Who we are The owners of procyclingtours.com, Steve and Michelle Cunningham, have been operating professional cycling holidays for cycling enthusiasts throughout Europe and Australia over recent years. As part of delivering a holiday, Steve found that nearly every client can better his or her cycling experience through improved technique and increased knowledge. So on every procyclingtours holiday he now makes a point of spending a lot of time riding with each client, identifying where they can improve their skills and techniques, therefore creating a far more enjoyable experience on the bike. During his cycling career, both as a pro in Europe, Asia and Australia and operating Australia s very first professional cycling team (Savings & Loans) Steve held down full-time, senior managerial and training positions within the financial services industry. This meant he had to adopt the very best techniques, disciplines and efficiencies to consistently compete successfully at the highest level. At 41, Steve still races at the top level in South Australia and is considered one of the most experienced and successful cyclists of his generation having won over 50 races throughout his career. He puts this down to perfecting his trade through understanding and practicing the best possible methods to become as efficient as possible with limited amount of time to train. You can significantly improve as a cyclist while dedicating the same hours to your existing training schedule. procyclingskills is not personal trainer, nor a fitness instructor but an expert consultant that helps riding enthusiasts from beginners to road racing athletes, get the very best out of their cycling and become a better, more competent, safer and well-rounded bike rider.
What we do procyclingskills works with each individual client in identifying where skills and efficiency gains can ben made, together with providing a real insight into the techniques of a professional cyclist. If you want to ride like a pro, from technique building and skill level through to overall knowledge, you will benefit from one of our programs. Steve observes and listens to so many cyclists, whether they are new to the activity or competitors, who don't seem to be improving no matter how much training they do. Most people would like to ride more than they can, but with work, family and social commitments, it s often not possible explains Steve. Everyone understands that the more time you spend on the bike, the fitter you become. But with most of us, time is often against us and that s where we come in. We make you a better, more skilful (therefore safer) and far more competent cyclist, taking you to the next level all without having to train anymore than you currently do. Choose a program and we then customise it to suit. procyclingskills offers a number of programs over the summer season (October April each year), over 5 personalised sessions each 1.5 hours in length and tailored to your current ability, current level of knowledge, experience and schedule. 1. ROOKIE PROGRAM If you have recently picked up cycling or are new to the sport. Perhaps you ride 1 or 2 days a week and aren t overly comfortable riding in a group. This program will suit you by offering: Riding in a group / peloton and etiquette How to ride safely and with complete confidence What to look for or look out for in a new bike. A 10 point pre-ride bike check Important to do s before, during and after your ride Essential bike maintenance and repairs on the go Your cycling position and getting into good habits early Introductory descending skills and how to be in complete control. Introductory climbing techniques to become efficient with your effort. Essential breathing, pedal stroke and cadence techniques. Off the bike activities that will improve your cycling. Preparing yourself for a cyclo-sportive or mass participation event (e.g. Bupa/Amy Gillett)
2. INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM This program is designed for cyclists who generally ride socially, perhaps have previously ridden in a Gran Fondo or Sportive and ride with a group on a regular basis. Even great for those who want to take it to the next level of competition cycling. The Intermediate program offers: Full needs analyses, observation, goal setting and feedback session Pro techniques on etiquette and skills in bunch riding, getting the best out of your ride with others. Riding safely with others and techniques to minimise a crash, whether it s your fault or not Important to do s before, during and after a ride. Professional techniques to descending and cornering in complete control and safely. Techniques to significantly improve your climbing, without having to spend more time training. Want to be better than your riding buddies? Identifying bad habits and ways to fix. A pro s insight into racing competitively and how to prepare yourself without being intimidated. Best practice efficiency techniques from breathing control, cadence, pedal stroke, out of saddle effort, gearing and lot more. Intermediate mechanic skills and repairs on the go. Learn nutrition habits and diet of the pros, including pre-ride, recovery and non-ride days.
3. ADVANCED PROGRAM This program is designed for competitive cyclists who want to take their cycling and racing to the next level. Whether you are a junior cyclist who needs personalised advice on how to become a top-level cyclist OR someone who has raced for a few years and who doesn t seem to be improving. This program includes: Race preparation and goal setting, short term and long term. Nutrition habits and diet of the pros, including pre-ride, during and recovery together with non-ride days. Analyses of current training regime -v- performance. Racing efficiency, energy saving techniques so to finish a race feeling stronger than ever. Understand the skills, mind-set and techniques on how to win a bike race understand the difference between winning a race and placing second. Identifying your key strengths and get the most of out your racing. Bike maintenance on the road. Advanced cycling techniques tailored to the individual, based on your strengths and weaknesses. How to tactically prepare for and read a race. Bike positioning racing v- training. Email advice and support through your cycling season. Ultimately, each program is used as a foundation and Steve will customise each to exactly what is required, following your initial needs analyses session. Or you may have another reason on how you and / or your cycling buddies can benefit from procyclingskills, so please get in touch.
So where to start If you think you could benefit from a procyclingskills program, you have a number of options available to meet your needs and finances. With each program running over 5 x 1.5hr sessions on the bike, times are agreed so to fit within your busy schedule. Choose from a one on one session through to groups of up to 4 friends. Locations are also agreed so to cut down on travel time, and primarily through the stunning Adelaide Hills. 1 rider $550 2 riders $440 per person 3 riders $330 per person 4 riders $270 per person The program also includes written reports specific to each riders areas for improvement, key focus areas and if applicable, a review of any specific strava / garmin rides. Condensed Program You may be someone who has been riding for a number of years, and just need a review of your skills & techniques, perhaps how to reignite or get into racing, some general motivating / goal setting. We ve created a 2 session program that does just that. Includes a need analyses, goal setting, review of key techniques, recommendations, written report and a follow up session to refine. 1 rider $250 2 riders $190 per person 3 riders $150 per person 4 riders $120 per person If you then decide to continue with a full program or a further 3 sessions tailored to you, you only pay the balance.
Boot Camps in style We also provide programs to suite the dynamics of a larger group where we customise the weekend away to your group s experience, skill level and objectives. And as the owners of procyclingtours, premium food, lodgings and good wine is naturally a part of the experience Programs usually are held over 3 days / 2 nights in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale. We completely customise to your group requirements, including duration and location and partners can also be catered for Please enquire at info@procyclingtours.com for more information. We can even meet with you to discuss a program for your group. I thought I knew how to ride, but after spending time with Steve I ve learnt so much more and now really enjoying my cycling. Dave Bennier. Thanks for riding with me today. I wondered how I really was on the bike - both my bike fit and efficiency in pedaling and for out of the saddle efforts. You've given me the confidence that I'm on the right track and with your tips and advice to put into action I know my goals are much closer now (...and I can't believe I rode PRs with you and I didn't feel like I was trying). Thanks Angus Kingston, Founder Adelaide Cyclists. We guarantee that you will notice marked improvements in your riding ability, skill level and overall knowledge. That s our promise. contact Steve or Michelle Cunningham mob: 0488 918 900 or 0412 231198 email: info@procyclingskills.com web: www.procyclingskills.com
A selection of Steve Cunningham s results 2 x Australian Open Road Sprint Champion (2001, 2003) 5 x Tour Down Under with Team UniSA (2001 2005) 2 x Tour Down Under Most Aggressive Rider (2001, 2003) Tour Down Under Winning Team (2004) 8 x Herald Sun Tour participant (2000 2009) 1 st 40-49 Time Megeve Mont Blanc Cyclo Sportive, 2012 Fastest time on Record, Audax Alpine Classic 250km, 2012 (8hr 11mins) 8 th Burgundy Cyclo Sportive 2012 1 st Herald Sun Tour Team Time Trial (2006) 1 st Tour of Bendigo (2002) 1 st Tour of Murray Stg 1 (2002) multiple placing s & GC results 1 st & Fastest Mount Gambier 100mile Classic (2005, Fastest 2008) 1 st State 150km Open Road Championships 2005 1 st State Time Trial Championships 2005 1 st State Masters Road Championships 2008 1 st Australian Masters Road Championships 2009 1 st UCI World Masters Championships Austria 2009 (35-39) 1 st Ronde Manheim Germany (2002) 1 st Tattersalls Cup Round 3 (Vic) multiple top 10s 1 st, Fastest x 3 Burra Road Classic Multiple victories and placing s in SA Road Races including the Hector Fletcher, John Venturi, Peter Stevens races 8 th Amy Gillett UCI Grand Fondo 2011 2 nd GC Tour of Canberra (2002) and stage winner. Steve also created, owned and managed Australia s first UCI Continental Team, Savings & Loans Cycling Team (2007 2010)
SA's Savings & Loans Team Launch One of numerous media releases on the 25 January 2008 By Paul Verkuylen in Adelaide, Australia The successful mix of youth and experience that saw the Australian based continental squad Savings & Loans achieve such good results in 2007 has returned again for the 2008 season. Now in its third year, the squad will be looking to the United States of America at races such as, Super week, the Tour de Beauce and Philadelphia to achieve some good results and build on the success from previous year. "The races that we are targeting as well as the general style of racing here and in the states lend themselves more to sprinters than the more lightweight climbers," explained Team Manager Steve Cunningham. Team management hopes that some good results in those races, as well as the numerous Australian races it will contest, will lead to invitations to more events throughout America and Asia in the future. The team has signed a number of top riders, including former Giro d Italia rider and Australian Road Champion Russell van Hout, who is returning to competition after a one year hiatus. Brett Aitken is another top rider who is returning to the team for what may possibly be his last season in the sport. The former Olympic gold medalist and Tour Down Under sprint champion brings an enormous amount of experience to the team. The outfit has added more sprinters to the squad for 2008, believing that this mix should bring more results. Savings & Loans for 2008: David Pell, Russell Van Hout, Brett Aitken, Craig McCartney, Joel Pearson, Will Dickeson, Brad Edmunds, Chris Luxton, Russell Gill, Tim Roe and Adrian Laidler. Manager & Coach Steve Cunningham.