Meet the Team
We are a small team of amateur athletes, and world-leading coaches, sports scientists, and medical doctors, who have had the problems we seek to solve, know there is a better way, and are truly pumped to be providing the solution.
Born from a real problem
The idea for Pillar began in 2017 when our founder, Dan Wakerley, was training for the Étape du Tour. Like many amateur cyclists, he was keen to improve — however fitting training around his uncertain schedule was a challenge.
We know how good it feels when you're flying, how rubbish when you're ill, and the cost to society of not looking after ourselves.
Join us, and become your best.
The people building Pillar
Amateur athletes and world-class experts united by a common mission.
Dan Wakerley
Founder & CEO
Rider type: DomestiqueDan started Pillar in response to his own problem as a keen amateur endurance athlete. He has a professional background in software, strategy consulting and finance.
Ifan Roberts
Sports Product Manager
Rider type: ClimberAn enthusiastic sports scientist, coach and lover of all things endurance. Holds an MSc in Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University.
Jamie Caldwell
Sports Product Manager
Rider type: All RounderEx-elite cyclist, engineer and computer scientist with a PhD specialising in algorithms for optimisation problems. Leads development of Pillar's algorithms.
Imogen Wakerley
Marketing & Partnerships
Rider type: BeginnerFitness, health and wellbeing enthusiast with experience in technology, management consulting, digital marketing and running a start-up clean beauty brand.
Sayed Mahmud Roni
UX & UI Designer
Rider type: RecreationalRecreational cyclist with a deep passion for design and technology. Holds an MSc in Psychology and excels at translating complex requirements into intuitive experiences.
Hasib Rahat
SQA Engineer
Rider type: IntermediateStarted his cycling journey in May 2022 and has completed two event goals since. Works with Pillar to ensure quality so athletes can reach their goals.
Dedar Alam
Backend Engineer
Rider type: IntermediateBackend engineer specialising in building reliable, scalable systems. Passionate about using technology to support meaningful user experiences for cyclists.
Ashikur Rahman
Software Engineer
Rider type: IntermediateEnthusiastic programmer specialising in backend development. Implements the logic that makes Pillar work and is eager to help endurance athletes achieve their goals.
"The Pillar team in action — we're real athletes."
Pillar Advisory Panel
All members of our Advisory Panel are exceptional leaders in their respective fields and work at the forefront of high performance science and strategy. Their combined expertise acts as your pro support team.
Dr. David Bailey
Performance Consultant, Israel Premier Tech
Brings extensive knowledge from more than 15 years of work in support of World Tour cyclists and Olympic athletes. Working with Pillar to optimise our algorithms and coaching framework.
Prof. James Morton
Professor of Exercise Metabolism
@JamesyMortonExpert in exercise metabolism and sports nutrition. Led Team Sky's nutrition strategy for multiple Tour de France victories (2015–2018). Working with Pillar on nutrition solutions.
Rachel Neylan
Pro Cyclist & Olympian
@rachneylanProfessional road cyclist and Olympian competing on the Women's World Tour. Advising Pillar about the challenges and experiences of training at the highest level.
Prof. Graeme Close
Performance Nutritionist
@close_nutritionProfessor of Human Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University. Nutrition consultant to England Rugby, The European Tour Golf, and several Premier League clubs.
Dr. Nicky Keay
Endocrinologist
@nickyKfitnessHonorary lecturer in medicine at UCL and research fellow at Durham University. Working with Pillar to inform the science behind exercise and the endocrine systems.
Want to join us?
We're always looking for passionate people who love cycling and want to make training better for everyone.
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