Criterium - 2nd
2009
USAC Masters’ National Championship Criterium - 2nd
Wisconsin State TT Championships - Champion
USGP Planet Bike Cup CX #1 - 3rd
USGP Planet Bike Cup CX #2 - 5th
Jingle Cross CX #1 - 3th
2008
USAC Masters’ National Championship RR/T - Champions
USAC Masters’ National Championship TT/T - Champions
USAC Masters’ National Championship RR - 8th
FIS/RSC Deutschlandsberg TT - 1st
FIS/RSC Deutschlandsberg Pairs TT - 1st
UCI Masters’ World Championships TT - 7th
Grandview Firehouse 2-person TT - 1st
Jingle Cross CX #1 - 1st
Jingle Cross CX #2 - 3rd
2007
USAC Masters’ National Championship RR/T - Champions
USAC Masters’ National Championship TT/T - Champions
USAC Masters’ National Championships TT - Champion
Jingle Cross CX #1 - 3rd
Jingle Cross CX #2 - 4th
WCA 45+ Series - Champion
Illinois State TT Championships - 2nd
2006
USAC Masters’ National Championships - Champion
Wisconsin State RR Championships - Champion
Wisconsin State TT Championships - Champion
2005
USAC Masters’ National Championships TT - 2nd
WCA State TT Championships - Champion
Grandview Firehouse 50 4-person TT - 1st
2004
USAC Masters’ National Championships TT - Champion
USAC Masters’ National Championships RR - 9th
2003
USAC Masters’ National Championships RR - Champion
USAC Masters’ National Championships Criterium - 2nd
USAC Masters’ National Championships TT - 2nd
2002
Grandview Firehouse 50 4-person TT - 1st
2001
Grandview Firehouse 50 4-person TT - 1st
Badger State Games RR - 1st
Wisconsin State RR Championship - 1st
1969
Wisconsin State TT Championships - Champion

Testimonials


Training with Gordy has taken me to another level in my racing career. Although I am strong rider and motivated to train, I lacked bike-handling skills, racing strategy, confidence, and had a tendency to over train. Gordy devised a training program to work on my weaknesses while still improving my strength and conditioning. With his help I won the time trial and came in second in the road race at Masters Nationals. I look forward to working with him the coming year. - Arrietta
Gordy has been the most important part of my training since starting with him 3 years ago. When I started, I was struggling with injuries and a couple of "slump" seasons. Gordy started with me and brought my confidence back up with his encouragement and belief in me while at the same time getting my training first consistent, and then a steady progressive build. In the last 3 years he has brought me from a very low point in my career to racing at the very top level of the sport. When my daughter was born 1.5 years ago and I began the role of supportive husband and working 45 hours a week, Gordy has been able to design my workouts to fit into that lifestyle proving that it doesn't require a paycheck from a bicycle company to race your bike competively at the top of the sport. It takes hard work and dedication and absolutely no wasted time on the bike. None of my training time is wasted - everything is done for a reason and Gordy makes sure I am left with enough time to spend with my family and recover, but get the most out every ride I do. He has really been the most important part of my racing success and I am sure I wouldn't be were I am today without his belief and support in me. - Tristan
After years of cycling, I switched to power based training and realized that to reach my goals for 2010, I was going to need some help. I decided to enlist the services of Gordy, as a respected competitor/mentor. He developed a plan to fit my schedule and needs. At first I was skeptical of the plan, but he kept reassuring me that things were on track. The week of my two main goals for 2010 came with severe back pain, but the training plan he supplied still enabled me to reach both goals!! I can't thank him enough for his efforts, guidance and reassuring presence - Jeff
Gordy developed a training program that allowed me to meet and exceed my goals this year. He was very generous with his time and helped me in all aspects of my time trial racing. If you want to maximize your training time and achieve even better results, contact Gordy. - Jeff