Nico Anelli – Head Coach Scotland
Nico Anelli’s journey into cycling began at age 16, sparked by the excitement of watching the 2015 Vuelta a España. From that moment, he was hooked. What started as curiosity quickly evolved into full-blown passion, with Nico diving into racing as a junior and testing his legs across disciplines like time trials, road racing, and track cycling.
As his athletic journey progressed, so did his fascination with the process of getting better—the grind, the mindset, the constant search for improvement. That drive eventually laid the foundation for his coaching career.
Starting out by helping friends and family improve their riding, Nico gradually honed his approach through study, experience, and formal training. Today, he’s a coach at Discovery Juniors CC, working with youth and junior cyclists at every stage—from first-time riders learning the ropes to ambitious young talents chasing spots on international start lines. His adaptable, rider-first approach has earned him the trust and respect of many rising athletes.
At the core of Nico’s philosophy is a simple but powerful belief: sustainable progress is built on small, consistent gains. Drawing inspiration from concepts like marginal gains and atomic habits, Nico takes a well-rounded, thoughtful approach to coaching. He considers not just training loads, but also recovery, mental resilience, external pressures, and lifestyle factors that influence performance.
His own experience living and training with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) gives him a unique understanding of how to navigate setbacks and keep moving forward with balance and patience. It’s this empathy and adaptability that make Nico more than just a coach—he’s a reliable guide through the highs and lows of an athlete’s journey.
In 2021, Nico used his platform to make a difference beyond racing. Attempting the Scottish Hour Record to raise awareness and funds for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, he raised over £5,000 despite being unable to complete the record attempt due to illness. The effort reflected his resilience and passion for using cycling as a force for good.
Nico also brings strong technical knowledge to the table. As a qualified bike mechanic, he helps riders fine-tune their setups, dial in race-day gear, and understand the mechanical details that can make or break performance. From nutrition advice to equipment choices, he breaks down complex topics into practical, easy-to-apply insights.
Certified by Cycling Scotland and British Cycling, Nico coaches across multiple disciplines, including:
- Road Racing
- Time Trials
- Gravel Riding
- Criteriums
- General Fitness & Conditioning for Cyclists
He’s also an active racer with the Ride Revolution race team, competing regularly and staying sharp through firsthand racing experience. He knows what it takes to prepare, perform, and improve—because he lives it himself.
No matter where you are on your cycling journey—whether you’re just starting out, working towards a breakthrough, or chasing podiums—Nico is here to help you unlock your potential and build lasting confidence on the bike.