Introducing the 2018 Whole Athlete p/b DNA Cycling Team - Celebrating 10 Years!

2018 marks the tenth anniversary season for the Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team, a decade of development rooted in dedication, integrity, and fun. 

The US National Championships are always a major team target. (photo: PB Creative)

The team’s 2017 season brought the total of Junior and U23 National Titles to 22. And in its nine-year history to date, the program has had 24 athletes named to the US World Championship Team, resulting in multiple top-10 finishes. The 2018 team now looks to add to that tradition of success.

The 2018 Team

The 2018 Whole Athlete p/b DNA Cycling Team

The nine-rider Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team includes four Under-23s and five Juniors for 2018. Returning riders Anders Johnson (former two-time fat bike National Champ), Kelsey Urban (former Junior STXC Nat. Champ), and Jason Rowton are joined by Savilia Blunk (2017 double Junior Nat. Champ) to round out the U23s, while Junior 17/18s Kevin Vermaerke (reigning Nat. Champ) and Quinn Simmons (2017 15/16 Nat Champ) are joined by up and comers Finn Gullickson (Junior 17/18), Nolan Jenkins (Junior 17/18), and Gabbi Richardson (Junior 15/16). 

Baja team camp kicks off the 10th anniversary season for the 2018 squad.

The team recently came together for the 10th anniversary-season kickoff camp in Baja California to get in some quality winter training, experience detailed sponsor education, and bond as a cohesive team. The warm setting was the perfect way to set the tone for what is sure to be a memorable season. The 2018 Team race schedule is taking shape, so stay tuned for exciting news to come... 

Ready to drop in on the 2018 season!

 

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A non-profit Junior / U23 development program, the Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team's mission is to invest in the future of our youth and the sport of cycling by developing young athletes at the national and international levels with dedication, integrity, and fun. 

Our mission is enabled by coaches, mentors, volunteers, and donors of the Velo Development Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The 2018 Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team is a non-profit program of the the Velo Development Foundation, generously supported by Whole Athlete, DNA Cycling, Specialized Bicycle Components, Quarq Powermeters, Rock Tape, ProBar, Oakley, Tam Bikes, All Good Brand, DZ Nuts,Crank Brothers Pedals, Enduro Bearings, ESI Grips, Bungalow Munch Organic Granola, and Mellow Motors.

Vermaerke and Johnson Earn XC and Xterra Victories

The season ain't over yet! With the XC World Championships just over a week away, newly crowned National Champ Kevin Vermaerke honed his race form with a win this past week at the Over the Hump XC in Orange County, CA. Vermaerke will represent the US in Cairns, Australia in both the World Championship Team Relay and Cross Country events. 

Vermaerke resplendent in the stars and stripes
on his way to yet another victory. (photo: PB Creative)

Meanwhile, Anders Johnson switched gears from XC to Xterra this month as he prepares for the National Championships in Snowbasin, UT in just a few weeks time. His first-ever Xterra at the Wild Ride Off-road Triathlon in McCall, Idaho this past weekend resulted in a victory that stunned his veteran competitors. Johnson's Xterra Nationals prep appears to be right on track! 

Johnson wins his first Xterra. (photo: Whole Athlete p/b DNA)

Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA:

09/07: World Championships - Cairns, Australia
09/16: XTERRA National Championships - Snowbasin, UT

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

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Vermaerke and Simmons Win Junior National XC Titles!

The US National Championships have been a major focus for the Whole Athlete Team over the past eight seasons, and this year was no exception. Timing their peak to perfection, Kevin Vermaerke and Quinn Simmons won the Junior 17/18 and 15/16 National XC Titles with impressive rides on a technical, demanding course. The very next day Kelsey Urban followed the Juniors' success with a strong performance of her own, earning the bronze medal in her first Women's U23 XC Nationals.

Simmons is the Junior 15/16 National Champion! (photo: Kenny Wehn)

The stellar rides by Vermaerke and Simmons in the XC came just a day and a half after they both featured on the Junior 15-18 Short Track podium as well, with Simmons just missing out on the win in 2nd and Vermaerke coming back from multiple crashes in the hazadous rock garden to finish 5th.

 

Vermaerke on his way to a Junior 17/18 National Title on the highly technical course. (photo: PB Creative)

While Simmons had a mishap-free ride to win the 15/16 Junior Title in rainy, slick conditions, Vermaerke was faced with a last-lap puncture through one of the many rock gardens, placing his bid for victory in doubt. Although he had built a significant gap on second place at that point, he was passed while getting help in the tech zone. Staying focused and confident after a fast wheel change, Vermaerke charged across the gap to the leading rider and attacked to take a hard-earned, well-deserved win.

Vermaerke gets a quick wheel change and some clean eyewear after a last-lap flat. (photo: Kenny Wehn)

After a strong prior weekend of racing in Vermont with two elite podium finishes in two days, Urban showed that her form is on target with a U23 Nationals podium as well. She will race next at the Boston Rebellion ProXCT this weekend then face some of the world's best U23 women at the Mont Sainte Anne World Cup in Quebec, Canada.

Urban on her way to a podium finish at U23 Nationals. (photo: PB Creative)

Junior 17/18 Men's XC podium. (photo: Kenny Wehn)

Junior 15/16 Men's XC podium. (photo: Kenny Wehn)

Women's U23 XC podium. (photo: Whole Athlete p/b DNA)

Junior 15-18 STXC podium. (photo: Whole Athlete p/b DNA)

Until next year, Snowshoe! (photo: Kenny Wehn)

Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA:

07/29: US Cup Boston Rebellion ProXCT - Walpole, MA
08/06: World Cup #5 - Mont Sainte Anne, Quebec - Canada
08/13: Windham ProXCT - Windham, NY
09/07: World Championships - Cairns, Australia 

Nine years and 22 Junior & U23 National Titles...Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Urban and Johnson Show Rising Form at Eastern Grind US Cup-ProXCT

With the US National Championships just a few days away, first-year U23s Kelsey Urban and Anders Johnson tuned their peak fitness at the Eastern Grind US Cup-ProXCT in Catamount, VT this past weekend. Urban came away with 5th place podium finishes in both the XC and STXC, while Johnson had his best Elite ProXCT finishes to date with 13th in the XC and 7th in the STXC. 

Urban thrived on the wet roots and rocks of the technical Catamount course. (photo: PB Creative)

Johnson's form has been steadily building this season with U23 Nationals in his sights. (photo: PB Creative)

After battling with the country's top pros in the ProXCTs for much of the season, Urban and Johnson will have the rare US opportunity to race an under-23-only field as they compete for the U23 National Title in West Virginia this weekend. 

Urban enjoying the champagne shower among some of the country's best. (photo: Kenny Wehn)

Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA:

07/21: US National Championships - Snowshoe, VW
07/29: US Cup Boston Rebellion ProXCT - Walpole, MA

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Simmons Ignites Angel Fire as Vermaerke Shines in Swiss Cup

Quinn Simmons came away from Angel Fire, NM this past weekend with two more wins to add to his growing palmares. His winning time in the Junior 15/16 XC would have put him on the podium in the Junior 17/18 UCI race, followed up by the overall win in the Junior Short Track the very next day. Simmons now looks ahead toward the National Championships in just a few weeks.

The current Short Track (STXC) National Champ,
Simmons wins both the XC and STXC at Angel Fire. (photo: Whole Athlete p/b DNA)

Meanwhile across the Atlantic, Kevin Vermaerke continued his strong European showing with an impressive 8th place at the Swiss Cup in Andermatt. Vermaerke raced against some of the world's best riders, scoring two top-10s in two weekends in the most highly competitive Junior fields. Vermaerke's sights are squarely set toward the World Championships later this year. 

Vermaerke earns two top-10s in his first European XC races. (photo: Whole Athlete p/b DNA)

Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA:

07/15: US Cup Eastern Grind ProXCT - Catamount, VT
07/21: US National Championships - Snowshoe, VW
07/29: US Cup Boston Rebellion ProXCT - Walpole, MA

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Masterful Missoula for Vermaerke while Simmons Soars to CO State Champ

Following his victory at the Utah ProXCT last month, Kevin Vermaerke scored yet another and even more important win at the UCI Junior Series race at the Missoula XC. With an eye on the World Championships in Australia in just a couple months, Vermaerke gained valuable UCI points toward his world ranking and starting call-up.

 

Vermaerke earns his second consecutive win in Missoula. (photo: Whole Athlete p/b DNA)

This past weekend, Vermaerke earned another strong finish in Switzerland with 7th place at the Junior UCI Lostrof Fischer Cup in Versoix, and this Sunday he will face many of the world's top Juniors at the Swiss Cup #5 in Andermatt. 

Quinn Simmons has also kept his race plate full, dabbling in road racing while still focused on MTB XC. After a hard-earned 8th place among the seasoned Pros at the Iron Horse Road Race, 16-year-old Simmons won the Elite Colorado State Championship XC title just one week later. He then followed his Colorado success with a solid 2nd place finish at the Missoula XC. 

Simmons is the Elite Colorado State XC Champ. (photo: Whole Athlete p/b DNA)

Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA:

06/24: Chile Challenge ProXCT - Angel Fire, NM
06/25: Swiss Cup #5 - Andermatt, Switzerland
07/15: US Cup Eastern Grind ProXCT - Catamount, VT
07/21: US National Championships - Snowshoe, VW

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Vermaerke Victorious in Utah as Urban Scores a Euro Podium

Following a strong 2nd place in the Sea Otter XC just a couple weeks prior, Kevin Vermaerke scored his first win of the season at the Utah Dev Tech ProXCT in Soldier Hollow. A UCI race for Juniors, the Utah event was an important opportunity for Vermaerke to earn points toward his international ranking as he targets the World Championships at the end of the season.

Vermaerke shows his technical prowess on his way to taking the win. (photo: PB Creative)

Meanwhile over in Europe, Kelsey Urban earned her top result of the season thus far with 3rd place at the Women's U23 MTB Grand Prix in Obertraun, Austria. On a technical, wet course, Urban experienced an ideal tune-up for the upcoming first two rounds of the World Cup over the next two weekends.

Urban is joined by Whole Athlete Development Team alumna Haley Batten on the U23 podium.

And back on the West Coast, Anders Johnson landed on his first Pro podium at the Santa Ynez Kenda Cup XC with 2nd place. Johnson continues to build toward the U23 National Championships this summer.

Johnson focused as he rides to a podium XC finish.

A few other notable top-10s for the team include Jason Rowton's 7th place at the Sea Otter Classic XC and Quinn Simmons with 9th and 4th respectively in the Pro-open Squawker Classic Criterium and Road Race respectively.

Rowton charges to a top-10 at the always highly competitive Sea Otter XC.

At only 16, Simmons is already competitive in local Pro criteriums and road races.

Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA:

05/21: Mont Tremblant Junior UCI - Québec, Canada
05/21: U23 World Cup #1 - Nove Mesto na Morave, Czech Republic
05/27: Baie-Saint-Paul Junior UCI - Québec, Canada
05/27: Iron Horse Classic Road Race - Durango, CO
05/27: U23 World Cup #2 - Albstadt, Germany
05/28: Iron Horse Classic XC - Durango, CO
06/10: Missoula PROXCT - Missoula, MT

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Whole Athlete p/b DNA Opens 2017 Season with Resounding Race Camp

The first two stops on the ProXCT in Southern California provided the setting for the Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team's season-opening race camp. True to form, the team lived, trained and raced together, taking advantage of the warm weather and two weekends of high-level competition to jump-start their racing season.

2017 Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team

Kicking things off at the Fontana XC, Quinn Simmons underscored his winter training and showed that his podium at the Ski Mountaineering World Championships in February was no fluke as he took a convincing win in the Junior 15/16 XC race. Meanwhile, overcoming bad luck at the start, Kevin Vermaerke worked his way through nearly the entire Junior 17/18 field to earn a well-deserved 2nd place in the XC.

Simmons with a double-win break out start to the season. (photo: PB Creative)

The Bonelli ProXCT the following weekend served up another opportunity and Simmons took full advantage by taking his second Junior 15/16 XC win in two weeks. The STXC race the following day saw very competitive racing among the Juniors, with Vermaerke and Jason Rowton landing on the podium in 2nd and 3rd respectively, with Simmons close behind in 6th.

Vermaerke shines in his first year as a 17/18 Junior. (photo: PB Creative)

Rowton building on his 2016 season success. (photo: PB Creative)

Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA:

04/23: Sea Otter Classic - Monterey, CA
05/21: Mont Tremblant Junior UCI - Québec, Canada
05/27: Baie-Saint-Paul Junior UCI - Québec, Canada

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

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The Whole Athlete p/b DNA 2017 Team

Whole Athlete presented by DNA Cycling

Entering its ninth season, the Whole Athlete Team is one of the longest-standing Junior/ U23 MTB development programs in the U.S. What started as a program for dedicated high school kids to experience national level competition has evolved into a world-class development team. Over an eight-year span the team has helped some of the brightest talent in the U.S. take that next step in cycling, while experiencing worldwide success along the way. Notable accomplishments include:

• 20 Junior and U23 U.S. National Titles
• 23 athletes named to U.S. World Championship Teams
• 17 top-10 World Cup & World Championship finishes

The team's success is built upon the bedrock of it's donors, sponsors, and of the entire cycling community. And for 2017, longtime clothing provider DNA Cycling steps up as presenting sponsor. The team is grateful for the support! Together, Whole Athlete, DNA Cycling, and all the sponsoring partners look to build on past achievements with a roster of impressive young athletes. 2017 promises to be yet another memorable season.

Whole Athlete p/b DNA 2017 Team

Anders Johnson - U23

Johnson joined the Whole Athlete Team in the winter of 2014, and promptly won the inaugural US Junior Fat Bike National Championships in his home state of Utah. He went on to repeat his title again the following year, also landing on XC National Championships podiums no fewer than three times over the two-year span. Johnson was also named to the 2015 US World Championship Team after a stellar summer Junior campaign.

2017 will see Johnson take that next big step as he moves up to the U23/ Pro level. Focused on gaining valuable experience in the ProXCT, his major target will be the U23 National Championships in West Virginia. 

Kelsey Urban - U23

Urban has been rising within the Whole Athlete program since 2014, having earned National Championship podiums five times since then. She has been named to the US World Championship Team in both of her Junior 17/18 seasons, and in Urban's final Junior season she earned the Women's Cat 1 2016 Short Track National Title.

For 2017, Urban takes the Pro-leap as a U23, tackling the Elite Women's field in the ProXCT series. Her main goals include the U23 National Championships and selection for U23 World Cups.

 

Jason Rowton - Junior 18

Rowton enters his second Junior year in the Whole Athlete program, looking to build on his experience both at the national and international levels. After racing with the National Team in Europe in the Spring of 2016, Rowton is keen to continue his growth as an international competitor.

Rowton has his sights set on the 2017 Junior National Championships and World Championship Team selection. He will focus on gaining valuable points at UCI Junior Series races both in the US and abroad to maximize success in international competition.

 

Kevin Vermaerke - Junior 17

Vermaerke joins the Whole Athlete program this season after winning the 2016 Junior 15/16 XC National Title, and gaining valuable experience in European road races. Now 17, he will be splitting his time between road and MTB XC racing in both the US and abroad.

Vermaerke's targets include road and XC Junior National Championships and the XC World Championships. He will gain as much international experience as possible this season prior to his final year as a Junior 17/18.

 

Quinn Simmons - Junior 16

Simmons heads into his second season with Whole Athlete after winning the Junior 15-18 Short Track National Title in 2016, and gaining key experience in international competition. Simmons will continue to build his experience in XC and dabble in road racing as well. And if that weren't enough to fill his plate, Simmons will be representing the U.S. at the Ski Mountaineering World Championships later this month.

2017 goals for Simmons include the XC National Championships in West Virginia in July, and gaining experience on the road prior to his final two seasons as a Junior 17/18.

Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA:

03/04: Bear Mountain Canada Cup - Junior UCI Series - Victoria, BC
03/11: Specialized Cactus Cup - Fountain Hills, AZ
04/01: Fontana ProXCT - Fontana, CA
04/08: Bonelli ProXCT - Junior UCI Series - San Dimas, CA

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

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A non-profit Junior / U23 development program, the Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team's mission is to invest in the future of our youth and the sport of cycling by developing young athletes at the national and international levels with dedication, integrity, and fun. Our mission is enabled by coaches, mentors, volunteers, and donors of the Velo Development Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The 2017 Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team is a non-profit program of the the Velo Development Foundation, generously supported by Whole Athlete, DNA Cycling, Specialized Bicycle Components, Quarq Powermeters, ProBar, Osmo Nutrition, Oakley, Tam Bikes, Rock Tape, All Good Brand, DZ Nuts, Crank Brothers Pedals, Enduro Bearings, ESI Grips, Bungalow Munch Organic Granola, and Mellow Motors.

© 2017 Whole Athlete p/b DNA | www.wholeathlete.com/team