Background and Coaching Philosophy:

I started racing bikes in the mid 1980’s at the age of 34. After racing for 6 years, I dropped out of the race scene and took up full time responsibilities that come with raising children. In 1999, after 12 years away from the bike race scene, I decided to return to the sport I loved. Much had changed in that time. Bikes were lighter, training more sophisticated, and it seemed, the racing was faster. In order to become competitive I learned how to use power measurement as a training tool and I adopted a periodized approach to my training. This approach worked for me. Since returning to bike racing, I upgraded to USAC Road Cat 1, rode to six Master’s National Championships (Road Race in 2003 & Time Trial in 2004, 2006, and 2007, and, with my wife, Diane, Tandem Road Race and Time Trial 2007 & 2008), and won 12 Wisconsin State Championships along with numerous local victories. I have had particularly good results in time trials and have set numerous course records in Wisconsin and Minnesota. While these records have, in many cases, been eclipsed, I’m proud to say that often athletes I coach have been the new record holders.

As a practicing attorney (UW-Law 1980), a Level 2 USAC cycling coach and father of three, I’ve learned to balance family and work with the demands required to successfully race bikes. As a ‘Fifty-Something’ racer I do a fair amount of Master’s racing, and, I’ve continued racing in Pro/1/2 category races. Competing at that level requires a combination of skill, ability and luck. Focused, effective training can be the key ingredient that leads to success at the highest levels. I’ve learned to efficiently use the training time available to me to make successful racing possible. Having a coach structure and guide your training can be the single most important step you take on the path to maximizing your success. As a coach, I believe that I can help athletes on many levels, not the least of which, is providing structure and balance in training so that bike racing is fun, effective, and successful.

Client Testimonials:

I started Masters racing in 2006. I had been an avid cyclist for 25 years, but I never had the time to train properly and race until my sons were grown.

I learned a bit about training and racing from local racers, but early on in the 2006 racing season, I realized how little I knew about racing and especially training. I read the books about training, but they do not get deeply enough into specifics to be of much value. I began to think about hiring a coach, but whom?

It quickly became clear to me from talking to other racers in the area that Gordy Paulson knew as much about racing and training that anyone else. I raced against Gordy a number of times and got beaten rather badly, particularly in time trials. I also had the opportunity to meet Gordy. Indeed, he answered my questions, gave liberally of his time and knowledge gratis. He is a winsome and immensely likeable person; humble, yet extraordinarily talented as a bike racer and a coach. By the end of the 2006 racing season I knew who I wanted to hire as my coach!

Things got complicated at this point, as I discovered that I have Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma. Gordy was still willing to take me on and coach me, despite having to contend with an athlete undergoing treatment for cancer. Indeed, Gordy provided me with a full periodized training program, continual encouragement in my training and racing, and answered my many questions along the way. He took me from a novice with little knowledge of training and racing to a level I never thought I could achieve.

As a result of his excellent coaching, I won the USA Cycling Iowa State 50-54 Time Trial Championship in August 2007 with an average speed of 27mph for the 40K course. Later in 2007 I also won the American Bicycle Racing 50-59 Masters National Time Trial Championship, thanks to Gordy and all he did for me.

Even though Gordy is not longer my coach, I still turn to him whenever I need advice about training, racing or my own coaching. I know of no one I would rather have as my coach.

In very simple terms, Gordy’s coaching as been the key that has enabled my to transition from a strong athlete and contender to a regular winner in both the Wisconsin Cycling Association Masters 1/2/3 Racing series and the WISPORT Racing series. I’ve always been able to train hard; with Gordy’s coaching techniques, I can now train smart. His extensive knowledge of advanced training techniques using power meters, and his ability to communicate in layman’s terms has opened up a new world of possibilities. His coaching has made me stronger and faster overall through off season and maintenance training regimens. Additionally, he has consistently guided me to optimum performances at key events through his power based peaking techniques.

Gordy’s influence, however, is reflected in more than just “the numbers”. He has demonstrated an exceptional ability to keep me motivated during a serious back injury and helped me gain confidence in myself which has provided a significant sociological advantage. Our discussions about race tactics have also yielded tangible results. This is particularly commendable because we are often competitors in the same races we discuss. I have long respected his remarkably fierce competitiveness during a race and his equally remarkable willingness to share his knowledge and experience before and after. This is the reason that I first sought him out as a coach, a decision that has made a huge positive impact on my racing career and my life in general.

Before Gordy:

• No wins and a few close calls

In the last two years under his guidance:

• 3 USCF masters wins including an International cycling Classic (Super Week) victory at the Holy Hill road race in 2008.
• 3 WISPORT wins including the WISPORT World Champion title in 2007 and the Climber’s Jersey series title in 2008.
• An extremely competitive 21st in my first attempt at the master’s national championship road race in 2008.