Wahoo acquires The Sufferfest to complete training ecosystem
Wahooligan and Sufferlandrian communities united in merger

Wahoo has announced that it will acquire The Sufferfest, the home training brand founded by David McQuillen in 2008.
Connected fitness device leader Wahoo is responsible for the Elemnt computer family as well as Kickr turbo trainers and Tickr heart rate monitors.
>>> Indoor cycling apps compared: which is best for you?
Combining with The Sufferfest, which delivers a library of training videos devised by elite coaches as well as over 100 training plans, will help increase the brand's capability to "create training solutions for endurance athletes who want to get the most out of themselves," it says.
A relatively new player in the computer and trainer market, Wahoo has quickly established itself as a forerunner in a competitive industry.
Comparatively, The Sufferfest, whose motto 'IWBMATTKYT' stands for 'I will beat my arse today to kick yours tomorrow', was one of the earliest indoor training entertainment systems.
In recent years, it has had to work quickly to develop its offering into a slick iOS, macOS and Windows compatible app format. Speaking to Cycling Weekly, McQuillen said the pair up would help the brand develop its app offerings more quickly, as well as bring several new plans to fruition.
Alongside training plans based upon overall goals, The Sufferfest's most recent addition to its arsenal is the option to purchase customised training plans, based upon an in-depth questionnaire and 30-minute consultation.
These will be delivered by the newly created 'SUFCoaching Division' led by Neal Henderson - a coach who has trained athletes to over 50 national and world titles, multiple Grand Tour stage wins, and two UCI world hour records.
Commenting on the announcement, Chip Hawkins, founder of Wahoo, said: “We are really pleased to bring together the Wahooligan and Sufferlandrian communities. We share a common passion for the performance of endurance athletes and our collective knowledge will provide additional benefits to athletes everywhere.”
He added: “Wahoo remains committed to the growth of the indoor training and fitness sectors and will continue to integrate and collaborate with as many leading software providers as possible.”
Discussing the move, McQuillen said: "This partnership brings together two companies with a strong history of innovation.”
"Our market-leading content and sports science—together with Wahoo’s ground-breaking engineering—will allow us to develop fantastic new concepts and training solutions for our customers.”
“The strong sense of identity that has made The Sufferfest what it is today will remain, and we will continue to work closely with our existing hardware partners to ensure seamless compatibility across all platforms,” he added.
>>> Things you’ll only understand if you’re a Sufferfest convert
The Sufferfest says its most recent addition of customised training plans could save riders hundreds of pounds, by providing a solution which is tailored to their own needs and weekly schedule. The 12-week schedules cost $139/£111 for cyclists, and come with a money back guarantee.
“Our goal at SUFCoaching is to bring the latest advances in sports science to athletes who otherwise might not have access to it,” said Henderson. “With the addition of customised training plans The Sufferfest has made cutting-edge, personalised training affordable and accessible to athletes of all fitness levels, regardless of their schedule or personal goals.”
There are no planned changes in The Sufferfest business offering or structure as a result of this acquisition.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan is a traditional journalist by trade, having begun her career working for a local newspaper, where highlights included interviewing a very irate Freddie Star (and an even more irate theatre owner), as well as 'the one about the stolen chickens'.
Previous to joining the Cycling Weekly team, Michelle was Editor at Total Women's Cycling. She joined CW as an 'SEO Analyst', but couldn't keep her nose out of journalism and in the spreadsheets, eventually taking on the role of Tech Editor before her latest appointment as Digital Editor.
Michelle is a road racer who also enjoys track riding and the occasional time trial, though dabbles in off-road riding too (either on a mountain bike, or a 'gravel bike'). She is passionate about supporting grassroots women's racing and founded the women's road race team 1904rt.
Michelle is on maternity leave from July 8 2022, until April 2023.
-
-
Training prioritised over racing: Why Mathieu van der Poel hasn't raced since Paris-Roubaix
Dutchman sets his sights on Tour de France and then road and MTB at Glasgow World Championships
By Adam Becket • Published
-
‘I surprised myself’ - Julian Alaphilippe back to winning ways on stage two of Critérium du Dauphiné
Former world champion rediscovers form ahead of the Tour de France
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Wahoo RGT (Road Grand Tours) and Everything you need to know
Your complete guide to the on-line virtual riding platform
By Hannah Bussey • Published
-
How fair is Zwift racing?
E-racing continues to grow, but how is it policed?
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan • Published
-
UK turbo trainer sales up 977 per cent at Sigma Sports as cyclists grapple with coronavirus crisis
The retailer has released stats which show a ginormous increase in turbo and static bike sales
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan • Published
-
Wahoo Kickr bike is now available to order
The integrated system promises to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor riding
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan • Published
-
Zwift update companion app with new features including meet ups and improved feed
Online training platform Zwift has unveiled updates for its companion app that includes a number of new features.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Zwift’s 2018 Road World Championship’s Innsbruck course now live
From August, you’ll be able to ride part of the UCI World Championship course on the Zwift training platform
By Paul Norman • Published
-
Ride four stages of the Tour de France on your turbo with Bkool
Quite a few ups and downs as well as a lot of cobbles in store
By Paul Norman • Published
-
What is an ANT+ dongle and how do I use one?
We explain exactly what an ANT+ stick is, the different types and how they work
By Rupert Radley • Published