Based in Alberta, Canada, Troy Delfs is the Founder and Head Coach at Momentum Cycling. An accomplished cyclist with multiple provincial and national wins, Troy has spent 15 years coaching cyclists of all levels and disciplines.
Like other Zwift Insider sponsoring coaches, Troy and his team love and use Zwift. They also have the coaching expertise to help you get to the next level. Read below to learn more about Troy and the Momentum Cycling team.
Tell me about your cycling background. What sort of riding have you done, for how long, etc?
I’m fortunate to live, coach and race in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains. I’ve raced for over 20 years at an elite level on road, mountain and track bikes, and I’ve won numerous races, including multiple provincial and national championship medals.
In terms of coaching I’ve spent 15 years coaching cyclists of all levels across multiple cycling disciplines. My education includes a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta, specializing in sports sciences, and I am National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) certified.
Lastly, I am also a trail builder and designer involved with the construction of over 50km of world class mountain bike trails in Bragg Creek, Alberta, Canada.
When and why did you begin coaching?
Have been coaching part-time for over 15 years and full time for over 3 years. I am passionate about riding my bikes and I want to share this passion and my personal cycling experiences and knowledge with other cyclists, new and experienced alike.
Every coach has particular philosophies which define their methods. How would you describe yours?
I believe that cyclists should use and understand the various cycling metrics (power output, heart rate, cadence etc.) but that they should also have a good understanding of how their body and mind react to training, nutrition and recovery.
As a coach, I feel that it is my job to work with the athlete to help them experience first-hand how to train properly and to learn how to tap into their cycling potential… potential that they may not even know they have!
Do you use Zwift personally, and if so what for?
I am a newcomer to Zwift having only joined this fall, but I was an immediate convert. Living in Canada the winters are long and cold. I still try to get outside at least three times per week on my Fat Bike but trainer rides are the best way to train intensity and raise my FTP. Zwift has made trainer rides not only effective and efficient but also FUN!
I have become very familiar with all of the Zwift maps and have been using the workout builder, FTP test, races (which are brutally hard but motivating) and have met with clients to do hill repeats and workouts in beautiful Watopia.
How is Zwift a useful tool from a coach’s perspective?
Zwift allows me as a coach to meet online with riders from anywhere for a virtual ride together. In Watopia we can do specific drills together such as pace-lining, sprint repeats, hill intervals or work on race tactics and strategies.
I can also set it up so I’m a ‘co-pilot’ for one of my athletes’ rides or races. I can observe their cycling metrics in real time and using audio software can provide them with immediate feedback, encouragement and suggestions.
If you had just one piece of advice you could share with all Zwifters, what would it be?
I believe that many riders are guilty of riding on Zwift without any goals, targets or purpose. Â Jumping on every rider that passes by, riding too hard then cracking and spending the rest of the ride feeling exhausted.
Each ride should have a goal such as:
- Recovery ride with a focus on high cadence
- Interval ride targeting FTP efforts
- Sprint focused ride doing repetitive all-out efforts on the London Mall.
As I like to say:Â make your training count. Don’t just ride: ride with purpose.
Learn more at momentumcycling.ca >
Testimonials
Troy is an amazing coach and all around good guy. He truly gives you an individualized program and works around your time and abilities. Throughout the program, he was constantly checking in and able to make adjustments to the training depending on how I was feeling and my other time commitments. In just one season I improved dramatically and was able to hit and exceed my goals. If you want to maximize your abilities with the time you have, then I would highly recommend Coach Troy and Momentum Cycling!
Casey Smith – Competitive Road Racer
Troy Delfs is passionate about cycling, and passionate about his students. Adaptable, professional, and always with your best interests, and health, at heart, he delivers training that not only fits your body, but your lifestyle as well. I would highly recommend Troy as a coach, you will not regret it, and you may even exceed your own expectations. I know I have.
Bill Murphy – Novice Road Rider
Troy Delfs is passionate about cycling, and passionate about his students. Adaptable, professional, and always with your best interests, and health, at heart, he delivers training that not only fits your body, but your lifestyle as well. I would highly recommend Troy as a coach, you will not regret it, and you may even exceed your own expectations. I know I have.
Lauren Bresse – Â Mountain Bike Racer
Troy is a great coach. He spent lots of time reviewing and commenting on each workout I completed, and would regularly check in to see how I was feeling. He would touch base before and after each race I did to ensure I was ready, and to debrief on how the race went for me. He was always available to answer any questions, and was very flexible about modifying my training plan when needed. I will definitely use Troy as a coach when I start training for races again in the future.
Shelagh Coutts – Competitive Mountain Bike Racer
After using Troy’s coaching services for the past 12-months I have been astounded by the gains I have seen in both my fitness and cycling technical abilities. I really enjoy being accountable for my training, and getting the feedback that Troy provides on each ride. The one-on-one rides are always something I look forward to. I would recommend Troy’s coaching services and clinics to anyone who wants to improve their riding ability and just have more fun on the bike, whether it’s MTB, Road or CX.
Nick Campbell – MTB and Road Racer
