Coach: Mark Davis
City: San Antonio, Texas
Mark Davis, an elite cycling coach based in San Antonio, Texas, has been dedicated to improving the skills of competitive cyclists for over 15 years. Specializing in road racing and time trials, Coach Davis focuses on both the technical aspects of cycling and the mental strategies that lead to victory.
“Cycling is all about strategy,” Coach Davis says. “It’s not just about how fast you can go—it’s about knowing when to push yourself and when to conserve energy.” Coach Davis works closely with his athletes to create individualized training plans that emphasize not only endurance but also race-day tactics.
One of the most critical aspects of his coaching philosophy is pacing. “A common mistake young cyclists make is going out too hard too early,” he explains. “In endurance events, you have to find a rhythm and pace yourself for the entire race.” Coach Davis teaches athletes how to monitor their effort levels using heart rate and power meters, helping them understand the importance of sustainable effort throughout the race.
Interval training is another key component of Coach Davis’ strategy. “Intervals build explosive power and speed,” he says. “You can’t win a race without the ability to surge when it counts.” These sessions, often held on hill climbs or flat sections of road, focus on short bursts of maximum effort followed by recovery periods. The goal is to train the body to recover quickly and be ready for the next effort.
Coach Davis also focuses on technique. He works with cyclists to refine their pedaling mechanics, bike handling skills, and cornering techniques. “Efficiency is everything in cycling,” he explains. “Even small improvements in technique can lead to major time savings on the course.”
Mental preparation is equally important in cycling, according to Coach Davis. He teaches athletes how to stay focused and positive during races, even when faced with difficult conditions. “Cycling is a sport where you’re often alone with your thoughts,” he says. “Being able to push through physical discomfort and stay mentally strong is key to performing well.”
Through his expertise, Coach Davis has helped many athletes achieve their goals, including several who have qualified for national championships and secured sponsorships. “My biggest reward as a coach is seeing my athletes reach their full potential,” he says. “I know that I’ve done my job when they cross the finish line knowing they gave it everything they had.”
For new coaches, Coach Davis offers this advice: “Never stop learning. Cycling evolves, and the best coaches are the ones who adapt and stay current with new training techniques and technologies.”
