Client Spotlight -Danylo Riwnyj

Client Spotlight -Danylo Riwnyj 

From Surviving to Winning: Danylo’s Journey to the Front of the Race

One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is seeing a rider progress year after year, slowly closing the gap to the very top. It’s not about quick fixes it’s about building the engine, developing resilience, and learning how to actually race for the win.

I’ve been coaching riders for over 22 years, from juniors trying to break through to pros chasing WorldTour contracts. I’ve seen the ups, the setbacks, and the grind it takes to climb the ladder. Danylo’s story is one that really captures this process three years of steady work, belief, and commitment that has transformed him into one of the most exciting riders on the domestic scene.

Building the Engine, Growing the Confidence

When I first started working with Danylo, he had raw talent and the determination to match it. But, like many ambitious riders, he lacked the structure and consistency to turn that into real results.

Each year, we chipped away. His power numbers rose, but just as importantly, his confidence grew with them. With every step forward, he began to believe he could compete at a higher level and I believed it too. Coaching isn’t just about watts and sessions; it’s about building a rider’s constitution, so they can handle the demands of racing at the sharp end.

National Road Race Championship: Holding His Own with the Pros

This year, Danylo arrived at the National Road Race Championships in the best shape of his career. It’s a brutal race where many good riders don’t last more than a couple of laps. But Danylo didn’t just survive he was in the mix, racing shoulder to shoulder with the best in the country.

To come away as the best-placed non-professional finisher was an incredible achievement, and a sign of just how far he’d come. That performance wasn’t luck it was the result of years of building the engine, developing race craft, and learning how to believe in himself.

The Breakthrough Win: Victor Berlemont

Later in the season came another landmark moment: victory at the Victor Berlemont Trophy. Not only did he win, he did it in fine style reading the race perfectly, influencing the tactics, and taking control of the dynamics.

That was a clear turning point. Danylo had gone from being a rider who reacted to what others were doing, to one who could shape a race and ride it on his own terms. We had taught him how to race for the win, not just ride along for the outcome.

Consistency: Podiums Throughout the Season

One of the biggest measures of progress isn’t just one big result  it’s consistency. And this season, Danylo showed that in spades. Week after week, he was on the podium, proving that his improvement wasn’t a one-off. He had stepped up a level and was now a genuine force in the domestic peloton.

Why This Matters

For me, Danylo’s journey sums up what coaching is about. It’s not overnight transformation. It’s building steadily, year on year, until a rider has the engine, the resilience, and the race craft to truly compete.

Every rider has more potential than they realise. With the right guidance and structure, that potential can be unlocked. Danylo is now on the cusp of something big and it’s been a privilege to guide him there.

A Final Word

If you’ve ever felt like you’re training hard but not getting the results you want, Danylo’s story is proof that things can change. With the right plan and the right support, you can go from surviving in the bunch to influencing races, stepping onto podiums, and maybe even winning the big ones.

 If you’d like help finding your next level, that’s exactly what I do at trainSharp Cycle Coaching — guiding riders to train smarter, race smarter, and reach their true potential