Inside the Ride: Matty Beecher's Journey with Holohan Coaching

From Stress Relief to the National Stage: A Matty's Journey with Holohan Coaching

What began as a way to unwind from work stress soon became a passion that propelled one rider from casual e-bike commutes to winning races and competing nationally. In this interview, we explore how personalised, race-focused coaching has shaped their journey, from discovering road cycling to taking on the UK’s top competitors—and even eyeing the Belgian kermesse scene.

Background and Goals

What inspired you to take up road racing? In 2022, I purchased an e-bike through a cycle-to-work scheme, primarily as a way to relieve work-related stress. At the time, I hadn’t ridden a bike since around 2013, so this marked a big return to cycling for me. Not long after, I visited my local bike shop, Giant Helston, where the shop gave me incredible support and encouragement. With their help, I purchased a road bike and began exploring the world of road cycling. What started as a stress-reliever quickly turned into a passion. I found myself pushing harder each ride, chasing personal bests and segment times on Strava. The competitive spark was ignited. Within a year, I entered my first Category 3/4 road race and found myself at the pointy end of the field, competing, progressing, and falling in love with the sport.

What were your main goals when you started working with Holohan Coaching? My main goals were to earn my 2nd Cat licence by developing as a rider and building on each race experience to move up the ranks. I also wanted to overhaul my lifestyle, train consistently, and make healthier choices to lose weight and build the race-specific fitness needed to compete at a higher level. Ultimately, I was aiming to test myself against the best riders in the country and see how far I could push my potential on the national stage.

How would you describe your cycling journey before joining us? Before working with Holohan Coaching, I was coached by a great coach who helped lay the foundation of my training. However, their focus was more on endurance riding, and there was limited race-specific experience within their setup. With Holohan Coaching, the difference has been clear. My coach, Adam, brings a wealth of road racing knowledge, which has been invaluable. Their race-focused approach, strategic insight, and structured training plans have helped me build tactical awareness and become a more competitive and confident racer.

Coaching Experience

How has the coaching approach, including experience and science-based methods, impacted your training? It’s had a huge impact. The mix of real race experience and science-backed methods has brought a level of structure and purpose I hadn’t experienced before. Every session has a clear goal, and I now understand the ‘why’ behind the training, which keeps me motivated and focused.

Could you share a specific training technique or workout that made a difference? For me, it’s how my coach always checks in and builds training around my upcoming races. He doesn’t just hand over a generic plan—he tailors sessions to match the demands of each event. Whether it’s sharpening for a punchy course or preparing for a TT, every workout has a purpose. That level of attention has hugely improved my performance and confidence.

What are your “non-negotiables” with your coach? Communication and honesty. I need to be open about how I’m feeling physically and mentally, especially when something’s off. In return, I expect honest feedback, consistent planning, and a coach who’s genuinely invested in my growth, not just as an athlete, but as a competitor.

Challenges and Breakthroughs

What’s been your biggest challenge, and how did coaching help? Weirdly, my biggest challenge wasn’t cycling-related. I lost my mum while being coached by Adam. The support he gave me was incredible. He didn’t just adjust my training—he understood what I needed emotionally. That kind of compassion and flexibility helped me keep some structure during a really tough time.

Was there a breakthrough moment when you realised coaching was making a real difference? About eight months in, I raced a local crit where everything clicked. I hit some huge PBs, lapped the bunch, and soloed to my first win after 40 minutes off the front. It was a massive confidence boost and a clear sign that the focused training was working.

How does coaching give you the tools to succeed? It gives me structure, purpose, and accountability. With Holohan, I train smart, not just hard. Each session is targeted to my goals, and I understand the “why” behind it. Plus, having someone who believes in me and adjusts the plan when needed keeps me consistent and motivated.

Results and Achievements

What improvements or achievements have you seen since starting the programme? I’ve gained my 2nd Cat licence, won the South West 10-mile TT, and finished 8th at a national-level road race. I’ve also hit numerous power PBs, which shows how much my fitness and race-readiness have developed.

Personal Insights

How has cycling influenced other areas of your life? Massively. I feel happier and more balanced. At work, I’m more focused and less stressed. I’ve lost a lot of weight, which has improved my health and confidence. Compliments from others remind me how far I’ve come.

What’s your favourite part of the training programme or your routine? I honestly enjoy all the sessions. Having a structured programme is a game-changer. It removes guesswork and gives each ride purpose, whether it’s targeting a weakness or prepping for a race.

What keeps you motivated? Accountability. Knowing my coach is tracking progress and expects consistency keeps me focused and disciplined.

Feedback & Looking Ahead

What’s next for you in your cycling journey? I’m building towards the National 10TT this summer and looking at racing kermesses in Belgium. I want to keep pushing my limits and see how far I can go.

What advice would you give to someone considering structured coaching? Go for it—it’s one of the best investments you can make. It takes the guesswork out, gives you a personalised plan, and helps you stay motivated. Whether you're chasing results or just looking to improve, a coach makes a massive difference.