Background and Coaching Philosophy:
Michael has been racing since 1995 and turned professional in 2001 with Prime Alliance. "2001 is
when I first experienced the true benefits of teamwork" as Michael greatly contributed to Prime
Alliance's victories in many of the largest races in America. Michael spent 2002 in Belgium and
raced for the US National team, opening his eyes to a new level. Then Michael passed 2 years in
France, learning how to read races and tactics and constantly get results. Followed by riding for
the pro teams Aerospace Engineering and DFL (Belgium). Michael is currently racing with the world
top professionals riding for the Swiss pro team Hadimec.
Outside his vast knowledge of tactics and handling skills, Michael attributes much of his success
to using an SRM power meter for the last 4 years in combination with CyclingPeaks software.
Michael understands training with time constraints as he completed a B.A. of Economics from
University of Colorado while racing. He also studied nutrition and psychology in university
and is a huge believer in the power of the brain and understands how essential it is to keep
the "head in the right place" to achieve your goals in such a demanding sport.
When he is not on the bike, Michael also enjoys Alpine and skate skiing, trail running, and golf.
Client Testimonials:
My name is Craig Nunes and I contacted you around 7months ago inquiring about a coach that
would be appropriate for my goals and cycling ability. I am 41 years old and have been
racing for 6 years of which 3 of them I have been coached. I am currently a Cat 2 and
wanted to take my fitness to the next level along with balancing a full-time job, wife,
and two kids. You recommended a new coach on your staff, Michael Scherer, and I subsequently
interviewed and hired him.
I am extremely happy with Michael's coaching. He has a very positive attitude along with a
wealth of racing experience which he is able to pass on in meaningful ways. One example of
this is early on I told him I was getting dropped on the local "coffee shop recovery ride"....
since they were going too hard for my recovery. He laughed and told a story about riding with
Chris Wherry in Colorado in the early season and Chris would stay within his prescribed power
and would drop off the pace.....and later that year he won the US Pro Championships.
Now....I am no Chris Wherry....however the story helped ingrain the importance of sticking
to a plan for future goals. Michael has the knack for doing this on a regular basis.
My training has also been top notch. Michael makes adjustments to my schedule when needed
because of family, work...etc. The adjustments are made quickly and without hesitation.
Equally important, when these changes are made he makes you feel it is not a big deal and
all would be just fine. Athletes as you know can be pretty anal about changes which they
feel may compromise their training. Michael never conveys that the changes will compromise
training.
I just completed my first Cat 2 event at the Valley of the Sun Stage Race (Feb 16-18th). This
early season event was planned as good training and my goal fitness period would be middle
of March/April. Too my surprise I felt phenomenal and pulled out a very good TT (left time
on the course since I went a bit too conservative) and placed 18th and my time would have
put me 32nd in the Pro/1. The boring high cadence work we did paid of BIG TIME as I was
ticking over the pedals so well and passed my 30 sec, 1min, and caught my 1:30man at the line.
When I would pass these guys the sound of my disc compared to theirs was drastic......
it sounded twice as fast. The next day was a 90 mile road race....minds you I have only
raced greater than 75 miles twice. After 2 laps the 110 field was shelled down to 25 and I
was there! Again my cadence was higher than most on the climbs and kept me fresh.....
I finished 10th! The next day at the Criterium my only goal was to finish and keep my
GC placing as I was now 12th. With 5 to go they announced a $100 prime and coming into the
back straight a team had it lined out....I thought it was not so fast so I jumped from about
15 wheels back and hit the two right hand turns before the start/finish straight.....I
easily held off the pack and added some $$$ for the drive home. The weekend was way better
than I had imagined!
I wanted to write you this note because I am so happy with Michael and he deserves a lot of
Kudos! I can not wait to see what the rest of the year brings.....
Craig Nunes
Rock Solid Cycling
President