Background:

Credentials include:

• Former Cat I cyclist/Varsity Inter-collegiate athlete
• PhD in Exercise Physiology
• Active research in areas relevant to training and performance
• Inventor of NGP/rTSS system
• Faculty: USA Cycling Science and Education
  • Instructor USAC Level II coaching certification Sports Sciences
  • Instructor USAC Power Training certification course
  • Instructor USAC Level I (Elite) coaching certification Interval Training
• Instructor South African Cycling coaching and Power Training certification
• Physiological advisor to US Olympic BMX team
• Physiological advisor to Eastern Michigan Men’s Cross Country/Distance track team.
• Co-author of the upcoming book from Human Kinetics titled “High Tech Runner”

From the above bullets it should be obvious that Steve has a fairly strong science background. The most important thing though is that background is directly related to performance, in particular endurance performance. From the numerous papers and presentations regarding performance, to the fact that he teaches undergraduate and graduate Exercise Physiology on a daily basis; the Science of Performance is part of his essence. Building on that science background, Steve has been fortunate enough to work inside the USA Cycling system where he teaches other coaches about Physiology, training in general, and Power training. In fact, as of Nov 2007, most coaches who have gotten and every coach who will get USAC Power certification will have had Steve as an instructor. Further, he teaches approximately 1/2 to 2/3 of all USAC coaches at the level II and above certification level. Finally, Steve gives ad hoc presentations on “Myths of Training” as well as other training specific presentations.

All the aforementioned being said, Steve is a former elite level racer, and still participates in Masters racing at the regional level. This practical experience keeps his scientific ideas and insight grounded in the reality of day to day training and racing and helps provide a balance with regard to the abstract (science) and concrete (racing). When it’s all said and done, the science doesn’t matter if it doesn’t help you go faster!

Coaching Philosophy:

Steve strives to strike a balance between science and pragmatism. He bases all of his training approaches on sound principles of Exercise Physiology, but he and the athlete determine what works for the particular athlete on an individual basis. Although scientific principles are generally applicable, some athletes just respond better to one particular approach over another. Therefore, Steve looks at each athlete individually, and tries to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses from a physiological perspective, but watches for things that make them unique. This approach dictates constant, diligent data collection and interpretation…. Power meters (cycling) and GPS or accelerometers (running/triathlon) are a must. The technology is not intended to make the athlete a “slave to the numbers” but simply to quantify the individual’s response to training/racing, in order to optimize their performance. Of course, the individualization based on technology takes insight and experience which has been acquired over 12+ years of coaching experience, in particular with power (15 years) and GPS, and accelerometry (5 years).

Client Testimonials:

I have been working with Coach McGregor for 2 years now and wow, I can't believe my results in 2008.

• 40K TT-53:26 4th at Nationals
• 1st Tour of St Louis Stage Race
• 1st McDowell Mountain Circuit Race Phoenix, AZ
• 2nd Hillsboro Roubaix
• New team record for RAAM

With the training he is having me do now, I am on track for even a better year in 2009. What I like about working with Coach McGregor is that my workouts are highly tailored to me and what will make me a better rider. I get constant feedback and encouragement that really help me in my workouts and racing. I would highly recommend anyone who is serious about wanting to improve or do well at cycling to use Coach McGregor.

1/1/09 Gary Painter

Without a doubt hiring Coach Stephen McGregor has been the best cycling related expenditure I have ever made. After using a power meter and cycling peaks software on my own for three years, I hit a fitness plateau. I work full time, but I also race Pro 1, 2 and compete at Masters Nationals every year, so I was looking for a way to get the most training stimulus for my time while still keeping a balance between work, cycling and family. On my own I could not find the balance that made me a competitive racer.

Coach Steve has helped me to find that balance. In one season Stephen took me from struggling in the pack, to being one of the stronger guys. I capped my 2008 season by winning my local omnium only weeks after moving and taking a new job. Stephen writes the workouts to fit my hectic schedule, and I basically just do whatever he prescribes and I get stronger. No more guesswork.

Stephen is a great guy, first and foremost. I can tell he really cares about my training and my race results. He believes in my ability even when I have attacks of self-doubt. I would not want to work with anyone else. Read his bio on the cycling peaks coaching page —he knows firsthand how to balance cycling with life because he’s done it himself. He coaches the whole person by taking into account major external stressors that affect us. It was so nice amid a hectic year of changes to know that Stephen had my workouts covered. I trust him completely with my fitness. Before hiring a coach, I did not realize how much mental energy I wasted each week fretting about my training plans. Now with Coach Steve, I just log into training peaks each morning, read my workout plan and go knock it out.

If you are considering a coach, give Coach Steve a try. He is worth every penny. You’ll be teaming up with a guy who really cares about making your plan fit your life, and you’ve got access to a treasure trove of exercise science knowledge (plus he is good with movie trivia too).

Thanks Steve, I can’t wait to see what we can do in 2009!

1/1/09 John Hart

"Words cannot describe the astounding relationship I have with my coach, Stephen McGregor, Ph.D. For the past 4 years, we have built a platform of trust, respect, and honesty that has fostered my personal growth both on and off the bike. I consider Steve one of my closest friends and I simply cannot imagine being a competitive cyclist without his guidance, insight, and psychological support. He has challenged me to rise beyond my limitations as I continue to build towards my full potential. Steve is an extremely gifted and talented coach and I cannot thank him enough for all he has done for me over the years."

• 5th 2008 Elite National TT championship
• 7th 2008 Marathon MTB National Championship
• 5th Tahoe-Sierra 100 MTB
• 11th Sequoia Classic - Time Trial

1/6/09 Mark Santurbane - Cal Giant Cycling Team

I joined The Peaks Coaching group after a lot of thought, because I did not want to be disappointed.

The best decision I have ever made with regard to my biking fitness. After selecting my personal coach Steve Mc Gregor; I have gone from being an ordinary rider to top ten, then top five, and now podium rider.

Last year I raced nine races in my Category, five podiums, three fourth places and one eighth place-and that was after being in a two man breakaway and being caught 300meters from the line!

I could not have achieved those results without Steve. He prepares me to be in peak form for my races every time.

Peaks Coaching group are very professional ,great value and moreover a great bunch of guys. I am looking forward to more solid performances!

Thanks Guys

2/9/09 Henry Hayes

I began working with Steve in the winter of 2005/2006. My intent was to get myself into good enough shape to finish the TransRockies mountain bike race. I did not accomplish that goal, but was convinced that with Steve’s help, I could accomplish some pretty good things on a bike. The fall of 2006, I discovered cyclocross, and that is when the real problems began. My two favorite forms of bike racing are cyclocross and endurance mountain bike racing, not exactly compatible from a training perspective.

With Steve’s guidance and understanding of my family/work constraints, my cycling evolved rapidly. In 2007, I finished 9th overall in the National Ultra Endurance series. Not too shabby for a 46 year old. My cyclocross campaign culminated in a top 40 at Nationals, and a top 10 in the B Masters race at Nationals.

2008 dawned with my sights set on the BC Bike Race. Steve stepped up to the challenge once again. With my partner, Kent Eriksen, we managed a 2nd overall in our division with 3 stage wins along the way. Throughout the week, I got stronger with each day, nasty crash during the ‘neutral’ rollout on day two not withstanding. My cyclocross campaign culminated in winning the Michigan State Championship race. Time constraints prevented me from making it to nationals unfortunately.

Throughout the past 3 years, Steve has provided incredible guidance and insight into making my performances better each year. Together we have altered the program along the way to accommodate my work and family schedules, along with listening to me educate him about the rigors of endurance mountain bike racing. The strength/core conditioning that we have now incorporated into my regimen has been invaluable in improving my on bike performance.

2/9/09 Andy Klumb