TESTIMONIALS

The Power of Personalized Coaching: Client Experiences

Since I started my journey as a coach in 2019, I have been dedicated to helping cyclists of all levels improve their performance on the bike. My background in elite sports and years of experience working with athletes of all levels, from recreational riders to competitive racers, has given me a wealth of knowledge and expertise to bring to my coaching. I take a personalized approach to help each of my clients achieve their individual goals, offering a range of services including one-on-one coaching sessions, personalized training plans, and group training rides. My clients' success and satisfaction is a testament to the effectiveness of my approach. If you're ready to take your cycling to the next level, read through some of their testimonials below and see what they have to say about their experience working with me.

Les Crooks

Giovanni coached me to my 2022 RAAM solo finish. How did he take a newbie in the ultracycling world to the finish line of the world’s toughest bike race? Simple, he studied me. I never asked him why he was having me do certain training sessions. I could see the results every week. I would get a little stronger, then I would get a little faster, then I would get a little more endurance. I saw improvement from the first week of his coaching. He trained me so well that the RAAM felt simple. I will be forever grateful for his coaching.

2019 Lake Michigan Loop

2020 Natchez 444

2021 National 24Hr Challenge

2022 Florida 500

2022 Race Across America Solo 7th

Dogman Fat Tire Race 2nd

Melting Mann 2nd & 3rd

Ingolf Micklisch

Getting a cycling coach for RAAM preparation. Many see the racer and to some degree the crew involved in a race like RAAM. What’s in the background most often is the coach involved to get the racer prepared and helping the crew with advice. So After DNF RAAM 2023 (not related to my training condition ... since it was my nutrition issue). Unfortunately a DNF is and remains a DNF . So I was thinking hard to what’s my next step. And decided to contact Giovanni Prosperi who I met before in Texas and learned that he was successful coaching racers for RAAM and other ultra cycling races. Funny as it was Giovanni honestly told me that he thinks I can complete RAAM without help but I wanted a better approach in my training and a better approach in how to run RAAM in 2024. So, I got an agreement and Giovanni start coaching me. And I am glad he did. He honestly pulled me back a lot and focused on more quality training instead of only quantity-based training as I was guided to do before. Admitting it took me a while and sometimes I keep making mistakes occasionally. He finally made sure that I do not push daily … I start more structured training with proper recovery rides in between. That improved my TFP from previous coach’s 240 watts to almost 280 watts. And more important … I had my first great success winning the Psycho48 ride with about 60 mile lead. Admitting I was impressed. The next successes have been an improvement from 3rd to second place in Florida500 and a victory in Texas Longhorn500. So finally comparing my training I kept focusing on proper mix of interval training for power improvements and endurance training to keep endurance level high. The cool thing was that Giovanny himself is still an active ultra distance racer. He made good recommendations to race strategy and nutrition. Plus, RAAM 2024 getting closer we went to a final training session at higher altitude in Colorado. I felt much better prepared for RAAM and what’s even more important … despite the very extreme weather conditions I was able to quickly adjust targets and stay focused on the race. My legs never felt bad and with Giovanni’s help the new approach got me across the finish line in time. Many might think it’s something we can do ourselves … yep .. possibly … But reality is if having a coach knowing what to prepare for makes sure we get proper structured training. That helped me a lot and I am still very happy to have accomplished RAAM and even better currently on second place of WUCA (World Ultra Cycling Association) WorldCup. Race season is not over yet and I am sure I will learn more from Giovanni. I was impressed about him honestly pulling me back when I overdid it and pushing me where needed. Great person and amazingly good coach helping to reach an insane target such as RAAM Solo finishing.

Races 2022

Sebring

- 24 hours - 3rd overall / 2nd Age group 50-59

Gran Fondo 2022

- Asheville, NC - 13th

- Boone, NC - 8th

- Florida - 4th

Rides such as Cross Florida and Sea2Key 200 miles (only rides)

Races 2023

Gran Fondo 2023

- Florida - 14th

- Georgia - 10th

- Asheville, NC - 16th

- Boone, NC - 13th

12 Hours Miami - 5th overall

Florida500 - 3rd overall

Texas Longhorn500 Solo - 1st overall and Race Record 50-59 (and mens overall)

RAAM 2023 - DNF (after 2145 miles due to food poisoning

SilverState 508 - DNF due to hypothermia not allowing to get ack on bike after 300 miles

48 Hours Psycho - 1st overall and new Race Record with 670 miles

Races 2024

Gran Fondo 2024

- Florida - 5th

- Georgia - 4th

- Boone, NC - 15th

- Maryland - 9th

Florida500 - 2rd overall

Texas Longhorn500 Solo - 1st overall and Race Record 60-69

RAAM 2024 - 11th overall / 2nd Age group 60-69

12 Hours Mid-Adlantic - 4th overall / 1st Age Group 60-69

48 Hours Psycho - 1st overall and new Race Record with 709 miles

World Record for 7 Day Time Trial Solo non-drafting - Self Supported with 1858 miles

Brentt Ramharter

Giovanni custom makes his training plans for each individual. For me this meant designing a program to allow for my medical career and family time! His program helped me reach my goals but also educated me in how to recover more effectively and efficiently. I will forever be grateful for his knowledge and wisdom!

2019, 2021- 1st Solo 24 hour MTB series National Champion.

2021 - 3rd overall WEMBO Intercontinental Americas Championships

Rocco Mucci

Jared Dunham

Giovanni's workouts are simple and effective, instead of being overly structured. He's always tailored my training around my busy lifestyle and is adaptable when plans change. Lastly, it's very helpful to have someone who can answer the many questions you'll have when entering Ultra Cycling.

Achievements: 2021 National 24Hr Challenge Champion, 2023 Coast to Coast 200miler 2nd Overall, 2023 Rusty Fish 100 winner, 2021 Crusher 225EX finisher

Ignazio Davide Marrone

(English below) Il supporto di Giovanni Prosperi va ben oltre quello classico: non si limita solo a proporre semplici tabelle di allenamenti che si possono anche reperire su internet. Da vero coach è molto competente, presente, attento e pronto a riadattare l'allenamento in base alle esigenze che possono sopraggiungere

In meno di due anni, grazie al suo metodo di allenamento, posso permettermi di testimoniare con i numeri:

Vittoria - 24H Roma 2023

PODIO - Alla 24h Del Montello

PODIO - 24H Roma 2022

PODIO - Ultracyclin CUP 2022

2 X Race Across Italy Finiser

RAAM - Qualified

Everesting in 15 ore

Primo di categoria Adriatic Marathon

Giovanni Prosperi's support goes beyond what is typical of a coach. He doesn't just provide generic training plans that can easily be found online. As a true coach, he is knowledgeable, dedicated, attentive, and quick to adjust training plans to accommodate any unexpected needs.

In less than two years, thanks to his training method, I am proud to report the following results:

1st Place at the 24h Roma 2023

3rd Place at the 24h Del Montello

2nd Place at the 24h Roma 2022

3rd Place in the Ultracycling CUP 2022

2x Race Across Italy Finisher

Qualified for the Race Across America (RAAM)

Completed an Everesting in 15 hours

1st Place in Age Category at the Adriatic Marathon

(English below) Dopo due anni difficili per me a causa del covid avevo bisogno di una preparazione adeguata senza chiacchiere e senza fronzoli con una persona pratica, preparata e soprattutto disponibile, insomma tutte queste cose le ho trovate in Giovanni Prosperi. Il suo curriculum parla da solo, tanti succesi tante gare di ultraciclismo e tanta esperienza, ma la cosa che a me sta dando Giovanni, oltre alla parte sportiva adeguatamente plasmata sulle mie esigenze, è la parte umana che va al di là del rapporto sportivo allenatore-atleta . Mi trovo benissimo, ho trovato un eccellente allenatore, ma soprattutto un grande amico prodigo di consigli a 360° . Consiglio vivamente di affiancarvi alle sua esperienza che troverete di grande beneficio. Grazie Giovanni!

Curriculum sportivo: Capo Nord in solitaria. Lourdes Santiago de Compostela in solitaria. Le prime 5 Race Across Italy. Tre Confini Ultracycling. Randonee da 200-300-400- 600 km. Granfondo di ogni tipo e in tutta Italia. Tour D’ortels (Stelvio-gavia-tonal-Pallannte) in una sola Volta). Everesting il più lungo fatto in italia attualmente e l’unico ancora in Basilicata.

After two challenging years due to COVID, I needed proper preparation without unnecessary talk and extras with a practical, knowledgeable, and most importantly, available person. I found all these qualities in Giovanni Prosperi. His resume speaks for itself, with numerous achievements and many ultracycling races and extensive experience. But what Giovanni is giving me, besides the sports aspect tailored to my needs, is the human aspect that goes beyond the coach-athlete relationship. I am very comfortable and I have found an excellent coach but, most importantly, a great friend full of advice in every aspect. I highly recommend joining his experience and you will find great satisfaction.

Thanks Giovanni!

Sports Resume: Solo North Cape. Solo Lourdes Santiago de Compostela. The first 5 Race Across Italy. Tre Confini Ultracycling. 200-300-400-600 km Randonnees. Every kind of Granfondo throughout Italy. Tour D'Ortles (Stelvio-Gavia-Tonal-Pallannte all in one go). Everesting, the longest one made in Italy currently and the only one still in Basilicata.

Antonino Spinnato

(English below) Giovanni l'ho conosciuto in foto l'anno prima di incontrarlo dal vivo. Era sulla sua bici a stelle strisce, che io gli invidio tanto e che un giorno acquistero', mentre si inerpicava sulle cime del Colorado con la squadra dietro che lo seguiva con la macchina per la sua RAAM. in quella foto aveva la mia stessa maglia, della Go Solo di Masini, ma io non avevo la sua stessa bici. lo incontrai l'anno dopo alla Race Across Italy, lui faceva il lungo io la corta da 300 km, memore dell'anno precedente dove dopo 362 km alla seconda time station ero zoppo marcio. Durante quella gara ho visto uno che con una bici da mountan bike mi supero' sulle salite dell'Aquilano recuparandomi un ora e mezza in poco meno di 3 ore di gara. L'indomani gli chiesi il numero del suo allenatore, era Giovanni. Collaboro con lui credo da settembre e naturalmente il nostro rapporto e' andato oltre quello che puo' essere tra un Coach ed un allievo di 62 anni, tra le altre cose. Sono migliorato in tutto questo tempo? Si. Ci sono cose che ho capito che prima non sapevo, tipo che se attacchi una salita a tutta poi i battiti si stabilizzano ed il cuore non ti espode una volta preso il tuo ritmo. Che se utilizzi la frequenza di pedalata maggiore fai meno forza a parita' di watt. Che se utilizzi le caramelle al calcio puoi sbloccare lo stomaco e puoi continuare a nutrirti ed a bere per andare avanti nella corsa invece che essere costretto a fermarti. Devo dire che e' anche un Coach severo. Mica gli puoi dire che appena finisci di lavorare quelle due ore fuori li fai a digiuno perchè o mangi oppure esci. Così come non sono ammessi diluvi e ghibli impenitenti che ti facciano saltare l'allenamento, figurarsi andare al supermercato a fare la spesa con la moglie. Mi piace perchè è un progressista ed è anche sensibile perchè se gli dici : guarda ero proprio stanco ieri, lui ti risponde in romanesco ; e vabbe' ma mo che volemo fa!

I met Giovanni through a photo the year before I met him in person. He was on his stars and stripes bicycle, which I envy so much and which I will buy someday, while he was climbing the peaks of Colorado with the team following him in the car for his RAAM. In that photo, he was wearing my same Go Solo shirt by Masini, but I didn't have his same bike. I met him the next year at the Race Across Italy, he was doing the long one and I was doing the 300 km short one, remembering the previous year when after 362 km at the second time station I was a cripple. During that race, I saw someone who overtook me on the hills of Aquilano with a mountain bike, recovering an hour and a half in just under 3 hours of racing. The next day, I asked him for his coach's number, it was Giovanni. I have been working with him since September and naturally our relationship has gone beyond what can be between a coach and a 62-year-old student, among other things. Have I improved in all this time? Yes.

There are things I have understood that I didn't know before, like if you attack a climb full on, then your heart rate stabilizes and your heart doesn't explode once you reach your pace.

If you use a higher pedal rate, you use less force for the same wattage.

If you use gels during the race, you can unblock your stomach and continue to eat and drink to keep going instead of having to stop.

I have to say that he is also a strict coach. You can't tell him that as soon as you finish working those two hours outside, you do it fast because either you eat or you leave. The same goes for downpours and impenitent whirlwinds that make you skip training, let alone going to the supermarket to do shopping with your wife.

I like him because he is a progressive and also sensitive person. If you tell him: "Look, I was really tired yesterday," he will reply in Roman dialect; and come on, what do we want to do now!

Jonathan Kaesgen

He started working with me in October of 2020. I’d say I was an above average recreational cyclist with no training discipline at 47 years of age. I could intermittently struggle through a century by riding too hard, bonking around the ¾ mark, and limping home. Giovanni first met with me for a short ride on a mellow climb to see how hard I could push and agreed to work with me on the condition that I was willing to suffer. The next day, he gave me my first weekly training plan. Every week or so for the next 11 months, he would review my progress by looking at data in Strava from outdoor and Zwift rides, then update my training plan accordingly. When I’d slack off for a few days, Giovanni was sending me texts to see why I wasn’t riding. By spring I was climbing faster and able to regularly ride centuries without being completely worn out. Late June marked my first failed attempt at a double, but that was backed up by a couple more centuries leading to a 301.9 mile finish at the National 24 Hour Challenge in early August. Giovanni had suggested the 24 hour race as a goal for the year, but somewhere along the way I heard about the Dirty Water Route put on by Ashland Bike Company in September. A nearly 315 mile unsupported race with over 20,000’ of climbing with a third of it on gravel was the new goal. The 24 was just a training ride where I happened to log the longest ride of my life. Giovanni continued to push my pace and especially my climbing ability for the next month and a half leading up to tapering a week out from the Dirty Water. When the big test came, I finished in 33:12:58 which was good enough for 9th place and a belt buckle; not too bad for under a year of coaching from Giovanni. I wouldn’t have gotten there without him, and when my schedule allows for some more racing, I hope Giovanni will take me on again.

Chuck Judy

“Gianni is an excellent coach, mentor and friend. Working with coach Gianni was a big part of my success. I will continue to train and work with Gianni on future adventures.”

I met Gianni at a New York Ultra Cycling Brevet in September 2022. I was attempting a 1000k ride which would have been the longest brevet distance I ever attempted. I completed the first day, a 400k in good shape but on day two had to stop just after 100k because of a strained knee and hamstring. It was at that point I realized I may have bitten off more than I could chew. It was time to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan. Gianni offered to coach me and help prepare for a goal I had been working on. To ride and finish Paris-Brest-Paris. PBP is a timed 1200k ride held every four years in France. It’s one of the worlds oldest self-support bike races, now a ride and considered the pinnacle of randonneur cycling. I had set a goal to ride PBP back in 2019. I have been a cyclist for some 30 years and never had a coach. Considering my family, work commitments and free time, Gianni created a custom daily plan and monthly stage progression to help me get stronger and improve endurance. The work wasn’t easy. The plan called for workouts and recovery seven days a week. Gianni was always there for encouragement and feedback. He made plan adjustments when needed to continue my growth. I adhered to the plan as best I could and it paid off. In August, I completed PBP and finished 86hrs 26minutes under my 90 hour time limit. I couldn’t be happier. Finishing PBP was a lifetime achievement and I’ll cherish it forever. So much that I hope to try PBP again in four years.