TC Coaches

We have a great team of British Triathlon Federation qualified coaches working within the club. As a club member, you will benefit from their knowledge during each of our weekly training sessions. They are always on hand to offer guidance and advice to support your training.

Richard Hughes
Team Cherwell Head Coach, Level 2 BTF Coach
Rich is Team Cherwell's Head Coach. I started coaching with Team Cherwell to further my knowledge about Triathlon but more so to give something back to a sport that gives me so much. I love working with people to achieve their goals and aspirations from learning to swim their first tri all free style, crossing the finish line of there 1st ever tri to individuals racing for GB. I'm a BTF level 2, working towards my Level 3 and currently doing my Ironman coach accreditation.
Alex Birch
Level 2 BTF Coach
Since nervously lining up for the Eton Dorney Standard Distance race in 2013, triathlon has brought balance, challenge and huge amounts of pleasure to my life. Like many before me I soon stepped up to 70.3 and completed my first Full Distance in 2018, the same year I hung up the suit and tie to become a Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. Now a BTF Level 2 Coach and AG athlete, I coach both track and poolside and love helping others get the most out of this amazing sport.
Ruth Evans
Level 2 BTF Coach
After a long gap from competitive running for a variety of reasons, I started to swim to gain fitness and a school-mum suggested Team Cherwell for a bit of guidance on a rusty stroke. They welcomed me with open arms, and their general enthusiasm soon had me entered in a triathlon and I was hooked. I've always fancied coaching and with the club's support I gave it a go and found out that I love that too.
Helen French
Level 2 BTF Coach
I am a food scientist by profession but triathlon is my passion. I have raced consistently for GB Age Group squad since 2008 at both sprint and Olympic distance but also raced several 70.3 races in some sunny destinations ! Track and swim sessions are a favourite, drills, drills, drills - always go better with a smile on your face! Train hard, be specific and don't forget to enjoy what you do - isn't that what it's all about? #happydays
Mabel Shepherd
Level 2 BTF Coach
Team Cherwell have supported me from the beginning as I have made my way up the junior section and into training with the adults. The coaches at Team Cherwell have enabled me to compete in the British Super Series and at Elite level.
Henry Sleight
Level 1 BTF Coach
Henry was one of the first members of the TC junior club in the early 2000's and has been racing ever since. Henry was AG National Champion in 2013 and also represented GB at the World AG Champs in the same year. More recently Henry has been racing off road in the European Xterra Triathlon Series and is currently the highest ranked GBR Pro athlete in Europe and came 10th Pro in the European championship. Currently coaches Tuesday night swimming sessions at Woodgreen.
Andy Bucher
Level 1 BTF Coach
I have been endurance training and competing for over 35 years. As a young middle distance runner I represented Germany as a Steeple chaser. I am a passionate cyclist and runner and am a committed athlete and coach. I like competing up to Olympic distance in triathlon but have as much fun doing a fell run or maybe a mountain bike race.
Brian Butler
Level 3 BTF Coach
A founder member of Team Cherwell, Brian has been coaching for 20 years. Brian started coaching as the popularity of Team Cherwell grew and was one of the first qualified coaches with Team Cherwell. Brian is a certificated TrainingPeaks coach and certified Ironman University coach. Brian is retired to Spain but still is on hand to help run training camps in those sunny regions.
Sarah Shepherd
Level 1 BTF Coach
I have always enjoyed swimming and swam for a competitive club until late teens. Competing in open water swimming races around the country.
Gyles Horner
Level 1 BTF Coach
When the opportunity to qualify as a BTF level one coach came up through Team Cherwell sponsorship, I jumped at the chance. I help give the benefit of my experience to new swimmers at our lake during the summer.
Fay Barrington
Level 2 BTF Coach
Joined Team Cherwell in 2012, to be part of a team, lose some weight, and regain fitness after years of injury as a runner. The bike and swim were all new competitive disciplines. Now I’m a keen ‘time trialist’ (TT) and GBR Age-Group triathlete.
Richard Stuchfield
Level 2 BTF Coach
I am currently a BTF Level 2 coach and studying for my Level 3 qualification. As a coach, I love being part of helping others on their triathlon journey and helping them achieve their goals. I also run the Banbury based bike fitting company 360BikeFit.
Sue Hirst
Level 2 BTF Coach
I am a teacher by profession but am new to coaching, although I have participated in lots of triathlons and have been on the other end of the coaching experience for many years!
John Sexton
Level 1 BTF Coach
I have always enjoyed running and swimming and did my first marathon in London in 1989. I started doing Triathlons in the mid-nineties when Team Cherwell was formed. Over the years I have competed in lots of Triathlons of varying distances including Olympic Distance. I did my first half Ironman 2005 and have also done several full Ironman races in Henley, Lanzarote, Copenhagen. I might do one more!