Sick of getting dropped or seeing your power numbers plateau?
Join an 8-week program built to increase real-world cycling power through data-driven strength and on-bike training - tested before and after so you can see measurable progress.
Designed by coaches who’ve worked with GB triathletes and pro cyclists.
Sick of getting dropped or seeing your power numbers plateau?
Join an 8-week program built to increase real-world cycling power through data-driven strength and on-bike training - tested before and after so you can see measurable progress.
Designed by coaches who’ve worked with GB triathletes and pro cyclists.
How It Works
Benchmark & Prove Your Progress
We begin by measuring your Peak and Max-Minute Power - then retest after 8 weeks so you can see exactly how much stronger you’ve become.
Train Like a Pro, Guided by Experts
Your coach builds a custom strength plan designed to boost force output and fatigue resistance - with feedback on every key lift to keep you progressing safely and efficiently.
Turn Gym Gains Into On-Bike Power
You’ll apply your new power directly on the bike through structured rides designed to translate every watt gained in the gym into real-world speed.
How It Works
Benchmark & Prove Your Progress
We begin by measuring your Peak and Max-Minute Power - then retest after 8 weeks so you can see exactly how much stronger you’ve become.
Train Like a Pro, Guided by Experts
Your coach builds a custom strength plan designed to boost force output and fatigue resistance - with feedback on every key lift to keep you progressing safely and efficiently.
Turn Gym Gains Into On-Bike Power
You’ll apply your new power directly on the bike through structured rides designed to translate every watt gained in the gym into real-world speed.
Why It Works
Strength Training Delivers Measurable Power Gains
Cycling Weekly (2024) documented a 9.6% increase in 20-minute power — from 312W to 342W — after a 12-week strength program.
Well-trained cyclists consistently see 2–5% improvements in FTP or sustained power over a single training block when strength work is properly integrated.
These improvements stem from better muscle fibre recruitment, increased force production, and greater fatigue resistance.
That means holding your power deeper into a climb - while others fade.
Strength + Endurance =
Long-Term Gains
A study on elite cyclists found those who combined heavy resistance training with endurance work sustained 7% higher power in a 5-minute all-out test after 3 hours of steady riding - while the endurance-only group saw no change.
In simple terms: strength training helps you maintain power under fatigue — the difference between getting dropped and driving the pace.
That means turning 340W into 360W without adding unnecessary bulk.
Neuromuscular Adaptation =
Higher Watts
Strength training teaches your nervous system to fire more muscle fibres and generate more force per pedal stroke.
Cyclists often see 10% increases in sprint power purely through improved muscle activation without adding unnecessary muscle mass.
This means your legs don’t just get stronger, they get smarter, more efficient, and more explosive.
That means your legs fire faster and recover quicker between efforts.
Why It Works
Strength Training Delivers Measurable Power Gains
Cycling Weekly (2024) documented a 9.6% increase in 20-minute power — from 312W to 342W — after a 12-week strength program.
Well-trained cyclists consistently see 2–5% improvements in FTP or sustained power over a single training block when strength work is properly integrated.
These improvements stem from better muscle fibre recruitment, increased force production, and greater fatigue resistance.
That means holding your power deeper into a climb - while others fade.
Strength + Endurance =
Long-Term Gains
A study on elite cyclists found those who combined heavy resistance training with endurance work sustained 7% higher power in a 5-minute all-out test after 3 hours of steady riding - while the endurance-only group saw no change.
In simple terms: strength training helps you maintain power under fatigue — the difference between getting dropped and driving the pace.
That means turning 340W into 360W without adding unnecessary bulk.
Neuromuscular Adaptation =
Higher Watts
Strength training teaches your nervous system to fire more muscle fibres and generate more force per pedal stroke.
Cyclists often see 10% increases in sprint power purely through improved muscle activation without adding unnecessary muscle mass.
This means your legs don’t just get stronger, they get smarter, more efficient, and more explosive.
That means your legs fire faster and recover quicker between efforts.
The Tools Behind Your Power Gains
Bridge Athletic
Strength Training, Simplified
Follow your gym sessions with video demos, track progress, and upload form videos for feedback — all in one app.
TrainingPeaks
On-Bike Power Sessions
Sync your cycling workouts, monitor your power data, and see your improvements week to week.
Nutrition Plan
Fuel for Performance
Get evidence-based nutrition PDFs designed to maximise energy and recovery during the 8-week block.
The Tools Behind Your Power Gains
Bridge Athletic
Strength Training, Simplified
Follow your gym sessions with video demos, track progress, and upload form videos for feedback — all in one app.
TrainingPeaks
On-Bike Power Sessions
Sync your cycling workouts, monitor your power data, and see your improvements week to week.
Nutrition Plan
Fuel for Performance
Get evidence-based nutrition PDFs designed to maximise energy and recovery during the 8-week block.
Meet the coaches who help pros stay race-ready
Each coach brings a unique strength to the program combining elite-level racing experience with decades of coaching expertise. You’ll work directly with our team throughout the 8 weeks to analyse data, refine technique, and ensure measurable progress.
Chris “Gibbo” Gibson
With over 25 years as a strength and conditioning coach, Chris has trained everyone from weekend warriors to Premiership Rugby players. After a near-fatal accident, he rebuilt himself from scratch - reinforcing his belief that strength isn’t just physical. He brings unmatched resilience, experience, and care to every client.
Co-Founder & Head Coach
Sunrise Racing Team
Ben “Leachy” Leach
A highly experienced cyclist and elite-level coach, Ben has guided athletes from amateur to international level for over 15 years. With a sub-3-hour marathon and multiple GB age-group selections, he lives and breathes endurance. Ben combines deep scientific knowledge with real-world racing grit.
Co-Founder & Head Coach
Le Col Race Team
Lizi “The Ginger Ninja” Brooke
Lizi is a 5× Ironman champion, pro gravel cyclist, and podium finisher in the National Hill Climb and 100-Mile TT. After 16 years of coaching and racing worldwide, she now brings her passion for performance and purpose to helping athletes build strength and stay injury-free.
Coach
Das Hutchinson UCI Continental Team
Meet the coaches who help pros stay race-ready
Each coach brings a unique strength to the program combining elite-level racing experience with decades of coaching expertise. You’ll work directly with our team throughout the 8 weeks to analyse data, refine technique, and ensure measurable progress.
Chris “Gibbo” Gibson
With over 25 years as a strength and conditioning coach, Chris has trained everyone from weekend warriors to Premiership Rugby players. After a near-fatal accident, he rebuilt himself from scratch - reinforcing his belief that strength isn’t just physical. He brings unmatched resilience, experience, and care to every client.
Co-Founder & Head Coach
Sunrise Racing Team
Ben “Leachy” Leach
A highly experienced cyclist and elite-level coach, Ben has guided athletes from amateur to international level for over 15 years. With a sub-3-hour marathon and multiple GB age-group selections, he lives and breathes endurance. Ben combines deep scientific knowledge with real-world racing grit.
Co-Founder & Head Coach
Le Col Race Team
Lizi “The Ginger Ninja” Brooke
Coach
Das Hutchinson UCI Continental Team
Results from Riders Using Our System
“Barbells & Bikes helped me hit new power bests and improve my overall health. Highly recommend!”
- Noel Stoddart
“Ben’s coaching has helped me stay strong, recover faster, and keep performing at a high level even as I get older.”
- Yanto Barker
“Chris’s programs are the first I’ve ever enjoyed - smart, structured, and perfect for injury prevention.”
- Lucy Poole
“In just 12 months, Ben’s coaching took me from non-cyclist to riding from London to Corfu in 20 days.”
- Andrew Ross
Results from Riders Using Our System
“Barbells & Bikes helped me hit new power bests and improve my overall health. Highly recommend!”
- Noel Stoddart
“Ben’s coaching has helped me stay strong, recover faster, and keep performing at a high level even as I get older.”
- Yanto Barker
“Chris’s programs are the first I’ve ever enjoyed - smart, structured, and perfect for injury prevention.”
- Lucy Poole
“In just 12 months, Ben’s coaching took me from non-cyclist to riding from London to Corfu in 20 days.”
- Andrew Ross
FAQ's
What kind of results can I expect after 8 weeks?
The goal is to improve these key power metrics by up to 5-10%, depending on consistency and training history.
You’ll retest both metrics at the end of the program so you can see exactly how much your power has increased.
What’s included in the 8-week program?
+ Full 8-week strength and on-bike training plan (via Bridge and TrainingPeaks).
+ Baseline and post-program power testing (Peak Power + Max-Minute Power).
+ Weekly communication and feedback from your coach.
+ Video form reviews to keep your strength training safe and effective.
+ Nutrition resources to support recovery and performance.
+ End-of-program data review and recommendations for next steps.
How are the power tests done?
You’ll perform two short efforts - a 5–10 second Peak Power Test and a 3-minute Max Power test — using your existing power meter or smart trainer. These are recorded in TrainingPeaks so we can track your progress objectively over the 8 weeks.
Do I need a gym or specific equipment?
The strength sessions are delivered through the Bridge Athletic app and can be done in most gyms or well-equipped home setups.
Your coach can adjust exercises based on what equipment you have access to.
You will need a power meter or stationary trainer.
How is this different from generic training plans or Zwift workouts?
The Peak Power Project is coach-guided and fully data-driven. It combines strength training, cycling performance, and movement analysis - not just ride-based intervals. Every rider’s plan is adjusted based on testing data and coach feedback, so you’re never following a one-size-fits-all template.
What kind of coaching support do I get?
You’ll have ongoing communication with your coach through TrainingPeaks and Bridge, plus video feedback on your form.
You’ll also receive structured check-ins to review progress and make any needed adjustments. If you choose the Bespoke Power option (£299), you’ll also have one in-person PT session and a strategy call.
Ready to Increase Your Power and Prove It in Just 8 Weeks?
Apply now to join the next intake of the Peak Power Project - and start training with measurable results, expert feedback, and data that proves your progress.
Ready to Increase Your Power and Prove It in Just 8 Weeks?
Apply now to join the next intake of the Peak Power Project - and start training with measurable results, expert feedback, and data that proves your progress.
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