Otterhaus athletes training and racing

Athlete stories

Real world athletes. Real results.

Feedback from some of the athletes we have worked with over the years. Whether general fitness, bucket list "completion" events, local race series, or National and World Championship race preparation. We adapt our approach to each individual's situation and goals.

Elite, masters, juniors and age-group athletes. Beginners to veterans. Nationals, Worlds, Gran Fondo Series, l'Etape, BWR, Unbound Ironman, IM 70.3, Boston Marathon
Coached by Otterhaus
Jen Bell
Road • TT• Track • Fondo

Since 2016, Coach George has helped turn my cycling goals into reality—7 Masters National Championship titles while still balancing a full life.

What sets George apart is how well he understands real life. He consistently built training plans that worked around a demanding schedule, never losing sight of big goals but always respecting the realities of work, family, and recovery. On tough days, he believed in me more than I believed in myself; on good days, he made sure we learned from them and kept moving forward.

Coach George doesn’t just develop fitness—he builds confidence, resilience, and a deeper love for the sport. I’m incredibly grateful for his mentorship and would recommend him to any athlete who wants to chase big goals without sacrificing the rest of their life.

Jen Bell

Cycling Canada Masters Road and Track

7 X Canadian National Champion Time Trial and Track 6th UCI Masters World Champs Time Trial 4x Provincial Champion Track
National Team National Championships World Championships UCI Gran Fondo World Series
Peter Warner
Road • TT • Gravel • CX

Under George’s guidance, I performed at the top of my level the past three years; road, cyclocross and gravel. He knows how to push just enough to keep progress steady without risking burnout, which is a rare skill.

Working with George Ganoung has been an incredible experience. From day one, his communication stood out—George is clear, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure I understand every aspect of my training. He doesn’t just send a plan; he explains the “why” behind it, which makes the process both educational and motivating. The results have been amazing.

What really sets George apart is his experience and perspective. He’s been in the sport for years and understands the challenges athletes face—whether it’s balancing training with life or preparing for key events. That insight makes his coaching feel personalized and realistic, not cookie-cutter. If you’re looking for a coach who communicates clearly, knows the sport inside and out, delivers results, and brings a wealth of experience to the table, George Ganoung at Otterhaus Coaching is the one. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.

Peter Warner

USAC Masters / Cat 1 Cyclist

road nationals cx nationals unbound Gravel
Trevor Filipiak
MTB • Gravel

Coach Averi took me from detrained to the fittest I’ve ever been, hitting lifetime power PRs and my A-event goal.

Averi coached me from a fairly detrained starting point to the highest fitness level of my life. Over the season I hit lifetime power PRs across multiple durations and arrived at my A-event feeling genuinely prepared. What really stood out was their attentiveness, communication, and flexibility—training was quickly adjusted around unexpected life hiccups, without losing sight of the big picture. Regular office hours gave me a space to ask questions, talk through progress, and refine race strategy. I’d recommend Averi to anyone serious about leveling up their cycling performance.

Trevor Filipiak

MTB and Gravel Cyclist

Alex Driscoll
Road • TT • Gravel

In just eight months, George helped me go from a new Cat 2 to a confident Cat 1 with real race craft.

When I started with George I had just upgraded to Category 2 and felt like a Cat 4 in terms of experience. I knew I couldn’t make the jump to Cat 1 on physical talent alone—I needed better race craft, structure, and guidance. In only eight months, George’s coaching and mentorship completely changed that. He taught me how to train with purpose, helped me hit multiple PRs, and guided me to strong results that earned my Cat 1 upgrade. More importantly, I now feel like I have the knowledge and confidence to race at that level, not just the license. I’m very grateful for everything he’s done.

Alex Driscoll

USAC Cat 1 Road Cyclist

National Team World Championships National Championships
Cyclists riding on a mountain road with a scenic background
Road • TT • Fondo

Working with Coach George helped me blend high-level training with real life and finally unlock the top end of my racing.

As an experienced cyclist chasing small but meaningful gains, I needed more than just harder workouts—I needed a plan that fit around work and life. George’s background balancing elite racing with a full-time career meant he understood that reality better than anyone I’d worked with before. His approach integrated training, recovery, and the rest of my responsibilities in a way that felt sustainable, not overwhelming. Under his coaching I’ve set PRs, earned strong results at big races across the country, and grown in both skill and confidence on the bike.

Stefan Zavislan

USAC Cat 1 Road Cyclist

National Team World Championships National Championships l'Etape Tour Du France
Gabby Allong
Road • Track

George is more than a coach—he’s a mentor who adapts to your life and genuinely cares about your goals.

Working with Coach George was an excellent experience, especially in how flexible and approachable he was. He tailored my training around my needs and schedule, always checked in about my goals, and was there whenever I had questions. At one point job demands forced me to pause coaching, but if I could work with him again I wouldn’t hesitate. On top of performance guidance, he even offered helpful career advice. George is not only a talented coach but a truly supportive person, and any athlete who works with him is fortunate.

Gabby Allong

USAC Cat 3 Cyclist

National Team World Championships
Joseph Dugan
Road • TT • Fondo

With Coach George, I went from just finishing events to standing on the podium and rediscovering my passion for racing.

I got back on the bike in my mid-40s after not riding since childhood, and at first my only goal was to finish centuries and fondos. Eventually I wanted more than rolling into an empty parking lot after everyone else was done. Working with George changed that trajectory completely. He carefully built my training around being a single dad with two busy kids, helped with equipment and nutrition decisions, and gradually made me stronger than I expected. I’ve dropped weight, found consistency, and in my second year with him I started racing and ended the season with a podium. Otterhaus has made cycling fun, purposeful, and sustainable again.

Joseph Dugan

USAC Masters Road Cyclist

National Championships Maratona Dles Dolomites Mt Washington Hill Climb
Artym Hayda
Road

Coach Averi combines elite experience and science to deliver truly world-class, personalized coaching.

As a former U.S. National Team athlete, I’ve worked with some excellent coaches over the years, and Averi still stands out. They blend personal racing experience with current sports science and my specific goals to create a plan that feels tailor-made rather than generic. Beyond the workouts, what impressed me most was the level of time, attention, and dedication they give to each athlete. For anyone wanting world-class coaching at an accessible price, working with Averi is an easy decision—it’s not a question of if you’ll get faster, but how much.

Artym Hayda

USAC Cat 3 Road Cyclist

Chris Randle
MTB • CX • Gravel

Averi didn’t just make me stronger—they built a flexible, human-centered plan that respected my life and kept me motivated.

I’ve worked with several coaches over the years and most of them made me stronger, but that’s not the only thing that matters to me. Averi took time to understand my goals, personality, schedule, and even my dislike of cold weather, then built a plan around those realities. From the beginning, they emphasized flexibility so I never felt guilty when life forced changes. Instead, they found creative ways to keep progress moving. Their genuine investment in my success mattered just as much as the workouts themselves and kept me engaged even during tough blocks. If you want top-tier coaching with clear communication and a personal touch, Averi is an outstanding choice.

Chris Randle

USAC Cat 2 MTB 

Adam Altmann
MTB

Working with Otterhaus helped me train smarter, stay consistent, and hit results I didn’t think were possible with my schedule.

With a structured plan tailored around work and family life, I finally felt confident lining up on race day. The frequent feedback, flexible scheduling, and focus on the whole athlete made a huge difference in both performance and enjoyment.

Adam Altmann

USAC Cat 1 MTB 

LEADVILLE 100 leadville trail series Chequamegon 40
Michael Piermarini
Duathlon

Coach George’s guidance made it possible to prepare for and complete a brutal World Championship duathlon in Switzerland.

The event in Switzerland was one of the hardest things I’ve ever tackled, and I can say honestly it wouldn’t have happened without George. Throughout the build he kept my training grounded and focused, helping me manage both the physical demands and the mental side of preparing for a world-level race. His structure and feedback made the process feel achievable rather than overwhelming. Crossing the finish line was as much a reflection of his guidance as my own effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role he played in getting me there.

Michael Piermarini

Duathlete

5th World Duathlon Championships
National Team World Championships powerman
Cyclist in a black and red outfit with a helmet and sunglasses riding a bike on a road.
Road • TT

In the time I have been working with Coach George, the improvements in my fitness and overall health have been remarkable.

In the time I have been working with Coach George, the progress has exceeded my expectations. I’ve seen big jumps in fitness and clarity about how to structure my training and overall lifestyle. If you’re serious about hitting your goals or simply want better direction for your health and performance, I highly recommend George and Otterhaus Coaching.

Rhandie Thompson

USAC Cat 2 Road Cyclist

Matt Bunting
Road • MTB

George took me from burned-out self-coached racer to consistent results and finally my Cat 3 upgrade.

After several seasons of self-coaching as a Cat 4, I was stuck in a cycle of early-season motivation followed by mid-season burnout. I hired George on a recommendation and quickly realized what I’d been missing. He dug into my past data, identified exactly where I was overdoing it, and built a structure that let me improve without frying myself. That season I not only saw better results but maintained fitness all the way through, earning my Cat 3 upgrade. Just as valuable was the support he provided when doubts crept in—he’s been through all of it and knows how to get you back on track. You might find cheaper coaching, but you won’t get the same level of personal attention.

Matt Bunting

USAC Cat 3 Road Cyclist, Masters MTB

Evan Janis
Road • CX • Fondo

George removed the guesswork and burnout from my training, making me both faster and happier on the bike.

After more than a decade of on-and-off racing, including time as a Cat 2, I’d stepped away from the sport largely due to burnout. When I came back, I knew I needed to avoid the same mistakes that had made me hate the bike. Working with George immediately eliminated the constant second-guessing about whether I was doing the right training. Instead of anxiety, I had a clear, purposeful plan that fit into a busy life. Beyond workouts, I leaned on him for advice about nutrition, tactics, and cross-training. Over the past couple of years, that combination has not only improved my performance but also the way I live as an athlete day to day.

Evan Janis

USAC Cat 3 Road Cyclist

Cat upgrades Ironman Masters racer
Alison Schafer 
MTB

Coach George helped me set clear MTB goals, prepare for my first races, and feel supported every step of the way.

I came to George wanting to define my goals and tackle my first mountain bike races. From the start, he helped clarify what I was aiming for and then built a plan to get there. I was impressed by how quickly he reviewed workouts and how thoughtful his feedback was. He made himself available for post-race debriefs, bike setup questions, and anything else that came up. His positive, supportive personality made it easy to stay motivated. Even while stepping back from cycling for health reasons, I’d recommend his coaching to anyone and hope to work with him again in the future.

Alison Schafer 

USAC Cat 3 MTB

Tyler Waldron
Road • Gravel • Fondo

Under George’s coaching I went from an average Cat 4 to multiple wins and a rapid upgrade path.

I started working with George before my third season, when I was a pretty average Cat 4 rider. With his guidance I quickly began to see a different trajectory—multiple wins, consistent results, and a fast upgrade to Cat 3 early in the season, followed by earning many of the points needed for Cat 2 before the year was out. His workouts pushed my FTP up, but just as important were the race strategies and tactical advice he provided. When I followed the plan, I almost always found myself in the mix. George’s experience really shows in the way he prepares you to race, not just train.

Tyler Waldron

USAC Masters / Cat 2 Cyclist

Matt Neigh
Road • Gravel

Coach George’s “consistency is king” approach finally helped me balance family, work, and racing—and still show up ready to perform.

I’ve been racing for more than a decade, mostly as a masters racer but also in elite fields. Over time I worked with other coaches and tried self-coaching, but something still felt off—I never quite felt like I was on my best day when pinning on a number. With a demanding job and two young children, I struggled to reconcile training with real-life responsibilities. Signing on with Otterhaus in late 2013 changed that. George’s focus on consistency and smart planning allowed me to train effectively within my constraints and still show up strong. The results I’ve had since are a direct reflection of that balanced, long-term approach.

Matt Neigh

USAC Masters / Cat 2 Cyclist

Tsahai Tafari 
Road

Coach George integrates training into your life instead of forcing your life around training—and the results follow.

Working with George was a great experience precisely because he understood that most of us are balancing multiple priorities. He communicated clearly and consistently, adjusted my plan around shifting goals, health issues, and work demands, and never made me feel guilty for having a full life. Instead, he focused on weaving training into that reality. I trusted his expertise completely and came out of the process stronger on the bike than I’ve ever been. His support and guidance were invaluable, and I’m very grateful for the strength and confidence I gained.

Tsahai Tafari 

USAC Masters / Cat 4 Cyclist

Chris Niquette
Triathlon

After years in multisport, Otterhaus coaching has been a key factor in racing at a high age-group level.

I’ve been in multisport for over 15 years and have tried both self-coaching and working with other coaches. For the last several years I’ve been with Otterhaus and George, and the difference has been clear. He’s consistently professional, quick to respond, and highly knowledgeable across disciplines. That level of support has been a big contributor to making Team USA and competing at a high level in my age group. It’s reassuring to know there’s someone in your corner who understands the demands of long-term multisport racing.

Chris Niquette

Triathlete

National Team Nationals Worlds
Greg Horning
Road • Tri • Running

In six months, George coached me from first-time triathlete to age-group wins and a Boston Marathon qualifier.

George genuinely cares about his athletes and backs that up with thoughtful, individualized training. I was consistently impressed by how tailored my workouts were and how flexible he was whenever I needed to adjust the plan. In just half a year I went from never having done a triathlon to winning my age group in sprint and Olympic-distance races, and then running my first marathon fast enough to qualify for Boston. I simply wouldn’t have reached those results without his coaching and support.

Greg Horning

USAC Masters / Cat 3 Cyclist

Boston Marathon JFK 50 Miler
Patty Cohen
Triathlon • Running

Coach George designed an athlete-centered plan around real life that brought me back to the sport and onto the podium.

After a long break from triathlon, I needed a plan that respected a busy work and family schedule. George built exactly that—an athlete-centric program that monitored training stress closely and fit naturally into my life. His frequent feedback helped me execute the sessions properly and make steady progress. When life got hectic, he adjusted the plan without drama and kept me moving forward. With his guidance, I returned to racing with a second-place overall finish in my first sprint tri back and later took the top masters spot in a 10k. I’d happily recommend him to any master athlete looking for smart, flexible coaching.

Patty Cohen

Triathlete, Runner

Jose Solis
Road • TT • Running

Through military moves, career changes, and life transitions, George kept my training focused and my lifestyle balanced.

During my first two years with Otterhaus Coaching, my life changed dramatically—active duty service, a career shift, an international move, and starting over in the civilian world. Through all of that, George provided not only high-level coaching but also steady support when life had to come before training. He understands that performance is built on a structured yet flexible lifestyle, not just checking off workouts. Whenever I needed training adjusted for last-minute schedule changes, he responded quickly with a revised plan that fit my reality. That combination of structure, empathy, and responsiveness has been invaluable.

Jose Solis

USAC Cat 1 Cyclist, Runner

National Team World Championships
Nessim Mezrahi
Road • TT

George helped me come back from serious injury and adopt a more balanced, sustainable approach to training.

Under George’s guidance I returned from a significant injury and, at the same time, changed how I think about training. He introduced a structured, power-based approach that helped me find my limits while still fitting around a busy family and work life. Instead of chasing numbers at all costs, I learned to train hard but intelligently, with sustainability in mind. That shift allowed me to keep racing at a high level without sacrificing the rest of my life.

Nessim Mezrahi

USAC Cat 2 Cyclist

Sam Smith
Road • TT • Fondo

George gave me the structure and confidence I needed to move from hanging on to truly racing.

Before working with George, I was struggling just to stay in contact with the pack at local races and felt like an outsider to the sport. His coaching gave me not only the fitness I needed but also the knowledge and confidence to approach racing differently. With a proper plan and his guidance, I started to enjoy racing instead of just surviving it. That shift in both performance and mindset was exactly what I needed to move forward as a rider.

Sam Smith

USAC Cat 4 Cyclist

Gran Fondo National Series
Thatcher Owen
Road • Tri

Coach George took me from last place in every race to regular top-ten finishes in just a few months.

When I started with George I was finishing at the back of every race. Within three months, I was regularly in the top ten. He taught me essential handling skills, race strategy, and how to analyze performances afterward so I could keep improving. As a student with limited time, I appreciated how he adapted the schedule around my life and still squeezed the most out of each session. His quick, detailed responses to my questions and deep knowledge made for exactly the coach-athlete relationship I needed. Simply put, he’s the best.

Thatcher Owen

Triathlete, Jr / Cat 4 Road Cyclist

Rafael Amorganda
Road • MTB

With Coach George’s training, I was able to win the biggest race of my cycling career so far.

Working with George led to a breakthrough when I won the biggest race I’ve done since starting cycling. From the early laps in a decisive break to holding off the field, I could feel the impact of the structured training we had built. That result was a clear reflection of his guidance and the work we put in together.

Rafael Amorganda

Philippines Class A Cyclist

Leadville 100 MTB, Boston Marathon, Ironman 70.3 Podiums, category upgrades, and World Championship qualification USA & international athletes
Matt Murphy
Road • Gravel • MTB

George guided me from a long layoff to Leadville 100 and multiple masters podiums while working around a demanding career.

After a terrible car crash I was out of cycling for a long time, but eventually felt ready to give masters racing another shot. The sport had changed—power meters, FTP, TSS—and I needed someone who understood both the “old school” and the new tools. George assessed where I was and built a detailed program that fit around a busy professional life. Whenever travel or family issues popped up, he quickly recalculated the plan so progress never stalled. With his help I raced Leadville Trail 100, returned to masters road and crit racing with real impact, and stood on the top step multiple times. He also prepared me for Masters Road Nationals in consecutive years. If you want maximum benefit from limited time using modern methods, George is the coach to work with.

Matt Murphy

USAC Masters/ Cat 1 Cyclist

LEADVILLE 100 Nationals
Camilo Beltran 
Triathlon

Otterhaus helped me prepare for demanding triathlon goals while balancing everything else life throws at you.

As a triathlete, I needed a coaching setup that respected both the complexity of the sport and the constraints of everyday life. Working with Otterhaus gave me that structure and support. The plan aligned with my race goals, adapted when life got busy, and helped me show up prepared on race day. The combination of accountability, flexibility, and clear guidance made a big difference in my training and confidence.

Camilo Beltran 

Triathlete

Ironman 70.3
Mike Hefner
Road • TT • Gravel • CX

George’s coaching sharpened my tactics and power so I could hold my own in tough breaks and time trials.

Since working with George, I’ve noticed big gains not just in raw fitness but in my ability to apply it in races. My time trialing has improved, and I’m now able to roll with hard breaks in some of the toughest races of the season, including against strong regional and Continental-level riders. Those results have been clear proof that the guidance and structure he provides are paying off.

Mike Hefner

USAC Masters / Cat 2 Cyclist

Nationals UCI Gran Fondo World Series
Steven Peterson
Duathlon • Runner

George helped me balance a full life and still perform at a high level in long-course duathlon and nationals.

I turned to George for help preparing for the ITU Long Course Duathlon World Championships at Powerman Zofingen while also managing a demanding work and home schedule. He built a detailed plan that made it possible to race at a high level only six weeks after completing an Ironman. After Worlds, we continued to improve my cycling and overall fitness, which translated into strong performances at USAT Nationals as well. If you’re looking for a coach who offers daily feedback and knows how to help you ride, run, and swim at your best within real-world constraints, George is an excellent choice.

Steven Peterson

Duathlete / Runner

National Team Worlds Nationals Powerman
Chris Hill
Road • MTB

Even with a chaotic work schedule, George’s custom plans and interaction kept my training effective and on track.

I started working with George when work commitments made my old training habits unsustainable. I wasn’t sure coaching would fit my schedule, but he proved otherwise. The level of interaction he provides is outstanding, and he built custom sessions around whatever resources I had—hotel gyms, limited time, you name it. Before long I felt like my training was both more efficient and more productive, despite a hectic life. If you think your schedule is too busy for effective coaching, think again.

Chris Hill

USAC Masters / Cat 2 Cyclist

Wes Anderson
Triathlon

Coach George helped me train successfully for several Ironmans despite a hectic work schedule.

I think Mike Tyson said it best, "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face". We all know in training that not everything goes according to plan. That's where having Otterhaus in my corner made all of the difference. Thanks George!!!

Wes Anderson

Triathlete

1st 50+ Executive Challenge Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga Kona Qualifier
World Championships Ironman
Dwayne Farr
Road • TT

Coach George's guidance, feedback, and approach to rider development have played a huge role in my progression as a racer. George has a great mind for cycling and can improve all aspects of a rider's ability.

Dwayne Farr

USAC Cat 1 Road Cyclist

National Team World Championships National Championships
Rob Coffey
Triathlon

Thanks George Ganoung and Otterhaus Coaching for helping me get to the
finish line. I could not have done this without your help, advice and patience!

Rob Coffey

Triathlon

Ironman
Ian Webster
Road • TT

Coach George is simply the best out there.  I have seen huge improvements under his guidance, both in the tactical and physical aspects of racing. 

The time and commitment he puts into developing a training plan and analyzing it is incredible.  On several occasions he was able to modify my workouts on short notice due to severe weather or personal reasons.  The best part about George's plans are they are tailored to fit you and your work/personal life and schedule, no cookie cutter plans that someone has copied and pasted over and over to different athletes.  He truly cares about his athletes and I can't wait to continue training with George." 

Ian Webster

USAC Cat 4 Cyclist

Mike Pulsifer
Duathlon • TT • Runner

Coach George brings not just knowledge, but the wisdom to help me not just be my best on my good days, but also to make it past the bad race days that inevitably will happen.

It was at my first duathlon that I learned that not only do I love this (multi)sport, but I actually have some potential. To that point, I had been relying on what I knew when I ran cross-country 30 year ago. I got the sense that those old ways just weren’t going to cut it, not least of which for someone in his upper 40s. This is where Otterhaus and Coach George helped me by bringing some sanity to my workouts and some new approaches that I would never have considered before. He designed training that would work with my busy schedule, including during pre-pandemic times, an insane commute.

Without George’s knowledge and his years of multisport experience, I would not have been able to live the #podiumlife like I was able to this year, my most race-heavy year yet. George also brings not just knowledge, but the wisdom to help me not just be my best on my good days, but also to make it past the bad race days that inevitably will happen. Ultimately, he’s been helping me achieve my goal: to reach my potential (thus far). George is giving me the confidence that I can keep doing so for many years to come.

Mike Pulsifer

Duathlete, Runner, USAC Cat 5 Cyclist

National Championships
Nick Taylor
Road • CX

George responds to every question and concern with a thoughtful approach tailored to the athlete. If you want to reach your fitness goals, look no further!

I can’t recommend George and Otterhaus coaching enough. I came seeking coaching as a cat 3 road racer, seeming to have plateaued in fitness and race results. In just one season, I was able to get all my points to upgrade as a cat 2 and snag a handful of podiums as well. I could race at a whole different level, racing tactically rather than simply trying not to get dropped. On top of this, communication is fantastic.

Nick Taylor

USAC Masters / Cat 2 Cyclist

Michael O'Grady
Road • Gravel

Coach George gave me the structure I needed to perform my best for my choice races and has been a sounding board for my ideas and how to best develop my race craft.

I can’t say enough about how great George and Otterhaus Coaching has been for my development as a cyclist. Whenever I’ve asked for his opinion, I’ve always gotten a non-biased answer and knew it was what he believed to be in my best interest. Most importantly, whenever life has gotten in the way, he’s been more than accommodating and was able to tailor a my training plan to fit within my constraints that still helped me to accomplish my goals. I’ll recommend George to anyone who asks and look forward to working with him in the future.

Michael O'Grady

USAC Masters / Cat 4 Cyclist

Jeff Chun
Road • Gravel • MTB

Working with Coach George has been a complete game-changer for my cycling career. Under his guidance, I enjoyed my most successful Masters racing season ever, which I capped off by upgrading to Category 1.

George’s expertise was vital when I decided to transition from the fast-paced world of criteriums and road racing to the endurance demands of gravel and mountain bike racing. He provided the specific tactical knowledge needed for long-distance efforts, from dialed-in gravel nutrition to the precise pacing required to survive and thrive at altitude during the Breck Epic stage race.

What sets George apart is his holistic approach. He expertly balances my training with my life schedule, integrating off-the-bike cross-training and—most importantly—knowing exactly when to prescribe rest for both my body and mind. His consistent approach and firm accountability have given me the confidence to compete everywhere from local tracks to international stages. The performances we've achieved together are the absolute highlights of my life on a bike."

Jeff Chun

USAC Masters / Cat 1 Cyclist

Breck Epic The Rift Iceland