Vincent Fichera
Vince has been coaching cyclists full time since 1999, when he moved to San Diego, CA from Andover, MA.
Vince is the founder of SLOW•STEP coaching. He has coached a wide range of athletes, ages 15 to 75, beginners to national and world-class riders. His athletes have won hundreds of races including ten State, five US National, two World Championships, and one European National Championship. Well-known coachees include Lesley Paterson¹, Neil Shirley², Kyle Gritters³, and Nadine Bruhn⁴. See what they have to say about the program.
Vince understands the value of science in training as well as its limitations and therefore coaches with a unique and dynamic blend of science, experience, and feel.
“I see my job as someone who helps athletes find their way, achieve their goals, and remain passionate throughout their journeys. Each athlete is different, and each has different desires and needs.”
Vince believes that coaching is much more than just a training program or protocols; it is about coaching the whole person. Programs are individually designed and are a blend of science and feel, fundamentals and communication, imagination and inspiration, encouragement and experience.
Vince helps many of his athletes develop into coaches themselves; he feels that it is a great way to help an athlete continue to grow and learn about themselves as well as to help others.
Vince enjoys writing and speaking about coaching and is available for personal appearances.
Vince has a high level of commitment to his athletes; he expects a similar level of commitment from his athletes. His whatever-it-takes attitude might include, for example, (1) going to the gym with an athlete or assisting an athlete in setting up an inexpensive home gym or (2) meeting with family members to teach simple and nutritious bulk-food preparation in order to help make eating healthy foods convenient.
Vince works with a network of sports psychologists and physiologists, exercise scientists and other top academics, sports medicine doctors, registered dietitians, strength and conditioning trainers, rehabilitation specialists, body workers, and oriental and alternative medicine doctors. He also collaborates with other top coaches in cycling and triathlon as well as running and swimming specialists. He has been fortunate to work with Dr. Arnie Baker, who has personally mentored Vince over the past ten plus years.
Vince raced as a competitive Masters rider throughout his thirties in Ohio and California, winning a state road race championship and setting a state time trial course record. He continues to train full time alongside many of his athletes.