boulderjuniorcycling.org

Cyclocross Programs

This page updated July 3, 2024

Cyclocross brings together the best of road racing and mountain biking—it’s the perfect sport for all ages and all skill levels. It’s also an ideal classroom for learning life lessons. Over the past 2 decades, our cyclocross program has grown to over 150 riders from age 8 to 19. We’ve built an incredible team of coaches who bring a high level of passion and experience to the team. The core of our program is after-school practices. We add racing on the weekends. The result is skills that will last a lifetime.

Cyclocross Program Summary

  • We offer several levels based on age and experience from age 8 to 19. (For ages 6 to 8 check out our Young Devo program.)
  • Afternoon practice 2 days a week (days vary according to level)
  • Races on weekends (we’ll attend 10-12 CX races on the front range)
  • Riders need their own cyclocross *or mountain bike* as well as a helmet and appropriate clothing (rain jacket, gloves, cold weather gear, etc.)
  • We provide an experienced, well-trained, professional coaching staff
  • Our emphasis is on teaching life lessons thru sport, developing fundamental bike skills, and having fun
  • Inclusive, encouraging, team-based approach for all levels
  • A sequential program that follows kids as they develop, from beginners to the World Championships

3 Levels

Devo Cyclocross Team is for all abilities age 8-14. (Scroll down for details.)

CX High Intro: a quick intro to cyclocross for High School MTB racers who are new to the sport. Three Monday practices in September. (Details below.)

Hoogerheide is the name of our CX race team for high school ages with significant experience (Details below.)

Devo Cyclocross Team Details

The Devo program is for girls and boys ages 8-14, from beginners to experts (must be age 8 on Sept. 1) This is the core program of BJC’s progression model. Our focus is on skill and fitness development and an introduction to racing. The program is led by professional coach Lester Pardoe, now in his 16th season with BJC. Lester’s coaching team includes up to 20 additional coaches.

  • 2024 dates: Aug 26 – Nov. 23 (12 weeks)
  • No practices on Mon. Sept 2 (Labor Day)
  • 2 practices per week
  • Choose Monday & Wednesday OR Tuesday & Thursday, 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Age 8 – 14 (must be 8 on Sept. 1)
  • Includes race day support
  • Cost  $885

Hoogerheide Cyclocross Team Details

The co-ed Hoogerheide Team is for experienced cyclocross racers who are high-school aged, want to be a part of a competitive race team, and have mastered the competencies of the Devo program (or have graduated from the CX High Into program.) This is the continuation of our High School MTB/Road program and includes all the coaching, mentorship, and team building activities that make our team so successful. Most team riders also participate in the fall season of Colorado League High School MTB racing simultaneously, and the disciplines complement each other. The program is led by coaches Pete Webber, Michael Robson, Margell Abel, and High School program manager Christoph Cikraji among others.

Riders that are new to BJC and would like to be part of the Hoogerheide team should reach out to Coach Pete Webber (email) before registering. Riders with no cyclocross experience often participate in the CX High Intro program first.

For those interested in participating in both BJC Gravity and Cyclocross programs, please reach out to our coaches directly and we will coordinate what is best for you!

  • 2024 dates: Sept. 3  to Dec. 10 (14 weeks, ends w/ Nationals.)
  • Includes full-time coaching, training plan, and mentorship
  • Practices are Tuesday & Wednesday, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
  • Racing is expected for this group, includes race day support
  • Participation in out-of-state race trips require added fees.
  • Ask us about cyclocross loaner bikes if needed
  • Cost  $1,300

CX High Intro to Cyclocross

A quick intro to cyclocross for High School MTB racers who are new to CX. We’ll host 3 practices on Monday evenings and teach you the basic skills needed to try your first race. Cyclocross bike is not required, MTB is OK. Come see why cyclocross is so much fun, and how it helps you become a better mountain bike or road racer! Athletes who complete this program may be eligible for continuing the season with the Hoogerheide Team.

  • Practice on 3 Mondays: Sept. 9, 16 and 23
  • 4:30 – 6:30 pm
  • Cost $120
  • To learn more and register please contact Coach Pete Webber (email)

More Details

​​SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: We strongly encourage families to contact us about assistance paying for program fees, equipment costs, clothing costs, and racing costs. Finances should never be a reason a family can’t join our team! BJC has a scholarship fund set aside for this purpose, and we are honored to provide nearly $20,000 in financial scholarships and equipment every year. While some BJC programs sell out very quickly, we always hold spots  for those kids who might be a scholarship candidate. We look forward to all inquiries. Applications are welcome anytime, but we prefer to receive them at least a month in advance of the program start date if possible. Please contact Executive Director Pete Webber.

GROUPS: During the first week, athletes will be divided into groups. Many factors are involved in forming groups, such as the athlete’s age, experience, group chemistry, sibling needs, and many other factors. Group assignments are not a ranking and should not be viewed as competitive nor an evaluation of each athlete. Please do not request changes to groups. Please do not register if participation is contingent on your rider being in a certain group.

LOCATIONS: We break into small groups that meet at various locations spread across Boulder County. We rotate among 10-12 locations, which change often. Unlike traditional day camps, we do not meet at a central location. Instead, we are dispersed across many locations, with about 2-3 groups at each place. Locations for each group are announced weekly, which enables us to place each group at the best location for their needs and the weather that week.

CARPOOL REQUESTS: When forming groups we will attempt to meet carpool requests made during the registration process, but it’s impossible for BJC to meet all carpool requests. Please do not register if your participation is contingent on a specific carpool.

POLICY ON GROUP REQUESTS: Please do not send requests to be in a certain group. Many factors are involved in forming groups, such as the athlete’s age, experience, group chemistry, sibling needs, and many other factors. Group assignments are not a ranking and should not be viewed as competitive nor an evaluation of each athlete. Please do not request changes to groups. Please do not register if participation is contingent on your rider being in a certain group.

BAD WEATHER: We almost NEVER cancel practice due to bad weather. All ages ride in the rain and snow! Be ready! Please dress for the conditions that day! This will range from very hot to very cold, and include rain, snow, wind, sleet, etc. When trails are too muddy to ride, we’ll ride other locations. In the case of extreme weather we will cancel practice, but it almost never happens. We do not provide bad weather make up days.

CYCLOCROSS RACING: Racing is not required at the lower levels, but most kids choose to race at least a couple times to apply the skills they’ve learned and see their improvements. There are categories for every age and ability, and the kids really have fun, but nobody should feel pressure to race.  Events are sanctioned by Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado (BRAC) and are scattered up and down the Front Range. An average rider will do about 8-10 races per season and the older riders will race as many as 15-20 events. There are races available nearly every weekend from early September till mid December.

At roughly 10-12 designated “team races”  BJC provides coaching, support, and a dedicated team tent and base camp. This is included in program fees.

The exact schedule of “team races” with BJC team support will be determined as the season approaches. Sometimes, weather or other factors require us to change the races with BJC team support.

RACING LICENSE: Riders must have a USA Cycling license to race.

EQUIPMENT: Riders need their own cyclocross or mountain bike as well as a helmet and appropriate clothing (rain jacket, gloves, cold weather gear, etc.). You can buy and sell gear on the BJC Facebook group. All athletes qualify for discounts at our team’s favorite bike shops: Trek Store Boulder and Excel Sports. (Contact us for details)

Do you need a cyclocross bike?

  • Mountain bikes are totally OK to use for your first season. If you don’t want to buy a new bike, just get started on your MTB!
  • Cyclocross bikes are fun and a bit faster than a MTB, so most athletes eventually prefer a cyclocross bike. If want to race a lot and are seeking the highest performance, take the plunge and buy a cyclocross bike. (Ask us about deals.)

TEAM CLOTHING: Team uniforms are pre-ordered by individuals prior to the season. Clothing must be ordered and paid for directly from the Cuore online store. Clothing is not included in program fees and there is no inventory of clothing held by BJC. Generally an email will be sent when the online store is open, and will be posted on the facebook or web page. Ordering typically happens in mid July and the gear takes 6 weeks to be produced. Team uniforms are not required, but most riders choose to purchase them. A team jersey and shorts are great to have, and many kids also get long sleeve jerseys, jackets, and racing skin suits. The uniforms for the Road Racing, Mountain Biking, and Cyclocross teams are all the same.

ATHLETE WELLNESS AND SAFESPORT is a high priority for BJC. We’re proud to have earned Gold Level Certification, the highest level available.