San Anselmo, CA, 20 December 2010) Continuing on their hugely successful partnership in 2010, Whole Athlete and Specialized Bicycle Components today announced the roster for their 2011 Junior and U23 Development Team. With five riders focused on the ProXCT Series, 13 Grassroots MTB racers, and a four-member U23 Road team, Whole Athlete / Specialized will contest a range of events from the Sea Otter Classic to the Cascade Classic Stage Race. Naturally, the squad will also return to US MTB Nationals, where they earned five Championship titles in 2010.
The 2011 squad is a blend of future stars and proven talent including National Champions Kate Courtney and Keegan Swenson (Junior 15-16 MTB XC), Will Curtis and Zach Valdez (2010 California State and SoCal High School MTB Champions) and 2010 World Championship Team members Tony Smith and Sofia Hamilton.
The team is directed by Whole Athlete founder Dario Fredrick (2x MTB 40-44 National Champion), while the junior girls are led by Abbie Durkee (current MTB 35-39 National Champion) and the U23 Road squad by Whole Athlete Associate Coach Peter Nicholson.
Whole Athlete / Specialized receives essential support from presenting sponsor Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as a number of associate sponsors including Mt. Tam Capital, Tam Bikes, Marin Cyclists, GU Sports, Oakley, WTB, Champion System, Formula, Elemental Herbs, RockTape, NoTubes, Rotor USA and Can Do Kid.
“I am pleased and proud to continue our partnership with Specialized,” said Fredrick. “Having access to bikes like the S-Works Epic and S-Works Stumpjumper hardtail 29er is an incredible advantage, and Specialized components allow our kids to benefit from the best technology available.”
Whole Athlete / Specialized will be using Specialized Bikes, S-Works shoes, S-Works helmets, gloves and tires.
“We are honored to provide the Whole Athlete program with the support they deserve,” said Ian Dewar, Specialized USA Partnership Manager. “Specialized recognizes the challenges facing young riders who are progressing from the local to national stage and we are committed to their long-term future in the sport.”
The official 2011 Whole Athlete / Specialized team launch will happen at the team’s first training camp on 22-23 January 2011 in San Anselmo, CA.
Junior Men
Tony Smith (17/18)
Max Houtzager (17/18)
Keegan Swenson (17/18)
Bobby Zidek (17/18)
Sven Beer (17/18)
Taylor Smith (17/18)
Eliel Anttila (17/18)
Johnny Kaufmann (15/16)
Lucas Newcomb (15/16)
Junior Women
Sofia Hamilton (17/18)
Victoria Yoham (17/18)
Kate Courtney (15/16)
MacKinzie Stanley (15/16)
Josie Nordrum (15/16)
U23 XC
Will Curtis
Zach Valdez
Riley Predum
Will Patterson
U23 Road
Nick Newcomb
Alec Kassin
Nick Kinney
Cody Tapley
About Whole Athlete:
Whole Athlete is a comprehensive, holistic resource for endurance athletes of all levels, providing world-class coaching, professional bike fitting, scientifically-supported performance testing, nutritional counseling, sport psychology and yoga. The holistic nature of the Whole Athlete program integrates the essential aspects of optimal performance to help athletes explore their highest potential. The Whole Athlete Cycling Team is funded by donations to the Velo Development Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.
About Specialized Bicycle Components:
Specialized Bicycle Components was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Since then, the Morgan Hill, CA based company has grown into one of the world’s most successful bicycle companies with market leading performance bicycles, accessories and an ever-expanding domestic and international dealer base.
