Imagine getting training advice directly from a legend! That's now a reality for cyclists worldwide with the exciting launch of The Coachsters, a new training app featuring an AI-powered version of cycling icon Sir Bradley Wiggins.
This isn't just any app; it's a groundbreaking platform that brings together elite athletes to offer their hard-earned wisdom. Sir Bradley, the celebrated winner of the 2012 Tour de France, is one of six 'AI mentors' available. He's joined by other sporting greats like rower Sir Steve Redgrave, cricketer Sir Alastair Cook, and the incredibly accomplished Paralympic cyclist Dame Sarah Story. These athletes have shared their personal experiences and insights through in-depth interviews, which the AI then uses to generate personalized coaching responses.
But here's where it gets interesting: You won't be having a live chat with the AI version of these sports stars. Instead, you'll pose your questions, and the AI will craft responses based on the 'hard-earned wisdom' the athletes have imparted. It's like tapping into their collective knowledge, shaped by years of dedication and success.
Sir Bradley himself expressed his pride in the launch, stating, “Today’s a big day for me. After months of work – and countless hours of deep interviews – I’m really proud to finally share my new coaching app.” He further explained that the app captures thinking, experiences, and lessons he's never shared publicly before, making them accessible whenever athletes need them. You can ask the app anything you'd ask him in person, and the answer will be directly informed by his own journey. And for those curious to try it out, you can even ask three questions for free!
And this is the part most people miss: The app offers different subscription tiers to suit various needs. For a modest £5 a month, you get the ‘Lite’ version with three questions per month. If you’re a more dedicated cyclist, the ‘Pro’ version at £22 a month allows for unlimited questions. For the ultimate experience, the ‘Elite’ tier at £39 a month includes unlimited questions plus access to exclusive interviews and group webcasts.
The emergence of The Coachsters highlights a significant trend: the rise of AI-powered training applications. Cyclists already have options like HumanGo for virtual coaching and platforms such as Spoked, Vekta, and Garmin Coach for AI-driven plans. Even the popular fitness tracking app Strava acquired the AI running app Runna, which boasted hundreds of thousands of users in 2023.
The Coachsters boldly proclaims, “This is coaching for the AI generation.”
Now, let's open this up for discussion: While AI coaching offers incredible accessibility and unique insights, some athletes still value the direct, personal connection with a human coach. For those who prefer that human touch, former world champion Lizzie Deignan offers her coaching service, Deignan Performance, and Olympic gold medallist Dani Rowe provides person-to-person coaching through Rowe & King. Do you think AI coaching can truly replicate the nuanced guidance of a human coach, or is something lost in translation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
