Client Spotlight – Jack Baldie: From Youth Rider to International Contender

When people ask how long it takes to really see the fruits of cycling coaching, I often point to Jack Baldie. He came to me as a youth rider, full of energy, potential, and a relentless work ethic. Over the past three years, we’ve carefully built his physiology, power, and racecraft, while balancing school and studies.

His journey shows exactly what can happen when talent is matched with patience, structured training, and belief  the same principles that work for juniors aiming to reach WorldTour level.

Building the Engine: Power and Physiology for Junior Cyclists

At junior level, racing is now like Formula 1 .. fast, technical, and fiercely competitive. To close the gap with the best juniors in the UK and internationally, we focused on building Jack’s engine.

This meant developing not just raw watts but the physiological foundation to support them. Through consistent, structured blocks, Jack’s power grew year on year. By his second-year junior season, he was no longer just surviving races he was influencing them.

Balancing Cycling With School Life

One of the biggest challenges for any junior cyclist is time. Exams, school commitments, and social pressures can easily disrupt training. But Jack’s discipline and mindset stood out from the start. He treated training sessions as opportunities, not chores, and committed to the process the cornerstone of long-term development for junior riders aiming for professional cycling.

Becoming a Marked Rider

Once Jack’s strength became obvious, he quickly earned a reputation in the bunch. Rivals knew he had the legs to make a difference, and this taught him an essential lesson: raw power alone isn’t enough.

We worked on positioning, tactical awareness, and when to expend energy or conserve it. These racecraft skills have transformed him from a powerful rider into a tactically intelligent competitor.

Breakthrough Results on the UCI Junior Scene

2025 was a defining year for Jack.

Against a strong international field, Jack was instrumental in driving the race and finished 7th. It was proof he can perform on big stages.

A focused, measured ride earned him 8th place. Every championship is a learning opportunity, and Jack continues to refine his performance for the next season.

Both results underline that he is on the cusp of stepping into professional cycling  a rider with the engine, race intelligence, and determination to succeed.

Marginal Gains and Aero Optimization

In modern junior cycling, every watt counts. From early on, Jack worked on his aero position, fine-tuning his setup to save energy and maximise power. This attention to detail, combined with consistent training, mirrors what the top juniors in the world are doing — and it’s exactly why he’s been able to compete at international UCI races.

What’s Next for Jack Baldie

Jack is still young, but his trajectory is clear. Over the next three years, the focus is on:

He’s already shown he has the work ethic, intelligence, and courage to succeed. The next step is getting noticed and when he does, the sky’s the limit.

Why Jack’s Journey Matters to You

Jack’s story isn’t just about one rider. It’s about what happens when the right talent meets structured, long-term coaching. The same principles work for any ambitious junior:

Whether you’re a junior rider aiming for UCI races, an amateur chasing podiums, or a parent looking to support your aspiring cyclist, Jack’s journey is a blueprint for success.

If you’re serious about your cycling and want to see what you’re capable of, you can reach me here: TrainSharp Cycle Coaching.