Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team Kicks Off 2011 with Training Camp

The Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team held its first team training camp of 2011 at the Whole Athlete Performance Center in Marin County, California this weekend. True to the company's holistic philosophy, the team not only enjoyed road and mountain bike riding on the bucolic back roads and scenic slopes of the famed Mt. Tamapais, but also practiced yoga each day, were treated to organic meals and participated in an array of presentations and workshops from sponsors, docs and supporters.

Cyclingnews.com's coverage of the event >>

From Team Sport Psychologist Dr. Joan Steidinger leading the young athletes in finding their "power zone", to kinesiology taping expert and Team Chiropractor Dr. Sara LeMarch showing the kids how to use Rock Tape to prevent and treat common injuries, the junior and U-23 riders were treated like professionals. Other key presenters included co-title sponsor Specialized's USA Partnership Manager Ian Dewar emphasizing their mission to help get more kids on bikes, RestWise founder Matthew Weatherly-White providing their web-based tool to optimize recovery, and Team Director Dario Fredrick taking the riders through the innovative NoTubes tubeless techniques and products.

For the 2011 season, the team will focus on the ProXCT series and National Championships, with the additional goal of again qualifying riders to the World Championship Team. In 2010, no fewer than four juniors from the team represented the US in Mont Sainte Anne. Junior and U-23 MTB cross country racers comprise the bulk of the team, with a small contingent of U-23 road-focused athletes as well. The young athletes range in age from 14-19, including current US National Champions, Kate Courtney (XC), Keegan Swenson (XC) and Zach Valdez (24 hr.). Guided by their philosophy of "dedication, integrity and fun", the Whole Athlete-Specialized Development Team is a non-profit funded program providing young cyclists avenues to the higher levels of the sport.

The Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team is generously supported by the Velo Development Foundation, Mt. Tam Capital, Marin Cyclists, GU Energy, Champion System, Oakley, Tam Bikes, NoTubes, Formula, Rock Tape, Elemental Herbs, RestWise, WTB, Rotor Bike Components, Can Do Kid and Good Earth Natural Foods.

2011 Team Roster

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 MTB
Will Curtis
Zach Valdez
Riley Predum
Will Patterson

U23 Road
Nick Newcomb
Alec Kassin
Nick Kinney
Cody Tapley

Coaches
Dario Fredrick
Abbie Durkee
Peter Nicholson
Adam Waskow
Charlie Schneider
Steve Cherry
Dave Simon
Julia Violich
Helene Drumm