From The Peleton to Pre-Med
My Journey: From The Peleton to Coach and Pre-Med Student
Hello! I’m Tobias Klein, a former U23 Pro Development cyclist who has taken quite an unconventional path in my young life. At just 20 years old, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of elite athletics, founded my own coaching company, and am now pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience on a pre-medical track. I’d like to share my journey with you, reflecting on how my past as a pro cyclist informs my present as a coach and shapes my future in medicine.
My Pre-Pro Cycling Career
My U23 Pro Devo life began with a bang. After high school, I made the bold decision to move to Girona, Spain—a mecca for professional cyclists. For two years, I immersed myself in the world of elite cycling and quickly established myself as a formidable mountain climber with an impressive Functional Threshold Power (FTP) of 6.1 W/kg.
During my time, I was fortunate enough to achieve several notable accomplishments. I secured podium finishes in both UCI 2.1 and National Championships, which was incredibly validating. One of my proudest moments was clinching victory in a mountain-top finish in Spain; it truly put me on the radar of cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
I also had the opportunity to race alongside established pros like Matteo Jorgenson, which was both exhilarating and humbling. Competing at such high levels taught me invaluable lessons about strategy and resilience. To maintain my competitive edge, I dedicated 20-30 hours per week to training, which demanded not just physical endurance but also mental fortitude—qualities that would serve me well later on.
The Decision to Change Paths
Despite my success in cycling, I began to contemplate my long-term future. In 2024, I made the difficult decision to step back from professional cycling and pursue higher education. This choice wasn’t made lightly; I recognized the importance of preparing for a life beyond the peloton.
Coinciding with this decision, I founded the Klein Coaching Company. Drawing on my experiences as a pro cyclist, I set out to share my knowledge and passion with other athletes. Today, our company boasts a roster of 11 athletes from around the globe, each benefiting from what I’ve learned over the years.
Klein Coaching Company: A New Chapter
The Klein Coaching Company reflects my approach to cycling and life: disciplined, innovative, and deeply personal. My coaching philosophy emphasizes not just physical training but also mental preparation and strategic thinking—elements I found crucial during my own cycling career.
While the company is still young, it has already garnered a reputation for producing results. Athletes under my guidance have reported significant improvements in their performance. One client, a recreational cyclist turned competitive racer, shared that “Tobias doesn’t just give you a training plan—he helps you understand the ‘why’ behind every workout.” This feedback motivates me to continue refining our approach.
Balancing Coaching and Academics
Currently, I’m pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience at William and Mary while managing the demands of running a coaching company. This choice of study is no coincidence; I see clear connections between my cycling experience, coaching work, and neuroscience.
Understanding how the brain works—particularly under stress and during intense physical activity—can provide incredible insights for athletic performance. I’m excited to explore how this knowledge can enhance my coaching methods and potentially contribute to advancements in sports medicine.
Balancing studies with coaching is no small feat, but I approach this challenge with the same determination that propelled me through grueling mountain stages. My academic pursuits are not distractions; they are essential for becoming an even more effective guide for my athletes.
Applying Cycling Lessons to Life and Coaching
My experiences as a professional cyclist have profoundly shaped my approach to coaching and academics. The mental toughness required to push through a difficult race translates directly into perseverance needed for academic pursuits and business management.
Goal-setting has become a cornerstone of my coaching methodology. I work with each athlete to establish clear, achievable objectives before developing structured plans to reach those goals. This approach has proven highly effective in helping clients achieve breakthrough performances.
Perhaps most importantly, my familiarity with setbacks has equipped me with valuable insights on resilience and adaptation. I encourage my athletes to view obstacles as opportunities for growth—a mindset that has served me well during my transition from pro cyclist to student and entrepreneur.
The Future of Klein Coaching
Looking ahead, I have ambitious plans for Klein Coaching. I aim to integrate my growing knowledge of neuroscience into our methods, potentially pioneering new approaches to mental training for athletes. There’s also the possibility of expanding into sports medicine once I complete my medical education; this would allow me to offer a truly holistic approach to athletic performance and health.
Advice for Aspiring Cyclists and Students
For young athletes considering a path similar to mine, I offer this advice: Pursue your passion with everything you have but always keep an eye on the bigger picture. Education opens doors and provides security that even the most successful sporting career can’t guarantee.
I encourage aspiring cyclists to approach their training with the same dedication they would give their studies. The discipline and time management skills developed in sport can be invaluable in academic pursuits.
For those transitioning out of professional sports, remember that your unique experiences are strengths rather than limitations. The mindset of an athlete—the focus, drive, and ability to perform under pressure—can be incredibly valuable in any field.
Conclusion
My journey from professional cyclist to coach and pre-med student is a testament to adaptability, continuous learning, and following one’s passions. Bridging elite athletics, coaching, and neuroscience positions me uniquely as an exciting figure in both sports and academics.
If you’re interested in experiencing Klein Coaching firsthand or learning more about our approach to athletic performance and personal development, please visit the Klein Coaching Company website. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your fitness journey, I believe our blend of professional experience and scientific knowledge offers a unique path toward achieving your goals. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!
