A Note from Provincial Coach Nick Bergen

The Provincial Program’s cyclocross training and race season is now in full swing. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, athletes engage in practices where they develop various skills, including bike handling, off-camber cornering, dismounting and remounting, and navigating barriers at speed. They also focus on race tactics and other essential techniques. On Wednesdays and weekends, athletes participate in urban cyclocross rides for several hours, enhancing their aerobic fitness and bike handling skills on the monkey trails and local trail systems. Their hard work is paying off, as athletes from the Provincial Program and Devo ONE program have dominated the U17 podiums at the first two cyclocross races, with strong representation in both the men’s and women’s A and B podiums.

Meanwhile, in Switzerland, high-performance athlete Adam Smith is competing against the world’s top junior road racers in the UCI World Road Championships. On September 23, Adam participated in the time trial, finishing in a commendable 34th place. We are incredibly proud of Adam for representing Manitoba and Canada on such a prestigious stage.

At the end of the cyclocross season, the athletes will enjoy a well-deserved two-week off-season. This break is a vital part of the annual training plan, allowing athletes to step away from structured training and engage in enjoyable activities, such as hiking, playing football, or leisurely bike rides with friends. While the off-season isn’t about completely stopping exercise, it provides an opportunity for both physical and mental recovery. This time is essential for resetting their minds, preparing them to return to the gym for strength training three times a week and indoor bike training on Zwift three to four times a week. We look forward to coaching our athletes throughout the winter to further build their aerobic base and fitness before the races resume in the spring!