coaching Testimonials

Our coaches have worked successfully with all levels of cyclists and multi sport athletes. From recreational athletes looking to maximize their time and personal performance; beginners looking to start racing; to elite level cyclists and multi sport athletes who aim to be competitive in regional, national and international competition.

All of our coaches have extensive first hand experience as athletes themselves and have coached athletes at many major events including:
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World and National Cycling, Triathlon and Duathlon Championships; Leadville 100 MTB; Gran Fondo National Series; UCI Gran Fondo National Championships; US Cup MTB; World Cup MTB; Ironman 140.6 and 70.3; Powerman Duathlon; Boston Marathon in addition to numerous regional road cycling, MTB, cyclocross, gravel, mutli sport  and running events. Here are a few testimonials from over the years.

Stefan Zavislan, USAC Cat 1 Road Cyclist

2 x Military World Cycling Championships, 2 x USA Cycling Amateur Road Nationals, Green Mountain Stage Race, Cascade Classic Stage Race

"As an experienced cyclist chasing those last few percent improvements, working with Coach George has been extremely valuable towards realizing my athletic goals. I've worked with a number of coaches but none have emphasized an organic integration of sport, work, and life like George does. As a retired military officer, he approaches coaching with the intimate understanding that for the 99% of us who are not professionals, we pursue our sports out of passion but are limited by the constraints of "the real world". Regardless of these constraints, for those who are not satisfied with the label "Weekend Warrior", George's experience at the elite levels of multiple endurance sports, achieved while working full-time contribute immensely to his wealth of knowledge of new and old-school coaching methodologies. 

Under George's guidance, I've achieved numerous PRs, strong results at large races across the nation, and grown in skill and confidence. I highly recommend George to anyone serious about improving not only their results, but the processes leading to impressive results."

joseph dugan, USAC masters road cyclist

"At age 45, I got on a bicycle in 2016 for the first time since delivering newspapers in the mid-1980’s.  I rode a little on weekends, managed to do some century rides, and a few fondos rides, but my goals were simply to finish.  Usually arriving to empty parking lots and the crew shutting down the event after-party, I started wanting more for my cycling fitness.  

​Training with Otterhaus Coaching has been an awesome journey.  Coach George works with me weekly to tailor my training plan around my schedule as a single dad with two boys and their high school sports/activities.  

He has also helped me at ton with cycling equipment choices and questions, and nutrition both on and off the bike, which has also improved my performance.  I have lost 20 lbs, wasn’t really a goal, but is certainly a perk.  In my second year with Coach George, I started racing and even ended the season with a 2nd place podium finish!  I definitely recommend Otterhaus Coaching to help you find your passion for fitness and competition."

Chris Randle, USAC Cat 2 MTB

"I’ve worked with a variety of coaches over the years who have used a variety of methods to help me achieve my cycling race goals. Arguably every coach made me stronger than I was then when I started working with them, but that’s not the metric that means the most to me. 
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Coach Averi worked to not only understand my race goals, but also to understand my personality, lifestyle, schedule, disdain for cold weather and other outside factors that impact my racing ambitions. Up front, she made it clear that the schedule set was adaptable and flexible to my availability. It was a relief for me to not feel pressured or guilty about missing large chunks of my schedule when life hit me with interruptions to my goals.

 Coach was amazing at finding opportunities for me to get the gains I was looking for. I found that her interest in my success mattered more than the actual workouts that I was grinding through when it came to my motivation. I highly recommend anyone looking for superior coaching technique, clear communication, and a personal touch to consider reaching to her to learn more. "

Adam Altmann, USAC Cat 1 MTB

Leadville 100 MTB

"My experience working with Coach Averi was by far the best I’ve ever had. The level of dedication and commitment a coach has to you is just as important as the work you put into training, and Averi was right there every step of the way. Averi created workouts that not only made me faster and stronger both on and off the bike but also fitted these workouts around a crazy life schedule. After just a short 6 months of training with Averi I was seeing results I never imagined possible. From breaking into my first top ten overall in an Elite Mountain bike race to standing on top steps Averi brought me every step of the way. Leading me all the way up to racing the Leadville 100 and getting the coveted golden belt buckle. I would highly recommend Averi to anyone looking for a personable coach who not only motivates you but truly believes in their clients and considers them a friend."

Michael Piermarini, Duathlete

World Duathlon Championships Powerman Zofingen

"First and foremost, big thanks go Coach George Ganoung for preparing me for the event in Switzerland itself. It seriously wouldn't have been possible without his assistance and guidance. He kept me grounded and highly focused throughout the training process, which helped make crossing the finish line possible.

​Thank you so much for everything. I know we normally talk about the specifics of training but I want you to know that it wouldn't have been possible or achievable without you, so bask in it and know how sincerely grateful I am! Thank you George!"

Gabby Allong, USAC Cat 3 Cyclist

2x World Military Cycling Championships

"I was extremely pleased with Coach George and his flexibility.  I would highly recommend Coach George to others. He is easy to talk to and tailors the workouts to suit his athletes' needs. Unfortunately, due to job constraints, I had to take a break from working with him to focus on my career schedule.  If I could work with him again I would. He always made himself available and always inquired about my goals as an athlete. He even offered career advice and I am eternally grateful for that.

​Coach George is not only a great coach, but a great mentor and person. Anyone who is his client is beyond lucky!  I thank him for his support and his tenacious work ethic."

Alex Driscoll, USAC Cat 1 Cyclist

2 x World Military Cycling Championships, Tour of Gila, USA Amateur Road Nationals

"Huge thanks to my coach George Ganoung for his guidance and mentorship over the past 8 months. Although it has only been a short time, I feel that I have learned more about training and racing in that time then I have in my 9 years on the bike.

​When I started with George I was a new category 2 racer and had just upgraded from category 3. In reality I was the experience level of a category 4 racer stuck in a category 2 body.  I realized I lacked the knowledge and experience necessary to become a category 1 racer on my own. 

George's experience as a category 1 racer and coach guided me to multiple PRs and good race results. Because this I can now say that I am category 1 racer and feel that I have the necessary experience and knowledge to back it up. Only time will tell how well I do at this new level but I am excited to find out as I strive towards my limits on the bike. Thanks again to my coach, would not have made it without you!"

Matt Bunting, USAC Cat 3 Road Cyclist

"After several years of racing as a Cat 4, I decided to get serious and hire a coach. Based on word of mouth, I decided to go with Otterhaus Coaching and Coach George Ganoung. Having never hired a coach, or had any athletic coaching growing up, I wasn't sure what to expect but needless to say I was pleasantly surprised.

After years of self coaching, I would burn out buy mid-season, George was able to review my data from previous years and spot this right away. With George coaching me, not only did I start to see better results, I was able to maintain that fitness for the entire season and I finally earned my Cat 3 upgrade!

I genuinely want to thank George not only for his help with my physical gains, but for all of his support when times got tough and self doubt would start to set in. He's been through it all, and knows how to stop that self doubt and get me back on track. You may find coach's that charge less, but you will not get the personal touch that George gives to every client. THANK YOU!"

evan janis, USAC Cat 3 road cyclist

"I have spent the better part of 10+ years racing on/off to include as a Cat 2 before stepping away from the sport for several years. Coming back, I knew the road would be difficult and I could not make the same mistakes that led me to leave the sport; training so hard that you burn out and literally hate your bike. I reached out to George, a former teammate, for advice and started working with him in late 2019. Doing so not just accelerated my return to racing shape, but increased my quality of life. Why? 

Many, including myself, always find ourselves questioning are we doing the right things and are we pushing ourselves too hard or being too easy. That feeling sucks and quickly takes the fun out of riding (and training). Working with George instantly removed those questions. It let me focus on training and using my time on the bike effectively. That might sound cheesy but think about the countless hours you spend on your bike. It would be amazing for each of those hours to matter, right? George has brought that. 

It’s not just structure and purpose that George brought to my training, it is also advice. George is always available to bounce questions off such as nutrition, racing tactics, and even cross training ideas. That is a huge benefit as training is not just riding your bike, it's training your body and mind.  In all, the past 2+ years working with George has drastically improved how I train and live my life as an athlete."

Alison Schafer, USAC Cat 3 MTB

"I highly recommend working with Coach George. He helped me define my cycling goals and prepare for my first mountain bike races. I was consistently impressed by how quickly he reviewed workouts and provided quality feedback. He was also always available to help with post race look-backs, recommendations on bike setup, and any other questions I had. George has a supportive, upbeat personality that enables him to connect easily with clients. Although I'm currently taking a break from cycling due to some health issues, I would recommend George's coaching to anyone and hope to work with him again in future."

Tsahai Tafari, USAC Masters/Cat 4 Cyclist

"​Working with George was great! His experience and ability to connect with and communicate clearly and consistently with me, flexibility with accommodating my ever-evolving goals, health/life/work challenges were invaluable. George gets that most of us have competing interests and accepts and works to integrate training into your life, not the other way around. No matter how lofty or quotidian your goals, George can get you there. I trust his expertise and experience, and his support and guidance were very helpful to me and made me stronger than I've ever been on the bike. Thanks, George!!"

Tyler Waldron, USAC Cat 2 Cyclist

"I started working with George the winter before my third season when I was an average Cat 4; under his guidance I won several races and placed well in others and achieved my goal of becoming a Category 3 early in the season. In addition, I went on to earn half the points needed to make it to Cat 2 in the same year!  Not only did his workouts increase my FTP, but the tips/strategies George gave me increased race awareness. When I listened to George's race plan I almost always placed well; George has many years of racing under his belt and he knows what he is doing!"

Matt Neigh, USAC Masters/Cat 2 Cyclist

"I've been racing for over a decade, am primarily a masters racer but also compete in elite events.  Over the years I’ve worked with other great coaches, self-coached, and was noticing that something in my training practices wasn’t quite right.  I struggled balancing the requirements of training and racing with the requirements of work, having a family with two young children, and never felt like I was on my “best” day when I pinned on the race numbers.  I signed on to work with Otterhaus in November of 2013, and have achieved fantastic results through Coach George’s strategies, which emphasized “consistency is king” for achieving goals."  Click for more

Greg Horning, Triathlete/Runner

Boston Marathon

"Can't say enough good things about Coach George. George cares about his athletes and will do everything he can to help them reach their goals. I was continually impressed by the individually tailored workouts he put together as well as his flexibility and availability when I needed extra support!  

​In just 6 months, I went from never having done a triathlon to taking home age group wins in Sprint and Olympic distances as well as crushing my first marathon and qualifying for Boston. I could not have done it without him!"

Patty Cohen, Ironman Triathlete, Runner

George was able to design an athlete-centric training plan that easily fit around my busy work and family life, and monitors training stress daily, which is so vital to a master athlete’s success. He provides frequent feedback on my training performance, which has helped me execute the training plan properly.

​I especially appreciate how flexible George is, as he had to change the plan when my life got busy. I would recommend George as a triathlon coach.  ​After an eight year lay off, I finished my first sprint triathlon back in the sport in 2nd place overall under George’s guidance. I also recently finished as the first master female in a 10k road race.

Jose Solis, USAC Cat 1 Cyclist

Military World Cycling Championships

"I've been with Otterhaus Coaching and Coach George for the past 2 years. In that time I have served on Active Duty in the US Army, changed careers, completed a move from Europe back to the US, and began my life in the civilian sector. Through it all, George provided me with not only top-level athletic coaching but also invaluable support and guidance as life presented it's challenges which took precedence over riding the bike or completing a tempo run. George understands the importance of having a structured and balanced lifestyle that goes beyond executing your prescribed workout for the day. Countless times I reached out to him seeking input or asking to adjust a planned workout due to last minute changes in my schedule; within minutes I would have a new plan tailored to fit MY needs." Click for more

Sam Smith, USAC Cat 4 Cyclist

​"Working with George was exactly what I needed to get me started with racing.  Before I started with George, I was struggling to stay with the pack in my local races, and I was overwhelmed as an outsider.  With George's performance coaching, as well as expert advice, he not only helped me get into shape, but also helped me enjoy racing significantly more!"

Bradley Saull, USAC Cat 4 Road Cyclist

​"I came to the sport of cycling after my 30th birthday. I have struggled with my weight since my youth, but cycling has helped me be in the best shape of my life. Once I joined a cycling team, I wanted to take my cycling to the next level. Under Coach Alex's guidance, I was able to apply a structured power-based program to my on the bike training. I also now appreciate how stretching and other exercises paired with balanced nutrition and recovery form legs of a stool as part of a comprehensive, complete racer."

Nessim Mezrahi, USAC Cat 2 Cyclist

​“Under George’s dedicated guidance I recovered from a serious injury, applied a power-based program to find my physical limits, and learned how to adopt a more balanced approach to training so I could continue racing my bike with a busy family and work schedule.” 

Rhandie Thompson, USAC Cat 2 Road Cyclist

​"It's been a year since I started working with Coach George and the improvements are remarkable.  If you are looking to hit your goals and/or want guidance on your overall fitness, I highly recommend Coach George and Otterhaus Performance Coaching!"

Thatcher Owen, Triathlete,  Jr/Cat 4 Road Cyclist

"Coach George brought me from being last place in every race to several top ten finishes in three months. He taught me vital handling skills that can be applied to both the race , environment and the training ride, introduced me to race strategy, and provided valuable feedback post-race to improve my performance.

​His expertise as an athlete and coach led to huge improvements in my fitness while at the same time keeping me healthily rested and injury free. 

 Coach George adapted my training schedule around my busy life as a student. He knew how to use what little time I could devote to exercise some days to reap the maximum gains in my fitness. More importantly, Coach George always responded to my questions promptly and in depth. His ease of communication paired with his expert knowledge and advice created the coach-athlete relationship I needed to make my performance improvements. COACH GEORGE IS THE BEST, PERIOD. #OtterForLife! :-)"

Rafael Amorganda, Philippines Class A Cyclist

​"Today I won the biggest race since I started cycling... The first 3 laps we had a breakaway with my teammate again...And no one was able to follow...thank you Coach George for training me!"

Stephen Zetich, USAC Cat 1 MTB

"I would like to thank Coach Alex Driscoll and Otterhaus Coaching for getting me back into race shape. I have been racing mountain bikes on and off for over 30 years. When I was 46 I had a double pulmonary embolism that sidelined me for close to 2 years and I figured I was done competing.

During my recovery, I contacted Coach Alex with Otterhaus in March to see if we could get me back into “race shape”. I figured it would take over a year to get back, if I could at all, but after 6 months of working with him, I found myself back on the podium in a pro/cat 1 MTB race in New Mexico.  Thank You!"

Matt Murphy, USAC Masters/Cat 1

Leadville 100 MTB, USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships

"I was out of cycling for a very long time due to a horrible car crash but I felt fortunate enough and was motivated to give Masters Racing a “go".  I was still “old school” and was finding out so many things changed (good changes) like Power Meters, FTP and TSS.  George is the real deal and he is able to assess where you’re at and provide a specific program so you will improve.  A huge benefit for me has been George's ability to custom-tailor my training program to fit with my busy professional career.  We all know that "life happens" and George was able to consistently and efficiently re-calculate my program whether it was due to work travel or family health issues.  Cycling is a super hard sport but with an Otterhaus program, plus dedication and lots of work you will get the results you seek.  

My goals included first and foremost to have lots of fun and also get back to being competitive with racing.  Bike racing is 1000 times more fun when you can actually be a factor in the race!  George’s program delivered!  After several months of rigorous training I raced Leadville Trail 100.  Shortly after that I was back on the podium with Masters Racing (Road/Crit) and I also earned the top podium step multiple times along with numerous primes. George also helped me prepare for Masters Road Nationals the last two years.  If you want to obtain maximum benefits in a time sensitive & efficient approach using the latest technology and training methodologies, work with the best – work with George!"

Camilo Beltran, Triathlete

Mike Hefner, USAC Masters/Cat 2 Cyclist

​"After working with Coach George I have seen significant gains in my tactics and physical ability to roll in tough breaks and time trial.  In one of the hardest races of the year, I made the winning break with some of the top regional and UCI Continental riders and I knew the guidance he provided was paying huge dividends".

Steven Peterson, Duathlete/Runner

World Long Course Duathlon Championships Powerman Zofingen

"I would highly recommend Coach George to anyone who is looking for a coach to balance a busy work and home schedule while still performing at high level for long distance events.  Coach George was able to develop a detailed training schedule that allowed me to compete at a high level at the ITU World Championship Duathlon after competing an Ironman only six weeks prior. After the World Championships, he continued to improve my cycling ability which allowed me to perform well at the USAT National Championships.  If you are looking for a coach that provides daily feedback and to improve your ability to ride, run and swim, Coach George is the coach for you!"

Chris Hill, USAC Category 2 Road Cyclist

​"If you think your schedule is too hectic for effective coaching think again. I started working with George after work commitments made weekly training plans unachievable. The level of interaction you get with George is unsurpassed and the custom workouts based on available resources (hotel gyms etc) soon had me back on track!"

Wes Anderson, 1st Time Ironman Triathlete

Ironman 70.3 World Championships, Ironman World Championships Kona Qualifier

​"I think Mike Tyson said it best, "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face". We all know in training that not everything goes according to plan. That's where having Otterhaus in my corner made all of the difference. Thanks George!!!"

Dwayne Farr, USAC Category 1 Cyclist

2 x Military World Cycling Championships, 2 x USA Cycling Amateur Road Nationals, Cascade Classic, Green Mountain Stage Race

​"Coach George's guidance, feedback, and approach to rider development have played a huge role in my progression as a racer. George has a great mind for cycling and can improve all aspects of a rider's ability."

Rob Coffey, 1st Time Ironman Triathlete

Ironman Mont-Tremblant

Ian Webster, USAC Cat 4 Cyclist

"Coach George is simply the best out there.  I have seen huge improvements under his guidance, both in the tactical and physical aspects of racing.  The time and commitment he puts into developing a training plan and analyzing it is incredible.  On several occasions he was able to modify my workouts on short notice due to severe weather or personal reasons.  The best part about George's plans are they are tailored to fit you and your work/personal life and schedule, no cookie cutter plans that someone has copied and pasted over and over to different athletes.  He truly cares about his athletes and I can't wait to continue training with George." 

Kristi Pottol, Cyclist/Runner

​"In 3 months I went form barely being able to run a mile to completing my first half marathon!  Thanks for your guidance!"