Whole Athlete-Specialized named USAC 2011 Mountain Bike Club of the Year!

The Marin-based Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team has just been handed one of its most important wins to date, as “Mountain Bike Club of the Year” for 2011. The award was given by USA Cycling, the national governing body for competitive cycling in the US.

As one of the top junior development programs in the country, team Whole Athlete-Specialized provides coaching, training support, bike fitting, nutritional counseling, sport psychology, and skills training to top-level athletes, including two of Marin’s Junior National Champion athletes, Lucas Newcomb and Kate Courtney.

Newcomb, 16 of Nicasio, Calif., is the reining boys’ 15/16 Junior National XC Champion, his first national title in bike racing. Courtney, 16 of Kentfield, Calif., is the current girls’ 15/16 Junior National XC Champion for the second straight year.

2011 has proven to be an exceptional year for Whole Athlete-Specialized, claiming 71 victories and seven national titles overall. And in its three years as a team, it has always qualified riders to the US World Championship Teams.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized as Mountain Bike Club of the Year, and even more so to have the opportunity to work with such dedicated young athletes, sharing in their collective development and success.” says Team Founder / Director, Dario Fredrick.

The Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team forges on as they enter the 2012 season with a full roster of aspiring young cyclists, taking on a National-level race schedule.

Gorry takes first 'cross win of 2012 season

Steadily building toward Junior Cyclocross Nationals and the World Championships in January, Cypress Gorry took a step forward with a win at the Cylcle-A-Cross the Globe in Globe, AZ. Gorry was one of the last men standing in the pro field that saw many riders flat out of the race.

Upcoming for Gorry on the cyclocross calendar are the Derby City (KY) and Bend (OR) USGP races in Nov and Dec, then six races via the USAC European cyclocross camp, followed by Nationals in Wisconsin and the World Championships in Belgium in January.

Whole Athlete-Specialized Team Wraps Up Most Successful Season Yet

Young Team Comes of Age

In just three seasons the Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team has established itself as one of the most notable junior mountain bike development programs in the country. In addition to earning three Junior 15/16 National Championship titles (Kate Courtney, 2010 & 2011; Lucas Newcomb, 2011), the team has qualified riders to the US World Championship Team for cross country each year thus far (John Bennett, 2009; Zach Valdez, Will Curtis, Tony Smith, Sofia Hamilton, 2010; Keegan Swenson, 2011). Not a bad start for a program just getting its wheels off the ground.

2011 Cross Country National Championships podium finishers: Keegan Swenson, Lucas Newcomb, Kate Courtney, Sofia Hamilton, Josie Nordrum & Max Houtzager

Team founder and director Dario Fredrick says it’s a matter of setting the right standards, and the results follow. “Our team philosophy is defined by ‘dedication, integrity and fun’, and when the kids focus on the process rather than the outcome, they find success happens.” Success has indeed been happening for the young team. In 2011 alone, Whole Athlete-Specialized juniors have swept cross country podiums from Fontana to the Sea Otter to the Downieville Classic, and earned 13 junior podium appearances at the National Championships in Sun Valley, ID in cross country, short track and super-D combined.

Sea Otter Classic podium: (L-R) Tony Smith, Keegan Swenson & Max Houtzager

Yet Fredrick is quick to point out that it's not all about winning. "I emphasize to the kids that it's not necessarily the win that's most important, but the effort that goes into it. As long as each kid does his or her absolute best, that's success in my book." In fact, the program emphasizes much more than just riding bikes fast. True to its name, the Whole Athlete Team promotes a holistic system in which the riders learn about nutrition, sport psychology and yoga, in addition to proper training.

Video interview with Team Director Dario Fredrick about the development program

This year the team expanded to include a few U23 riders. As the young athletes progress through the program, those who are ready to take the next step from the junior ranks have an opportunity to rise to the challenge and compete as pros. But it's a big step at the national level, even for the formerly top juniors. Other than at the National Championships and World Cups where separate U23 races are offered, in ProXCTs the young guns go up against the country's best pros. It's a daunting task for a 19-year-old to start at the back of a 60-rider pro field, but as Fredrick points out, they have to start somewhere. "We don't expect our first year U23s to be competitive at the ProXCT level, but as long as they are making forward progress, that's what cycling development is about."

The program itself has also made steady progress. Having started out as many teams do as a modest endeavor, the Whole Athlete-Specialized Team has evolved into a national player and shows no signs of slowing down. With multi-year commitments from Whole Athlete and Specialized, the non-profit funded program is on track to continue developing national-caliber junior and U23 riders for years to come.

For more information and to learn how you can help support junior cycling development, go to www.wholeathlete.com/team.htm.

Team Video - Singletrack.com

Newcomb Top-10 in Switzerland, Swenson Ready for World Championships

Fresh off his Junior 15/16 National Championship win, Lucas Newcomb was off to Europe with USAC's Junior Race Camp to experience world-class competition at the Ekz Cup in Eschenbach, Switzerland. In his first-ever international race, Newcomb finished a strong 7th place and will have another chance to shine this coming Saturday at the Racer Bikes Cup in Basel.

Lucas Newcomb ready to rock in Switzerland

Also headed to Switzerland is standout Junior Keegan Swenson to race in his first World Championships in Champery on September 1st. At just 17, Swenson's breakout season includes three Junior wins in the ProXCT series, second at the Racer Bikes Cup in Granichen, Switzerland, and silver medals at the Junior 17/18 National Championships in both cross country and short track.

Keegan Swenson in action

All the team's top-10 race results can be found here.

Stay tuned for more exciting news.

Whole Athlete-Specialized Riders Continue to Impress at Howell Mountain Challenge

Fresh off a strong top-10 finish at U23 Nationals, Will Curtis showed his late-season form by winning the Howell Mountain Challenge Pro race, setting one of the fastest-ever recorded times on the technical, twisty course.

Will Curtis on his way to victory in the Howell Mountain Challenge XC

Tony Smith and Taylor Smith followed just behind Curtis to take 1st and 2nd in the Junior race, beating the rest of the pro field. Max Houtzager made it an all-Whole Athlete-Specialized Junior sweep of the podium, while newly crowned 15/16 National Champion Lucas Newcomb took 4th.

Coming back from a broken ankle only one month ago, Smith wins the Junior race

Not to be outdone by the boys, two-time current 15/16 National Champion Kate Courtney won the Junior Women's race as well!

All the team's top-10 race results are available here.

Not just cross country - Houtzager & Tapley on top

Coming off a strong podium ride at the Cross Country National Championships in Sun Valley, ID, Max Houtzager headed straight up to Whistler to the Crankworx Bike Festival and showed his depth of ability by winning the Junior Enduro Downhill event.

Cody Tapley has been Mr. Consistency on the road all year, top-10 in nearly every criterium entered and a hard working selfless teammate. That top step of the podium has eluded him -- until now. Tapley wins the 2Wheel Crit in impressive fashion and upgrades to Cat 2. Congrats, Cody!

Whole Athlete-Specialized Team National Championships Wrap Up

In only it's third year, the Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team has evolved into one of the top development programs in the country, claiming two Junior Titles and 13 Junior medals at the 2011 National MTB Championships.

Kate Courtney takes her second consecutive Junior National XC Title

The 2011 National Championships also marks the third straight year the team has participated in a high altitude training camp in preparation for the main event. Riders follow Whole Athlete's holistic philosophy as they live, train and race together for three weeks, practicing daily yoga, following optimal nutrition and sharing epic rides.

Lake Tahoe provided the perfect setting for the team's high altitude training camp

The training camp included multiple race opportunities, and the juniors showed their preparation was already paying off. Whole Athlete-Specialized Junior men and women were victorious in all three pre-Nationals races: Annadel XC Classic (Lucas Newcomb & Josie Nordrum), Peavine Challenge (Taylor Smith & Kate Courtney) and Downieville Classic XC (Max Houtzager & Kate Courtney). All the team's top-10 race results are available here.

Junior Women at the Peavine Challenge in Reno, NV

Lucas Newcomb wins the Junior 15/16 National XC Title

Whole Athlete-Specialized 2011 National Championships Results Tally:

6 National Titles
17 Top-3 Finishes
20 Podium Placings
26 Top-10 Finishes

*****

Day 1
Cross Country

Junior Men 15/16
Lucas Newcomb 1st

Junior Women 15/16
Kate Courtney 1st
Josie Nordrum 3rd

Junior Men 17/18
Keegan Swenson 2nd
Max Houtzager 4th
Taylor Smith 6th

Junior Women 17/18
Sofia Hamilton 3rd
Mackinzie Stanley 6th
Victoria Yoham 7th

U23 Men
Will Curtis 10th

*****

Day 2
Cross Country

Cat 1 40-44
Dario Fredrick 1st

Cat 1 40-44 Women
Helene Drumm 1st

Cat 1 45-49 Women
Julia Violich 1st

Cat 1 35-39 Women
Abbie Durkee 5th

*****

Day 3
Super-D

Junior Men
Bobby Zidek 2nd
Taylor Smith 3rd
Max Houtzager 7th

Junior Women
Kate Courtney 2nd
Victoria Yoham 3rd
Mackinzie Stanley 4th

Cat 1 40+ Women
Helene Drumm 1st

Cat 1 19-39 Women
Abbie Durkee 2nd

Day 3
Short Track

Junior Men
Keegan Swenson 2nd
Taylor Smith 4th

Cat 1 Open Women
Helene Drumm 2nd
Sofia Hamilton 9th

Whole Athlete-Specialized Team Adds Ten Podium Finishes on National Championships Final Day

Day 3 saw numerous Whole Athlete-Specialized riders on the podium in both Super-D and Short Track events, adding ten podium placings and one more National Title. The team's tally for the Championships weekend comes to six National Titles and 19 podium finishes!

Keegan Swenson 2nd and Taylor Smith 4th in Junior 15-18 Short Track

Kate Courtney 2nd, Victoria Yoham 3rd and Mackinzie Stanley 4th in Junior Women's Super-D

Bobby Zidek 2nd and Taylor Smith 3rd in Junior Super-D

Helene Drumm wins the 40+ Super-D National Title

Helene Drumm on the podium, taking second in Women's Open Short Track

Abbie Durkee takes 2nd place in Women's 19-39 Super-D

Whole Athlete-Specialized National Championship Top-10 Results

Day 3: Super-D

Junior Men
Bobby Zidek 2nd
Taylor Smith 3rd
Max Houtzager 7th

Junior Women
Kate Courtney 2nd
Victoria Yoham 3rd
Mackinzie Stanley 4th

Cat 1 40+ Women
Helene Drumm 1st

Cat 1 19-39 Women
Abbie Durkee 2nd

Short Track

Junior Men
Keegan Swenson 2nd
Taylor Smith 4th

Cat 1 Open Women
Helene Drumm 2nd
Sofia Hamilton 9th

*****

Day 2: Cross Country

Cat 1 40-44
Dario Fredrick 1st

Cat 1 40-44 Women
Helene Drumm 1st

Cat 1 45-49 Women
Julia Violich 1st

Cat 1 35-39 Women
Abbie Durkee 5th

*****

Day 1: Cross Country

Junior Men 15/16
Lucas Newcomb 1st

Junior Women 15/16
Kate Courtney 1st
Josie Nordrum 3rd

Junior Men 17/18
Keegan Swenson 2nd
Max Houtzager 4th
Taylor Smith 6th

Junior Women 17/18
Sofia Hamilton 3rd
Mackinzie Stanley 6th
Victoria Yoham 7th

U23 Men
Will Curtis 10th

Whole Athlete-Specialized Team Coaches Add Three More National Titles on Day 2

While the Juniors and U23s recover from their Day 1 Cross Country races and prepare for Super-D and Short Track on Day 3, Whole Athlete-Specialized Team coaches take a cue from the young riders adding three more National Titles to the results tally.

Julia Violich, Dario Fredrick and Helene Drumm all win National Titles

Team Director Dario Fredrick earns his third consecutive 40-44 National Title

Helene Drumm repeats as 40-44 National Champion

Julia Violich takes yet another National Title

Abbie Durkee takes a solid 5th place, landing on the podium for the second year

Whole Athlete-Specialized National Championship Top-10 Results
Day 2: Cross Country

Cat 1 40-44
Dario Fredrick 1st

Cat 1 40-44 Women
Helene Drumm 1st

Cat 1 45-49 Women
Julia Violich 1st

Cat 1 35-39 Women
Abbie Durkee 5th

*****

Day 1: Cross Country

Junior Men 15/16
Lucas Newcomb 1st

Junior Women 15/16
Kate Courtney 1st
Josie Nordrum 3rd

Junior Men 17/18
Keegan Swenson 2nd
Max Houtzager 4th
Taylor Smith 6th

Junior Women 17/18
Sofia Hamilton 3rd
Mackinzie Stanley 6th
Victoria Yoham 7th

U23 Men
Will Curtis 10th

Lucas Newcomb and Kate Courtney Win Junior National Titles - Team Earns Six Podium Placings on Day 1 of the MTB National Championships

Kate Courtney earns her second consecutive 15/16 National Title - Josie Nordrum takes bronze

Lucas Newcomb earns the Junior Men's 15/16 National Title

Keegan Swenson 2nd and Max Houtzager 4th in Junior 17/18

Sofia Hamilton on the podium once again with the bronze medal in Women's 17/18

Whole Athlete-Specialized National Championship Top-10 Results
Day 1: Cross Country

Junior Men 15/16
Lucas Newcomb 1st

Junior Women 15/16
Kate Courtney 1st
Josie Nordrum 3rd

Junior Men 17/18
Keegan Swenson 2nd
Max Houtzager 4th
Taylor Smith 6th

Junior Women 17/18
Sofia Hamilton 3rd
Mackinzie Stanley 6th
Victoria Yoham 7th

U23 Men
Will Curtis 10th

Whole Athlete-Specialized Team Takes on MTB National Championships with Full Squad of Juniors and U23s

In only its third year, the Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team brings a full squad of young riders to the Mountain Bike National Championships in Sun Valley, Idaho. With multiple National Titles on the line, a 17-rider team of Juniors and U23s will contest the Cross Country, Short Track and Super-D events throughout the weekend.

Kate Courtney earns the 2010 Cat 1 15/16 National Title

Two current Junior National Champions are returning to defend their titles in Kate Courtney and Keegan Swenson. Both riders are fresh off strong race performances in the last two weeks, with Courtney winning both the Peavine Challenge and Downieville XC, and Swenson taking top-5 finishes in both North American World Cups in Mont Sainte Anne and Windham, NY.

Swenson looks to repeat his 2010 National Title, this time in the 17/18 field

The team comes to Nationals well prepared after a three-week high altitude training camp. Eight Cat 1 Junior Men (six 17/18 and two 15/16 riders), five Cat 1 Junior Women (three 17/18 and two 15/16 riders) and four U23s will line up for a shot at the title starting tomorrow.

Whole Athlete-Specialized National Championship Team

U23 Men
Zach Valdez
Will Curtis
Will Patterson
Riley Predum

Junior Men 17/18
Keegan Swenson
Tony Smith
Max Houtzager
Taylor Smith
Eliel Anttila
Bobby Zidek

Junior Men 15/16
Lucas Newcomb
Jonny Kaufman

Junior Women 17/18
Sofia Hamilton
Mackinzie Stanley
Victoria Yoham

Junior Women 15/16
Kate Courtney
Josie Nordrum

Juniors Sweep Downieville XC, Swenson Takes Another World Cup Top-5

The Downieville Classic is truly a classic event, boasting one of the most challenging cross country races in the country and Whole Athlete-Specialized Juniors showed up ready to race. On a course that includes a continuous 3000 foot climb right from the start, followed by over 4000 feet of highly technical and physically demanding descending to the finish, the Juniors swept the top three places.

Max Houtzager, Taylor Smith & Lucas Newcomb go 1-2-3 in the Cross Country

Houtzager takes 2nd in the Downhill and 2nd overall in All Mountain

As the Junior men showed their mountain biking prowess, 16-year-old Kate Courtney followed suit with a dominant performance, not only winning the Expert Women under 35 race, but placing 3rd among all the women, inlcuding a strong field of pros.

Kate Courtney wins the Expert Women Under-35 race

On the opposite coast, Keegan Swenson took his second 5th place World Cup finish in as many weeks, this time in Windham, NY. Swenson was in contention for the win, when a last lap flat ended his chance for the podium. A strong finish despite finishing on a rear flat.

The entire team now comes together in Sun Valley, ID this week for the National Championships with Cross Country events on Friday and Saturday, and Super-D and Short Track on Sunday. Stay tuned for more exciting news from Idaho...

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Downieville Pre-ride

With the Downieville Classic coming up this weekend, the boys decided to pre-ride the course. We loaded the vans and headed over the hills and down along the Yuba River to the mountain hamlet.

A long, hot climb greeted us with open arms, gaining 3000 feet in one shot, topping out at 7000.

The huge amounts of late-season snow turned into melting rivers of mud and overflowing creeks, but spirits were far from dampened.

3.5 hours and 5000 feet of climbing later and the boys are ready for a river plunge and food!