PALMARES Reviews 

I looked for a coach to prepare for nationals and for Cape Epic stage race. I started cooperation with Jon/Palmares early march and after few month I clearly felt a difference in my performance. Jon changed my approach to trainings and I started to feel fresh despite quite high training load. Polarized training worked and I performed well on races. Achieved 3rd place on XCO nationals and 5 podium finishes from Cape Epic stages in Masters category and 3rd place in overall- that was far beyond my expectations. Highly reccommended!

Working with Jon is an absolute delight. His simple and effective approach to coaching took away much of the complexity around training allowing me to focus on simply riding my bike.

There are a lot options available to a cyclist when looking for a coach, but right from the outset it was clear to me that Jon’s deep experience in the field and his scientific understanding were no joke and a clear advantage over other alternatives.

Even with injuries mid season, Jon was able to quickly adapt my plan and offer his expert advise, not only supporting me to recover quickly, but also ensuring as little fitness was lost as possible, meaning that when we were able to ramp it up again it took very little time to get back to my prior level.

Personally, he is also a great guy, who takes time to listen and has a solid sense of humour. This cannot be undervalued! Thoroughly recommend.

Had the pleasure to do a 9 months coaching plan with Jon. My goal was mainly to use this as a learning experience around training and gain a better understanding of what matters and what is just distractions.

Some countless number of messages later I can with great confidence say that Jon is delivering insightful responses to all my questions, he's challenging me in a constructive fashion, he sometimes brings a different perspective to my point of view that is founded on real metrics and proven knowledge. If I'm running off into something that is unproductive, not relevant or even stupid he just tells me so.

Training wise I'm impressed by the no nonsense and simplistic approach to training plans. I really like the one goal, do that well approach as it gives me a clear objective and focus. Workouts and structure of weeks/months are well thought thru and easy to follow. All sessions have proper guiding in the description field both for what to focus on, type of terrain that best fits the session and what's important from a hydration/food perspective.

To sum things up, 9 months later I've gained a massive amount of knowledge and the engine is completely different.

Having tried Sufferfest and TrainerRoad I kept ending up with the same issue. I was simply exhausted by the end of every week. I tried their plans for 3 years and whilst I did see improvements, I ended up hating cycling as every workout felt like a max effort.

Needing something different, I bought one of Jon's 12 week Polarised base plans from TrainingPeaks.

The programs are incredibly easy to follow and simple in nature. Straight blocks of training to let you settle in and get your head down.

This really appeals to me as it meant I could enjoy my cycling and watch inspirational cycle films during the lower intensity workouts.
The higher intensity workouts suit a smart turbo trainer as they sit in blocks of 4-10 minutes allowing you to crank up the music and push yourself without having to stare at the screen.
This makes the time go faster and let's face it, when you are doing high intervals, staring at the screen only makes time slow down!

The approach works incredibly well. However, the icing on the cake, (and what I feel separates Jon from a lot of 'off the shelf' workouts you can purchase), is that if you are unsure of anything or have a question, you can email Jon and he will reply within 48 hours. And by reply I don't mean a 2 line email. I mean an in-depth reply from someone who has read your concerns, frustrations or questions and wants to put your mind at rest and keep you on track.
He doesn't have to do this but you can see he wants anyone using his programs to succeed.
My results were great but it is this personal touch that really stood out for me.
Not only did I get fitter but I got educated at the same time.

And the results:
Having done the 12 week base plan, my 3 minute power and my 20 min FTP increased by 5%. This is as much or more than with TrainerRoad but with half the pain.
I actually feel I may have had a bit more in my legs on the 20 minute test so that could even be a slightly higher gain.

Would I recommend Jon? - 150%.
If I could give 6 stars on Trustpilot, I would!

Simple, effective programs with the sort of support you would usually only get paying 20x more for monthly coaching.

I know a lot of coaches through the sport, but no one seemed like the right fit. I found Jon listed in Training Peaks and his credentials/experience seemed like what I was looking for. Little did I know how great this would work out.

After one year, I've increased my FTP by 10% and still don't think I've reached a plateau, yet. I've stayed fresh, motivated and been able to move up to a Cat 1 at an age when I could probably just focus on age-group racing. Beyond just the power numbers and performance, races no longer beat me up. The workload, build and rest periods have even made going to work on a Monday morning easier.

His plans are straight-forward, easy to understand and to follow. There is flexibility built into each day and week. He readily adapts your training to events and goals. I needed to work on my sprint for punchy races and crits; 8 weeks later I had a proper sprint.

As a bonus, the references that come along with the training plans make for good reads and have gotten me more interested in the science of the sport.

Jon is an empathetic coach.
From the first time I spoke with Jon, I had a great feeling. He asked exactly the right questions and had answers to my questions that made sense to me. The training corresponded to the first good impression. Jon answers immediately if questions arised. He challenged without overwhelming. Therefore the training was fun and I was looking forward to the training units. I would love to be coached by him again at any time. Thanks Jon!

Having just completed one of Jon’s Polarised Winter Base programmes, I’ve been delighted with the 13% improvement in my threshold power after only six weeks. The plan was easy to follow, and adaptable enough to be completed indoors or outdoors according to the weather or available training time.

Whilst other indoor focused plans (ie Sufferfest/TrainerRoad etc) have delivered similar gains for me in the past, the focus they place on higher intensity work has left me frazzled after only a few weeks, making completing them something of a chore, and compromising the enjoyment I want to get from riding my bike. The Palmares approach to training, based upon Jon’s proven understanding of coaching and exercise physiology, falls into the old adage of training, not straining for the vast majority of the sessions, and the controlled use of intensity means that it’s been far easier to be consistent in my training, and more enjoyable as a result.

This is the second Palmares plan I’ve followed, and the level of support, information and advice that Jon provides through email and the regular newsletters means that I wouldn’t look anywhere else.

I would encourage anyone looking for a training plan to try Palmares, and you’ll soon see that they deliver great gains in a sustainable and enjoyable way, and deliver fantastic value for money.

Jon has a fantastic 'everyman' approach that is humble (given his deep World Tour experience) but unquestionably knowledgeable. There is no diktat, more a conversation about what suits and an evolution of ideas. In 5 months, I am more consistent and consistently stronger than I have ever been. I enjoy most our amusing conversations, story swapping and whatsapps, from which I come away more inspired (and knowledgeable), without fail. I think he is an incredible asset.

Jon has certainly done me proud, steering me to achieve in six months the target I had set myself for the year (an FTP up from 208 to 285). His planning flexibly accommodates this elder cyclist, his direction always positive and delivered with wit and humour. With his ‘beady eye’ on me I’m confident of achieving performance levels previously deemed unattainable. Would I recommend him? 100%!

After 5 years of cycling 'with good results :)' with the recommendation of my colleagues, I started training with Jon. The trainings turned out to be amazing - despite the longer training times, the fatigue was much lower. However, after 2 months I felt that the power increased significantly. I improved FTP by 10%. I have never made such a progress in such a short time. I sincerely recommend Jon !! A great coach and colleague.

I love Jon's training plans. I have seen a huge improvement since we started working together and couldn't imagine being coached by anyone else. Every race I do I know I have prepared for it in the best possible way.

The plans and the newsletter from Jon have been very helpful. I like the way he is doing it - by being very honest and responsive, listening (reading) carefully every email that he receives. I have personally exchanged a couple of e-mails with him and I see that he is implementing my ideas, answer honestly and in detail to my questions.

The newsletter is kinda making you feel special, although you actually realise that it have been widely spread across bunch of a people. The information he shares is typically very helpful and always answering the questions of the day.

Palmares continues to impress! In addition to high quality training plans, the newsletter emails contain a wealth of information covering a range of topics.

Having followed the polarised plan earlier in the year I was incredibly impressed with the results, gaining both power and resilience whilst feeling less tired. The plan was easy to follow with lots of detail and tips for extending or rescheduling workouts, etc.

The newsletters Jon writes both explain the science behind the training philosophy and provide other examples and context around it, in addition to other stories from the cycling and endurance training worlds.

Jon is very helpful, responding quickly to questions whether they be specific to a training plan, a newsletter topic or more general.

Very kind and professional. Plans make sense, and are really accurate.

Since my plan of 4 weeks and another of 12 weeks polarized training plan, I couldn't be more happy about my performance and how I improve it. The plan allied to the Jon newsletters with tips and clarifications is the best recipe to be commitment with your training.

I’m so delighted to have found Jon at Palmares. His newsletters are concise, informative and offer interesting insights from world class athletes and their approach to endurance training. A recent article on Kipchoge’s sub2 marathon project for example, where science, common sense, practical experience and coaching converge. One of the few emails I click on and read amongst all the junk I’m bombarded with from different sports based organisations.

Regarding Jon’s training plans, having followed numerous plans from a number of different coaches none have been as effective as Jon’s 12 week polarised plan. I gained 1% on my FTP per month, went from 300 to 310 and I now do my 8m intervals at 320ish whereas before the plan I was around 310. Tangible, measurable gains. I’m repeating the plan again now with reset zones, if I continue to gain 1% a month, no reason I shouldn’t, then I’ll take a 5-6% gain over winter. Much more than I’ve ever achieved before. Love the approach Jon takes and his responsiveness to questions, which is great value add considering I’m not on a monthly plan with him.

I bought my first Polarized training plan from Jon a year ago. Before I was a time crunched Sweet Spot "addict" making little to no progress anymore. Jon convinced me that even if you don't have more than 8-10 hours a week to train Polarized training is the way to go. Today I feel stronger than ever and really enjoy my training. A Palmares training plan is more than just a plan, it's an experience and almost feels like having a personal coach. Jon is sending regular mails with nice anecdotes, training tips, a bit of science and always a pleasure to read. I you are into structured training and want something else than the usual suspects (TR, Zwift,...) I do strongly recommend Palmares. You get a lot of value and a great personal touch for your money.

I've bought a couple of Jon's plans and they've been easy to follow and the workouts have clear instructions and reasoning behind them. Jon also produces an informative Newsletter which I also signed up for, that discusses training and the reasoning/evidence behind why Jon advocates what he does/provides. But always within the Newsletter is a statement or sentence that makes you stop and think more deeply. Either questioning things you have previously thought or providing a 'light bulb' moment. I thoroughly recommend signing up for it

Jon writes regular newsletters that are super informative. Always explaining the reasoning behind his approach, mixed in with science and a dose of humour! Sign up to them to learn why his plans work.

I genuinely cannot praise Jon enough for his coaching style and the improvement I have achieved.

As an aspiring competitive cyclist, I initially thought that pushing hard all the time was the way to improve my speed and fitness. I was randomly choosing hard workouts on Zwift daily and truly tiring myself out. Following this model, I did notice initial gains, but then those gains plateaued and I decided to hire a coach for a more personalised structured programme.

After weeks of research, I felt that Jon's scientific background suited me perfectly. He explained the benefits of every workout with evidence based scientific articles. We discussed goals (of which mine kept changing) and adjusted the weekly structured training plans accordingly. Through him, I learned that our body needs to adapt and that it is actually detrimental to solely do hard sessions all the time. Throughout this time, he provided constant feedback and was always available for questions. He has been extremely supportive with all my achievements and I cannot thank him enough!

Eight months later, I am at my fittest. My fitness levels, speed, and confidence have truly improved, at an almost exponential curve. Despite not having many events to train for, I feel that he has given me an excellent base to continue working on and apply to races next year.