Whole Athlete/Specialized Presents 2015 Team with Northern California Training Camp

Crowdfunding Initiative Launched on Heels of Successful 2015 Team Presentation and Camp

Ten athletes from eight states across the US came together at the Whole Athlete Performance Center in Northern California to kick off the Whole Athlete / Specialized Team's 2015 season. The riders were treated to three days of spectacular riding, sponsor introductions, product demos, organic food, yoga, and much more.

Entering its seventh season, the Whole Athlete Development Program has created an undeniable momentum in producing top-level US riders and shown that it can identify and nurture the next generation of world-class professionals. It’s time for the next step in our evolution as a team. We’d like for you to join us.

Together, we've achieved what no other US development program has.

-60 wins a year on average, for the past five years

-12 US Junior National Championship Titles

-15 riders named to the World Championships (the most of any junior team)

-14 top-10 finishes in World Cups and the World Championships

-And the first US Junior Woman ever to win a World Cup.

With athletes achieving international success and looking toward a future in the sport, the program is at a crossroads and needs your support. Check out how you too can help nurture the next generation of US talent.

 

The 2015 Whole Athlete /Specialized Team sets out this season with an impressive lineup and ambitious schedule. The Junior and U23 riders, including five current and two former national champions, will target the US National Championships, ProXCTs, UCI Junior Series races, World Cups, and the World Championships.

Next up for the Whole Athlete /Specialized Team:

• 03/15/15 Bonelli Park ProXCT #1
• 03/21/15 Fontana ProXCT and Junior UCI Series Race
• 04/11/15 Bonelli Park ProXCT #2 and Junior UCI Series Race
• 04/18/15 Sea Otter Classic ProXCT

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Functional Strength Testing - The Missing Piece

At the recent 2015 Season Kickoff Camp (more exciting details to come...), the Whole Athlete / Specialized Team was provided with a fantastic opportunity, thanks to Sport and Spine Therapy of Marin. Mike Mottola, owner Steve Thompson, Courtney Collins, and Tanya Fredericks took each athlete through a series of functional strength tests to reveal imbalances and weaknesses in the body, with an emphasis on dynamic core stability. The riders were then led through a series of exercises, provided to address these key areas and optimize movement and performance. Huge thanks to the SST-Marin San Anselmo staff for their time and expertise!

Johnson Wins Inaugural Junior Fat Bike National Championships

Whole Athlete/Specialized's Anders Johnson set the tone for the team's 2015 season with victory in the first-ever Fat Bike National Championships this weekend. Johnson's inspired ride not only earned him the Junior Title, but saw him set the fastest overall lap time of the day.
 

Anders Johnson wins the 2015 Fat Bike National Championships.

Johnson will join the rest of the Whole Athlete/Specialized riders in Northern California next week as they come together for their 2015 season kickoff camp and team presentation. Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Johnson on his way to victory.

 

Whole Athlete / Specialized Team Announces 2015 Roster

Poised to enter its seventh season, the Whole Athlete / Specialized Team is pleased to introduce its 2015 roster. Ten Junior and U23 riders from eight states, including seven current and former National Champions will contest the US Cup/ ProXCT Series, the US National Championships, and International UCI races abroad.
 

Cypress Gorry - U23 Men - Brevard, NC
2014 XC & STXC D2 Collegiate National Champion

Carson Beckett - Junior Men 18 - Benton, KY
2013 15-18 Super-D National Champion

 

Zach Peterson - Junior Men 18 - Bountiful, UT

Christopher Blevins - Junior Men 17 - Durango, CO
2014 15/16 XC, Road, & Criterium National Champion

 

Anders Johnson - Junior Men 17 - Huntsville, UT

Haley Batten - Junior Women 17 - Park City, UT
2014 15/16 XC & Super-D National Champion

Kelsey Urban - Junior Women 17 - Kentfield, CA

Veda Gerasimek - Junior Women 16 - Transfer, PA
2013 14 & Under XC National Champion

Michael Mace - Junior Men 15 - Ocala, FL
2014 U-15 XC & Super-D National Champion

Aidan Bond - Junior Men 12 - Taos, NM
2013 U-11 XC National Champion

Here's to a successful 2015 season!

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A non-profit Junior / U23 development program, the Whole Athlete/Specialized Team's mission is to invest in the future of our youth and the sport of cycling by developing young athletes at the regional, 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 2014 Whole Athlete/Specialized Cycling Team is generously supported by Whole Athlete, Specialized Bicycle Components, the Velo Development Foundation, SRAM, Marin Natural Medicine Clinic, Marin Cyclists, DNA Cycling, Osmo Nutrition, ProBar, Oakley, Tam Bikes, KewlFit, Rock Tape, Elemental Herbs, Genuine Innovations, DZ Nuts, ProGold Lubricants, Enduro Bearings, Feedback Sports, Play Hard Give Back, Genuine Innovations, ESI Grips, and Bungalow Munch Organic Granola.

2014 Season Recap

Video production by Steve Mace

Whole Athlete/Specialized Team Partners with Play Hard Give Back to Support NICA and Fund 2015 Season

 

On the heels of its successful 2014 season, Whole Athlete / Specialized is looking for ways to give back, as well as prepare for another great season in 2015. The team has named the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) as a recipient of its fundraising partnership with Play Hard Give Back, a fund-raising and sports marketing company based in Ketchum, Idaho. 

To support this fundraising initiative, the team is selling three delicious trail mixes through the Play Hard Give Back web site. Proceeds will go to NICA, the team's chosen social cause, as well as to help fund the team's upcoming racing season. 

 

"We are very impressed with the work NICA has done over the past five years," says Dario Fredrick, team director for Whole Athlete/Specialized, "and share a parallel vision in promoting athlete development, excellence, teamwork, professionalism, and respect for the community and environment." 

The snacks are available for sale at http://www.playhardgiveback.com/wathlete.

Some of the flavors include: 

Fuel and Flow – A healthfood-lover's paradise, made with raw almonds, honey-roasted nuts (peanuts, pecans and almonds), salted pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, dried fruit (apples, cranberries), ginger AND stoked with blueberry antioxidant BGood Bites. 

Rise and Shine – For coffee lovers only: an invigorating blend of raw almonds, dried cranberries, cashews, dried mango, chocolate-covered espresso beans AND stoked with espresso date nut BGood Bites. 

Karmakandy – For the sweet tooth in all of us. Loaded with raw almonds, dried cranberries, banana chips, peanut butter cups AND stoked with peanut ginger BGood Bites. 

"This is one sweet way to give our fundraising efforts a boost," said Fredrick. "This stuff is awesome. Tell everyone you know but keep it away from the dog!" 

About NICA
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike. For more information visit www.nationalmtb.org. 

About Play Hard Give Back
PHGB empowers athletes to reach their goals while cultivating a sense of gratitude. Using a unique online platform, PHGB seeks to help athletes sell innovative products with proceeds that support both their careers and the social causes of their choice. For more information visit www.playhardgiveback.com.

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A non-profit Junior / U23 development program, the Whole Athlete/Specialized Team's mission is to invest in the future of our youth and the sport of cycling by developing young athletes at the regional, 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.

Powless Top-10 at World Championships as Whole Athlete/Specialized Team Celebrates Best Season Yet

Powless on his way to 8th place at the XC World Championships.

In a fitting end to an amazing season for the team, Neilson Powless became the second Whole Athlete/Specialized Junior to finish top-10 at the World Championships, following Kate Courtney's 6th place finish in 2013. Powless' Worlds performance comes on the heels of the team's seven Junior National titles, ten top-10 finishes in UCI International competition, and over 50 total victories this year.

Junior 17/18 and 15/16 XC National Champions Sean Bennett and Christopher Blevins (photo: Mark Avery)

On the podium in Heubach, Germany, Junior 15/16 National Champ Haley Batten - already competitive at the world-level.

The Whole Athlete/Specialized Cycling Team has achieved what no other US development program has: 60 wins a year, on average for the past five years, twelve US Junior National Championship titles, 15 riders named to the world Championships, fourteen top-10 finishes in World Cup races, and the first US Junior Woman ever to win a World Cup. 

The success of the program could not be possible without the tremendous support of the team sponsors, donors, staff, riders' families, and volunteers. We are grateful to all who have supported us over the past six seasons. Thank you!