Focus on Fitness

03/10/2026

A season of goals, challenges, resilience and belief with the EDR Team.

Last season, I had the privilege of starting to work with Eddie Doherty, Tom Murphy and the EDR team, focusing on mental skills and performance coaching.

The 2025 season ended with the ultimate reward winning the National Tarmac Championship.

Going into the 2026 season, the challenge was stepping up to the Irish Tarmac Championship. The standard was higher, the competition stronger and every round consisted of two days of rallying.

The goal was clear: be competitive, be consistent and put ourselves in a position to challenge for a podium in the championship.

Across the seven rounds, Eddie and Tom delivered exactly that, a 100% finish rate and six podium places from seven rounds.

But sport rarely gives you a straightforward path towards a goal. There were challenges throughout the season, particularly around the middle of the championship, and there were times when the team's progress and success could easily have been questioned. But this is exactly what makes sport so rewarding.

Motivation is easy when everything is going well, resilience is tested when it isn't.

The work with the EDR team has been about much more than what happens inside the car. It has involved mental skills, confidence, self-belief, focus, communication, teamwork and maintaining a winning mindset when things become difficult.

It has also been about the whole team, car preparation, logistics, planning, problem solving and making sure Eddie and Tom had the support they needed at every event.
The goal was set at the start of the season. Step by step, round by round, that goal became a reality.

Challenges were met, solutions were found.

The only thing missing was an overall win on an event. That became the goal for the final round the Cork 20.

With the championship going right down to the wire, the team produced when it mattered most, finishing 2nd overall in the championship and, most importantly, winning the Cork 20.

For me, this is what performance coaching and mental skills is about.

It is not about removing the challenges it's about developing the skills, mindset and resilience to deal with them when they arrive.

Set the goal ✅
Believe in the process ✅
Stay together when things get difficult ✅
Keep working ✅
Keep believing ✅
Give yourself the opportunity to perform when it matters most ✅

A huge congratulations to Eddie, Tom and everyone involved with EDR on an incredible season.

It has been a privilege to be part of the team and to see the work, commitment and resilience behind the results.

Goals were set, goals were achieved.

I am proud to have played a small part in the journey through Focus on Fitness Performance Coaching & Sport Psychology.

22/09/2026

🇮🇹 Day 4 of the Italian Job and what a finale! 🚴‍♂️⛰️

The final day brought us the climb that so many had been looking forward to all week Passo dello Stelvio.

With the option to tackle this iconic climb from both sides, there was a real sense of excitement (and perhaps a little nervousness!) as we set off. The Stelvio is one of the great climbs of European cycling, rising to around 2,800 metres and famous for its incredible series of 48 hairpin bends on the northern side. It’s not just the altitude and gradients that make it special — the scenery is simply spectacular.

Thankfully, we couldn’t have asked for better weather. Clear skies and sunshine gave everyone the perfect opportunity to take in the huge mountain landscapes, winding roads and those unforgettable views that make the Stelvio such a bucket-list climb.

For those who took on both sides, it was a seriously impressive final challenge and a fitting way to finish an incredible few days in the saddle. 💪🚴‍♂️

And then, of course, came the important part… cold b**rs, great food and even better stories! 🍻

It’s been a fantastic few days of cycling with a brilliant group of people. It’s been an absolute pleasure to support the trip and watch everyone push themselves, enjoy the challenges and, most importantly, have a great time along the way.

A massive well done to everyone who took part what a few days! 🇮🇹👏

Until the next adventure… do you want to be part of the picture, please get in contact for 2027 trips. 🚴‍♂️⛰️🍻

20/09/2026

🇮🇹 Day 3 of the Italian Job! 🚴‍♂️⛰️

We left Livigno on a crisp, cold morning, but it wasn’t long before the sun crept over the mountains and delivered us a spectacular day on the bike.

Today’s big challenge was Passo di Gavia a proper climb and a serious test of the legs! 💪 A well-earned lunch at the top was followed by a long, exhilarating descent into Bormio.

Once back in town, it was time for some much-needed refreshments… and, for some of the team, a little retail recovery with some cycling merch! 🛍️🚴‍♂️

A fantastic day in the saddle and a huge well done to everyone. The scenery, the climbs, the descents and the company made it another day to remember.

But there’s no rest for the wicked…

🔥 Tomorrow: Passo dello Stelvio! 🔥

Let’s see what the legs have left! 🚴‍♂️🇮🇹⛰️

18/09/2026

🇮🇹🚴‍♂️ Focus on Fitness Italian Job — Days 1 & 2 🇮🇹

What a start to the Italian Job! 🇮🇹

Before the trip began, we enjoyed a comfortable first night at the 1711 Luxury Guest House, getting settled and rested ahead of the adventure.

Yesterday morning, we rolled out from Bergamo and headed into the mountains, kicking things off with a relaxed and scenic ride along the beautiful shores of Lake Como, before finishing Day 1 in the stunning town of Chiavenna.

A great day on the bikes was followed by an evening of amazing food, plenty of stories shared and a few well-deserved drinks. 🍝🍷

Day 2 took us deep into the Swiss Alps, with an incredible route, great climbing and amazing towns like St Moritz before arriving in Livigno. 🏔️🚴‍♂️

The weather certainly tested the riders today but it didn’t take away from the determination, resilience and team spirit of this group. Everyone dug deep and kept moving forward to get the job done. And it also made for great conversation and laughs over dinner. 💪

And after a day like that, there was only one thing for it — rest, recovery, pools and more great food! 🏊‍♂️🍽️

Two days down, two to go…

Bormio, Gavia and the Passo del Stelvio we’re coming for you! 🇮🇹🔥

14/09/2026

📸 The Alps a few more memories from an unforgettable week on two wheels. 🇫🇷🚴‍♂️

After sharing the highlights video, we thought it was time to look back at some of the moments that made the Focus on Fitness Alps Cycling Trip so special.

Big climbs, stunning scenery, epic descents, plenty of laughs and, of course, the satisfaction of getting to the top together.

It’s a trip that’s about so much more than the cycling — it’s the people, the challenge, the atmosphere and the memories you take home with you.

And if scrolling through these photos has you thinking “I want to do that!”…

We’re already looking ahead to 2027.

If you’d like to join us for the Alps next year, drop us a message or get in touch for more information. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or simply looking for your next big challenge, I would love to hear from you.

And while we’re still looking back at the Alps, there’s no time to rest… 🇮🇹

The Italian Job Cycling Trip gets underway this week! 🍝🚴‍♂️☀️

Another adventure, another group of riders, another incredible week ahead.

Keep an eye on our socials for updates from the road! 👀

03/09/2026

FOCUS ON FITNESS | RAID ALPS – GENEVA TO NICE 🇫🇷🚴‍♂️

Just back from another amazing edition of the Focus on Fitness Raid Alps this epic six-day journey from Geneva to Nice through the heart of the French Alps.

What a trip, and what a group.

The route took us over some of the most iconic climbs the Alps has to offer, Col De Columbiere, Galibier, Telegraph, Bonnette to name just a few with every day bringing a new challenge, spectacular scenery and plenty of opportunities to test yourself. The weather was absolutely incredible throughout the trip, which made the experience even more memorable as we climbed higher through some truly breath taking landscapes.

But for me, trips like this are about so much more than cycling. There is something incredibly rewarding about setting yourself a challenge, pushing through the difficult moments and eventually reaching the top of a climb that, a few hours earlier, may have seemed like a daunting prospect.

That feeling of self-achievement is hard to beat.
Whether you're an experienced cyclist or someone who simply wants to challenge yourself and see what you're capable of, there is something special about completing these climbs under your own power. You learn a lot about yourself along the way particularly when the legs are tired and there is still another climb ahead!

And then there is the camaraderie.
One of the best things about these trips is seeing a group of people who may have arrived as strangers quickly become a team. Everyone has their own strengths and challenges, but there is always someone there to encourage you, wait for you, share a laugh or help get you through that difficult section.

The shared experience creates friendships and memories that go far beyond the bike.
For six days, we get the opportunity to step away from the stresses and distractions of everyday life. No meetings, no emails, no deadlines and no everyday worries.

Just the next climb, the next food stop and the road ahead and, of course, taking the time to look around and appreciate where you are.
The Alps provide some incredible scenery, and travelling through these mountains by bike gives you the chance to experience them in a way that simply isn't possible from a car or coach. There is something very satisfying about arriving at the top of a climb, turning around and looking back at the road you've just travelled.

Then, at the end of the day, the bikes are put away, the stories start flowing and we sit around the table together over a well-earned dinner and perhaps a deserved cold b**r! 🍻

That's when you realise that the day's suffering was all worth it.
Six days 750 kilometres, Iconic Alpine climbs., Incredible scenery. Plenty of laughs. A few sore legs and a whole lot of memories.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined me on this year's Raid Alps. You were an absolutely fantastic group, and it was a genuine pleasure to spend six days riding, laughing and sharing the adventure with you all.

I’m already looking forward to next year!
Have a look at the video for a taste of some of the incredible sections of the ride. I’ll be sharing plenty more photos and memories from the trip over the coming days.

If this sounds like an adventure you'd like to be part of, get in touch with Focus on Fitness and let's get you on the road for the next one. Sometimes the best way to escape everyday life is to challenge yourself, climb a mountain and see where the road takes you.🚴‍♂️⛰️🇫🇷

08/07/2026

It was with great disbelief and deep sadness when I learned yesterday morning of the untimely passing of Jason Travers.

Jason was an absolute gentleman always wearing a smile and a pleasure to meet, both within racing circles and beyond.

He was a superb sportsman, a dedicated clubman, dog lover, talented dog groomer, and friend who will be sadly missed.

My sincere condolences to Linda, Damien, Pauline and all of the Travers family at this heartbreaking time.

Rest in peace, Sham.

01/07/2026

What an incredible few days in Lahti, Finland for the very first Focus on Fitness Gravel cycle Trip.

Over four unforgettable days, 17 riders covered more than 350km of some of the best gravel routes you’ll find in Europe. Endless forests, crystal-clear lakes, quiet woodland tracks, and stunning landscapes that made every kilometre something special.

There’s something incredibly refreshing and satisfying about leaving the stresses of everyday life behind and simplifying your world to one thing: the next pedal stroke.

Everyday consisted of breakfast, hours exploring beautiful gravel roads, followed by traditional Finnish saunas, refreshing lake dips, great food, a well-earned b**r, amazing sunsets and the midnight sun! There was plenty of stories and laughs shared together after another day of adventure.

A huge thank you to every rider who joined me for this trip. It was a privilege to share these tracks, the challenges, and the memories with such a fantastic group. You made this inaugural gravel trip one to remember, and I am already looking forward to the next one.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, I would love to have you join me on a future Focus on Fitness trip. There are still a limited number of places available on our Geneva to Nice and Italian Job cycle trips in September 2026, and I am already taking enquiries for 2027 adventures.
Big thanks to Pekka and Jaana for their help, support and hospitality over the trip.

Get in touch if you’d like to be part of the next journey. The adventure is waiting. 🚴🌲🇫🇮

21/06/2026

A huge well done to everyone who took part in today's Viking Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and Disability Friendly Run!

The sun shone all day, making for perfect running conditions, and the atmosphere around the city was simply incredible. With over 5,000 participants taking part, it was fantastic to see so many people out running and spectating enjoying the event and achieving their own personal goals.

It was a pleasure for Focus on Fitness to provide the timing services for the event, and even more special as it's my local race.

A massive thank you to the organisers, the marshals, volunteers and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make such a fantastic event possible. Events like this don't happen without the dedication and hard work of so many people.

Results are available in the link below. Congratulations again to everyone who took part!

Waterford Viking Marathon 2026, 06/12/2026, Waterford

30/05/2026

Big well done to everyone who took part this morning in the Anne Valley 5 Mile Road Race in Dunhill. 👏

There was a fantastic turnout with over 300 participants registered, all supporting a great cause Juniors for Juniors. The excellent running conditions and the new course finishing through the beautiful Anne Valley made for some fast times and a brilliant atmosphere throughout the morning.

A huge congratulations to Saturday Road Runners everyone who ran, volunteered, and supported the event. Results in the link below ⬇️
https://my.raceresult.com/390571/

Anne Valley 5 mile 2026, 30/05/2026,