A single father from Cramlington has launched an AI-powered cycling coach app designed for riders with demanding schedules. Kyle Hodgson spent two years developing VeloCoach while raising his 11-year-old son, aiming to help cyclists fit training around a full-time job and school runs.
An app that adapts to real life
The 38-year-old, originally from Amble in Northumberland, built the app to act as a personal cycling coach. It constructs a training plan around the events a rider has entered and adjusts it daily based on sleep, recovery, and actual riding time.
Kyle said: "Most training plans assume you have the same free hours every week, as a single dad, I don't, and neither do shift workers or anyone with a busy life. I wanted a coach in my pocket that moves the plan when life gets in the way, so you still turn up on the start line ready."
How VeloCoach works
Riders using VeloCoach can specify which events they are targeting, from a local hill climb to a 10-mile time trial or a 100-mile ride. By reading data from devices such as Apple Watch, Garmin, and WHOOP, the app generates workouts and provides a written debrief after each ride. Users can also ask the coach questions at any time.
The launch coincides with a busy period for bike racing in the region, with the North East Road Series planning further events next year, alongside the North East Crit League and the Prospect Hill Climb in Northumberland.
Early success for beta tester
Sarah Allen, of Muckle Cycle Club in Newcastle, was an early beta tester and used VeloCoach while training for events this year. She reached podiums and beat her previous times as a result of the specialised training.
She said: "It changed my training when the season moved from crits to hill climbs, without me having to build a new plan. Getting on the podium and then going quicker up the climbs than I ever have felt like proof it works."
Kyle added: "There's never been a better time to get into racing round here, you've got hill climbs on your doorstep, a proper crit league and a road race series, all run by local organisers. Autumn and winter are when next season is won, so start building now and you'll feel the difference by the first event of spring."
VeloCoach is available on iPhone from the App Store, with new users offered a 7-day free trial, after which the cost becomes £14.99 per month.
