Struggling on Climbs at 53. Leading Them by Summer.
After decades of cycling without real gains, Matt joined Njinga and saw a total transformation. In just 8 weeks, he dropped 6kg, increased his FTP, and began climbing stronger than ever — all while training smarter, not harder.
At 53, with a busy work life and limited time to train, Matt proved you don’t need more hours — just a better system.
- FTP up by 15 watts in just 8 weeks
- Lost 6kg — and kept it off
- Improved power-to-weight ratio by 13%
- Completed a 7-day Mallorca challenge ride with confidence
- Accelerate (Group Coaching)
Matt’s Journey: Where He Started
Before Njinga, Matt had all the gear but was losing the spark. Every year brought more effort and fewer results. He was riding regularly, even doing events, but the numbers were flatlining — and the joy was fading.
“I hit a point where I was training a lot but not seeing any change. Every climb felt harder, and I couldn’t understand why.”
At 53, he didn’t want to slow down. But nothing was working: not Zwift races, not generic plans, not logging solo miles. He knew he needed a smarter way — not just more riding.
The Njinga Difference
Matt joined Elevate, Njinga’s most immersive 1-to-1 coaching programme, designed specifically for cyclists over 40.
He started with a full rider MOT: structured fitness testing, nutrition analysis, mindset work, and a personalised plan built around his life.
Through the Njinga 360 Performance Code system, Matt trained across all three pillars:
The sessions weren’t just workouts — they were immersive, coach-led rides that felt live. Every ride came with real-time pacing, post-session data breakdowns, and weekly coach feedback.
“Having Togo in my ear during sessions made all the difference. It felt like I had a coach riding with me — and that kept me accountable.”
He even had the opportunity to ride outdoors with Coach Togo, something exclusive to Elevate riders.
The Results
Matt didn’t just get faster — he got lighter, leaner, and more confident.
He now leads on climbs he used to dread. He’s completed multiple multi-day events. And he’s training with more purpose, while still enjoying the ride.
“I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for years — and I’m only riding 3 days a week. It’s not about riding more. It’s about riding smart.”
More than that, he’s rediscovered why he rides: the joy, the progress, and the sense of strength that spills into every part of life.
“I didn’t think I had a PB in me at this stage of life. Turns out, I was just training the wrong way.”