By: Elowen Gray

When David Lipscomb says “The SYSTEM™ 6×6 is more than a methodology—it’s a movement,” he’s not being metaphorical. With over 30 years of coaching experience, a black belt in martial arts, a background in corporate leadership, and a near-death cycling accident that redefined his purpose, Lipscomb has created something that goes beyond sport. His book, The SYSTEM™ 6×6 Framework: A Guide to Performance, Resilience, and Cycling Mastery, offers insights into both training and life transformation, on and off the bike. Lipscomb’s journey began in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1987, when martial arts became his foundational discipline. That training taught him something more than just physical skills: discipline, structure, and the importance of repetition. “The core of all I know, and who I am as a person, is from martial arts training,” he explains. That same discipline would later guide him through corporate HR, Six Sigma process improvement, and eventually, a traumatic accident in 2015 that nearly ended his life. It was during his recovery—after spending 40 days in the hospital—that he committed to sharing everything he knew. The SYSTEM™ emerged not out of ambition, but as part of a personal journey of recovery.

The foundation of THE SYSTEM™ 6×6 combines six key areas—Training Elements, Energy Systems, Performance Standards, Core Philosophies, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Leadership Principles—each containing six components. Lipscomb intentionally designed this around the hexagon, “a balanced shape” representing balance, symmetry, and completeness. As he explains, “Six by six by six equals 36. It’s not random—it’s a system where each part works together to support the whole.” What sets THE SYSTEM™ apart from traditional cycling programs is its holistic approach. This isn’t just about FTP numbers or power metrics. As Lipscomb says in the book, “Cyclists aren’t training with a system. They train hard but often fail to break through.” Many training plans, he argues, lack structure and balance. THE SYSTEM™ seeks to address that through structured progression, technical precision, and real-world application.

For instance, athletes begin by mastering the 6 Training Elements—Endurance, Cadence Control, Force/Tempo Development, Speed Endurance, Power Generation, and Lactate Clearance. Lipscomb insists these areas are often overlooked, especially Cadence and Heart Rate. “Everyone chases power,” he says in his interview, “but power is the result of cadence and heart rate. Not the input. That’s where people tend to misunderstand.” Beyond physiology, Lipscomb emphasizes the mental and emotional components that are frequently overlooked in athletic performance. Originally introduced to the EQ-i® inventory in the early 2000s through his corporate work with Dr. John Hughes, he immediately recognized its relevance beyond the business world. He saw its potential in the world of athletic performance. “The EQ component is often overlooked in performance circles,” Lipscomb notes, “but it’s often a key factor in why people quit workouts. When it gets hard, emotional rather than physical weakness can take over.” By integrating emotional intelligence into his coaching, he helps athletes—and leaders—understand how they respond under stress. This EQ-driven philosophy is now an integral part of the leadership and cultural mission of The SYSTEM™. As the former Director of DEI at USA Cycling, Lipscomb helped develop programs like Search for Speed, designed to introduce inner-city kids to competitive cycling. That same inclusive mission now drives the book’s foundation. “I wrote this to challenge existing boundaries,” he says. “This is not just for elite athletes or any one race or gender. This is for everyone.” He highlights that The SYSTEM™ is intentionally designed to be accessible and free of gatekeeping.

The structure of the program reflects his martial arts background. Every athlete starts as a White Belt and progresses through levels—Green, Brown, and Black—earning promotions not just based on performance but by understanding the “why” behind the method. “They have to read the book, study the framework, and apply it,” Lipscomb says. “Even experienced cyclists start from the foundation.” The SYSTEM™ is also a mindset, not just a training program. “If you repeat it enough,” Lipscomb explains, “you learn a skill. It becomes habit. And habits lead to excellence.” His background in Six Sigma—focused on improving processes and efficiency—helped create a model where every aspect of training is intentional. “A system is an interconnected whole. If one part is misaligned, the system can suffer.”

Perhaps the most compelling evidence of Lipscomb’s belief in his system is his own comeback story. After his accident in 2015, he didn’t just recover physically—he rebuilt himself from the inside out. “That 40 days in the hospital was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced,” he says. “Training is hard. Business is hard. But that? That took everything.” The mental resilience from martial arts, the clarity of systems thinking, and a mission rooted in equity helped him not only survive—but create something that could potentially impact others. For Lipscomb, THE SYSTEM™ 6×6 is only the first chapter. He’s already suggested that this book is part of a broader series. Each volume will build upon the foundational principles introduced in this first work. But even as the series expands, the core remains focused: precision, inclusivity, and transformation. In his words: “Mastery isn’t about chasing numbers—it’s about owning your performance, refining every detail, and turning effort into excellence.” David Lipscomb isn’t only redefining cycling. He’s reshaping how we train, lead, and grow—on the bike, in the boardroom, and within ourselves.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and David Lipscomb and are for informational purposes only. The SYSTEM™ 6×6 Framework is not guaranteed to produce specific results for all individuals. Results may vary based on personal commitment, experience, and other factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional or qualified coach before starting any new fitness or training program.