A personal coaching & consulting enterprise, forged specifically for individuals with goals in ultra-distance cycling endeavours.

About Acier

Acier was conceived by Samuel Thompson through an enthusiasm for ultra-distance cycling, a curiosity for what it takes to go further, faster, and a desire to help others accomplish rewarding, challenging goals in a responsible, sustainable manner.
Samuel’s curiosity for what drives us to tackle longer distances has informed an open, collaborative approach to coaching which is forged through experience and alloyed with emerging sports science to address the specific, unique demands of ultra-distance cycling.
Responsibility and sustainability are central to Samuel’s values. These are applied jointly through integrating sport sustainably in to each individual’s wider lives and raising an awareness of the impact that participating in often consumable-heavy events can have on our environment. Acier encourages and provides advice on making sustainable, responsible choices at each stage of the process.

Contact

Acier Services

How long is ‘Ultra’?

Acier does not view ‘Ultra’ as an arbitrary distance or time figure. Instead, the challenge of ultra-distance is considered as the ability to maintain a strong and consistent aerobic effort for an extended period of time.
Events can range from hours (‘000s km) to days/weeks (‘0000s km), be competitive or non, and comprise a variety of surfaces. This may be a single day Audax/Brevet ride, a multi-day bikepacking trip or a cross-continent race such as the Transcontinental Race or Tour Divide.
Obstacles to success surpass the purely physical. Logistics, psychology and equipment all play vital roles. Proper preparation for all aspects is crucial.

Acier Foundations

Flexible

A coaching and consultancy proposal shaped to your requirements.
Services adaptable according to required levels of input and budget.
No borders or boundaries. Open to all regardless of location and background.

Individual

We are all unique and respond differently to training stimulus.
Goals and objectives, along with the motivation to succeed, are personal.
Athletes are people first and training is considered within an integrated, whole-person context.

Specific

A focus on the unique, multi-faceted demands of ultra-distance cycling events.
A training philosophy & methodology tailored to prepare you optimally for your personal goals/objectives.
Informed by scientific principles & research, driven by experience.

Acier Services

Whether you require full season coaching, are looking for guidance when preparing for a single event or need advice around a specific issue, Acier can help.
Acier’s services are designed to suit your personal requirements and are flexible according to the level of input.
An introductory consultation is offered prior to committing to the Stainless or Full Season services.

- A premium coaching service offering a superior level of ongoing engagement, feedback and review.
- Personalised annual training plan and daily training sessions delivered for individual goal events/objectives.
- Continuous review and adjustments made, along with regular communication.
(Minimum commitment of 6 months)
Find out more
- Defining goals, setting objectives and scheduling events.
- Personalised annual training plan and daily training sessions delivered for individual goal events/objectives.
- Regular oversight, analysis & feedback.
(Minimum commitment of 6 months)
Find out more
- Individual coaching consultations, driven by athlete requirements.
- Advice offered on a range of issues related to ultra-distance cycling.
- All aspects of physical, psychological and logistical preparation can be discussed.
Find out more

Full Season

Stainless

Coaching Consultations

Samuel Thompson

The Coach

ABCC Level 3 Cycling Coach.
TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach Accreditation.
Chronicler of experiences, both successes and learnings: https://samuel88thompson.wixsite.com/mysite
Host and producer of the Dot Comms podcast, in partnership with Dotwatcher.cc.
Possessor of BSc & MSc degrees, skilled in interpreting and interrogating research literature.
Proponent of a growth mindset to coaching practices, informed through engaging in scientific research and continuous development.
Proficient French speaker.

The Cyclist

10+ years experience of self-supported bicycle touring and participation in Audax UK events:

3x Super Randonneur Awards
5x Randonneur 1,000 Awards
2021 – AUK Inverness 1200 – 76hrs
2014 – Santanader – Le Havre
2015 – Inverness – London
2018 – Girona – Dieppe
2023 – Rotterdam – Italian Riviera - Lyon
2025 - Tour de France Randonneur - 4,750km / 50,000m - 12d:15h:5m - Fastest recorded completion.

The Racer

8+ years experience participating in ultra-distance, self-supported cycling events. Notable results include:

2017 - TransAtlantic Way Race - 2,500km - 9th
2018 - Three Peaks Bike Race - 1,600km - 1st
2019 - All Points North - 900km - 5th
2019 - Around Norway - 3,400km - 1st
2019 - Transpyrenees Race No1 - 1,600km - 2nd
2022 – GBDURO22 - 2,000km / 28,600m - 2nd
2022 - Transpyrenees Race No2 - DNF
2023 - MittelgebirgeClassique - 1,060km / 22,740m – 28th
2023 – Pure Peak Grit (FKT) – 600km / 13,500m – 32h:28m:34s
2023 – Transpyrenees Race No3 – 1,800+km / 40,000m – 6th
2024 - El Piri - 770km / 19,000m - 4th
2024 - Transibérica - 2,700km / 35,000m - 8th
2025 - The Unknown Race - 1,000km / 18,000m - 9th
2025 - Marseille-Napoli - 1,300km / 15,000m - 6th

Media References:

Dot Comms Podcast: Presented and Produced by Samuel Thompson

DotWatcher: Five Minutes with Samuel Thompson / Touriste Routier: Samuel Thompson - Reflections on a Record Breaking Lap of France

Restrap: 5 Common Myths About Ultra-Race Training / The Touriste Routier: taking a modern look at the classic Tour de France / A Principled Approach: The Touriste Routier

Lost Dot: Preparing for The Trans Pyrenees Race

Cycling Demystified Podcast: Ultra Distance Preparation - Part 1 & Part 2

Bicycling: Century Training Mistakes Cyclists Make and How to Avoid Them

Randonneurs USA: Preparing for Your First 1200k Brevet

Haute Provence Info: Samuel Thompson: Tour de France Randonneur en 12 jours et 13h

Seek Travel Ride Podcast: Episode 143. Racing vs Touring – Cycling Around France and How to Enjoy Racing Ultras

Testimonials

"In just 6 months, Sam has taken me from an aging intermittent weekend warrior to a position where I can feel confident in facing the challenge of my first Transcontinental Race. His passion for continuous improvement has resulted in a highly personalised, adaptive and holistic programme which has proved highly effective and also efficient in a time-poor environment. Sam doesn’t just provide a training plan; he offers consistent monitoring and feedback, motivation in terms of accountability and is extraordinarily generous in sharing his detailed knowledge and resources from the world of sports science. Sam is not only a coach, he is a very successful and respected ultra-racer. His experience is invaluable in terms of targeted and specific preparation. With Sam guiding and challenging me, I know there is even more to come . I cannot recommend him highly enough."

Norman Lomax
Transcontinental Race No10 Cap #229, All Points North 2024 (oldest ever finisher)
"I came to Sam with four years of structured training already behind me and having quite a detailed understanding of what I need from a coach: somebody who is accessible and consistent in their approach, has great knowledge and experience of all things ultra cycling and, most importantly, is ‘on my team’. Sam has been able to tick all these boxes and more since working together. He's extremely devoted to his own training and development, so understands all the ins and outs of the desire to progress. More so, he is immensely passionate about facilitating the same for his athletes. He also consistently thinks about what is best for me as an individual and what works around my other commitments. The one thing I appreciate most about Sam is that he's not afraid to tell me when I haven't done things quite right or in a counterproductive way, which is something I really value. I have felt noticeably more consistent and solid in my performance since working with Sam and am very excited for my various events this spring and summer - I feel very supported and in good hands all round."

Julia Kolkmann
Solstice Series: Equinox Omniloop Pairs Winner 2025, Trans Alba Race 2025
"Since working with Sam I can see a clear improvement in my performance. His experience in long-distance events and his specific training approach can supply you with the sessions and knowledge that enables you to progress. This is the first time I have worked with a coach, and I benefit a lot from having a long-term vision of goals and performance. This is really motivating. And Sam does also take care that I do have enough recovery. Something I have always had problems with."

Lucas Becker
1st Race Across France 2,500 2024, 2nd The Unknown Race 2024, 1st Trans Pyrenees Race 2023, 1st MittelgebirgeClassique 2022/3
"When I started participating in long distance races, I realised that I would need someone to help me structure my training, since I have limited time to do it. Sam’s approach to training meets these needs perfectly, as he adapts the workouts to your daily routine. In a short period of time, I’ve already noticed improvements, not only in measurable data, but also in my own confidence as a cyclist, in preparation for races, nutrition, etc. He is always attentive to feedback regarding workouts and responds quickly, offering his point of view about which areas can be improved and advice on how to do it. He is a coach who encourages you to do your best, and shows commitment with your progress."

Oriol Bolòs
Kromvojoj 2025 & 2026
"I rode my first two ultras in 2024, with the help of a friend. As I felt that I really wanted to get deeper into this very niche part of the cycling world, I knew I needed specific help to train and prepare even better. Sam has a lot to offer: he not only focuses on the on-bike training aspects, but takes a look at the whole picture: core work, preparing your route, kit etc. He is super responsive, has a very detail-oriented approach and knows how to push you just that little bit further every time. Without pushing too far! He has a lot of attention for his athletes. I am now preparing for the Desertus Bikus and Utrecht Ultra XL - my two biggest events so far. Thanks to his help, I am feeling way more confident. Don't hesitate to contact him! You won't regret it."

Evelien Vanderstraeten
Desertus Bikus 2025, Ultrecht XL 2025, Classics Story 2024
"Samuel mixes science-based research and theory with expert empirical consultation that only comes with being an active part of the ultra scene. He's given me focus and accountability I need to get physically and mentally stronger in a way that is sustainable and fits around my life."

Will Ward
Trans Pyrenees Race 2025, The Perfidious Albion 2024
"I came to Sam having ridden a number of long distance events over the last few years but never feeling fully satisfied that I trained with sufficient focus or specificity. This has quickly changed since working together - I have seen material improvements in my performance and I now have total confidence that each training session is designed and scheduled with a laser focus on optimising my performance. Equally important to me is that Sam’s approach to my training has always been collaborative and he is very happy to be flexible and adapt to the other demands in my life - this means that training never feels like a chore or that it’s taking over my life! Sam’s impact on my riding has extended well beyond just my training though - he has drawn on his substantial experience to offer me advice on approach and strategy to racing. I recently rode Bright Midnight and felt that, with the benefit of Sam’s advice, I was able to execute my ride better than I ever have before. I finished the race feeling both satisfied with my performance and excited to see what we can achieve in the future. I highly recommend working with Sam (after all, how else are you going to find out what words of wisdom he sends to someone to make them ride through 15 hours of Norwegian rain with a smile on their face?)."

Jim Armshaw
Bright Midnight 2024, Transiberica 2024
"I first met Sam at TPRNo1 in 2019 when he had stormed to 2nd place and I had just scraped in within the time limit. I was struck by his easy nature and his willingness to share his experience and enthusiasm about long distance racing with me. I went on to complete TCR in 2022, but after a rough year in 2023 where I battled with training and health issues, I decided I needed a coach in 2024 to help me ride the Tour Divide. Sam was the obvious choice - not only was he on top of all the technical aspects of ultra racing - training plans, bike set up, strategy, etc - he helped enormously with my mental side. Dishing out encouragement and tough love when required, he helped me get onto the start line in Banff in great shape and, more importantly, with the belief that I could finish. Ultra racing requires great mental capacity and endurance, and during the tough times on Tour Divide, Sam’s voice often came into my head reminding me to appreciate what I was doing and where I was - something that is easily forgotten during racing. I have had some fairly extreme emotional reactions to long distance racing, and have been challenging to work with on occasion, but I can’t thank Sam enough for his continued support and encouragement despite these challenges and I look forward to working with him towards the next event, whatever that will be!"

Joss Ridley
The Accursed Race 2025, Tour Divide 2024, TCR No8, TPR No1
"Before starting my coaching journey with Sam, I felt confident in my understanding of how to structure training for ultra cycling. However, I quickly discovered that there are many specific nuances that can truly elevate your sessions when tailored to your target event. Sam was my first-ever coach, and I’ve learned so much more than I expected—not just about training, but also about the many other aspects that are critical in ultra cycling: nutrition, sleep strategies, gear choices, and more. What really stood out to me is the time and dedication Sam invests in his coaching. The level of detailed feedback he provides on so many sessions went far beyond what I had anticipated. It’s clear that he genuinely cares about his athletes and their progress. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and would highly recommend Sam to anyone serious about taking their ultra cycling to the next level."

Nils Opgenorth
Seven Serpents 2024, Basajaun 2024
"Train for Trainings sake?! Not with Sam. Every session has a purpose, the reasoning behind the sessions and the follow up reports after the sessions are invaluable. Little gems of advice are always thrown in, helping you to understand why and what you need to get from them. Sam has taken me to some events I would not of even thought of as part of my training program, pushing the boundaries. Questions asked? Hell yeah! But as with all his pedigree behind him he knew I could handle them. Resulting in a big spike in fitness and positive energy."

Nick Fowell
2nd Joe Barr Race Unsupported 2024, 2nd TransAtlanticWay 2024
“Sam took me on as a complete newbie to cycling training, with an ambition to do a 2 week tour, covering 1,600km. As a runner I’m familiar with intervals, but translating that to a bike was a big shift. Sam was a great mix of tough and supportive. He always provided me with full and detailed rationale for what I was doing - what its intended result was, and how that was a benefit - often including research articles. Coaching was not limited to just cycling sessions - Sam takes a more holistic approach and encourages strength sessions to bolster and support riding. The result of this was that the tour I did was really fun. I always felt great on the bike, and I could enjoy the ride. I’d hugely recommend Sam."

Oliver Pound
‘Complete newbie’ to a 1,600km, 14 day self-supported tour across Europe
“Working with Sam has allowed me to benefit from his experience, insight and attention to detail. Not only has he got me in terrific shape physically, he has helped me think through the fine details around fuelling, sleep strategy and my set up. It's this holistic approach that I've really appreciated, and having someone who is knowledgeable to bounce ideas off of has been a real benefit to me. I'm excited to see how I can continue to learn from Sam and start delivering improved race performances”

David Ayre
Race Coordinator - Transcontinental Race, Trans Pyrenees Race & The Accursed Race

FAQs

- Finding the right coach for you will depend a lot on what you want to achieve from the process and aligning this with a coach who has the skills and experience to support you on this path.
- If your primary focus is on ultra-distance then Acier can offer a uniquely customised service, built upon extensive experience in this domain and informed through applying scientific principles and emerging research to the specificities of ultra-distance.
- We understand however that it is not a simple decision to make just by reading a website, so Acier offers a complimentary introductory consultation before any commitment is made to the Stainless or Full Season services. Contact us or email Samuel@acier.cc to arrange.
- No matter your individual ultra-distance goals, Acier can help you achieve them. Even in competitive event, ultra-distance success if almost always determined by internal, controllable factors so we emphasise process goals and mastering those things within our control. So, whether you are undertaking a personal challenge to complete a certain distance for the first time or want to compete at the sharp end of a cross-continent race, Acier is here for you.
- A bicycle.
- The rest is optional, but can add a lot to the training process. What can be measured can be improved, after all. A heart rate monitor and/or power meter will help will executing specific training sessions and provide valuable feedback to monitor progress.
- Whether you perform your training indoors or outdoors is also your choice, depending on equipment available and personal preferences.
- A Premium TrainingPeaks account is required for the delivery of training plans and individual sessions for the Stainless and Full Season services.
- For the Stainless service, the Premium TrainingPeaks subscription is included in the price of the package. For the Full Season service, the subscription is athlete funded.
- A complimentary introductory consultation is offered before any commitment is made to the Stainless or Full Season services. Just send a message via the Contact page or email Samuel@acier.cc to arrange.
- Firstly, I applaud your originality – we celebrate individuality and specificity at Acier!
- To pose that question, send a message via the Contact page or email Samuel@acier.cc.