Elite Development

2025 FreeFly Elite Development

Introduction, Objective

Thank you for your interest in FreeFly Elite Development! Our goal is to maximize the performance of dedicated, experienced MTB, gravel and road racers with the goals of racing at the very top of the UCI field, including those trying to secure collegiate scholarships. It is in this team environment we are able to cultivate unshakable physical and mental performance. We coach the entire athlete in an aggressive program saturated with proven, reliable science-based techniques.

Season, Structure – XCC/XCO MTB

The elite team is geared toward advanced riders aged 16-26, but we take older athletes that may have started the sport later in life. Officially, the team runs from November 1, 2024 through September 2025. The team will communicate primarily through web calls and emails with 3-4 team camps dedicated to putting what we’ve discussed into action. All team members will be custom coached and have their individual, custom training plans with 1-2 weekly phone or web calls with coach. The team will focus on mountain bike XCC and XCO at its core but will also teach and attend select road and gravel events. We intend for our riders to understand cycling as a whole, allowing them to fine tune their approach to this vast, two-wheeled sport.

Overview

FreeFly Elite Development, November 2024 – October 2025

$2,000/year + $350/mo

Twelve month custom training plan with in-depth data analysis (Gold Level)
Monthly team web calls for additional instruction and focus (nutrition, recovery, etc)
3-4 team training camps (1-2 days each, including nationals camp)
Lactate or PPD metabolic testing with INSCYD
Ongoing, dedicated balance and proprioception training
10-12 team attended races with a focus on UCI MTB – some road and gravel events
Race pit and UCI tech / feed support at all team attended races
Dedicated mechanic at all UCI team attended races
Team house opportunities (additional costs)
Individual race guidance and coaching at all team attended races
Two Giordana team kits provided (two jersesys, two bibs), additional clothing at cost
Priority support from team sponsors (Kask, Giordanan, ESI, etc), exact support TBD
Tentative Race Schedule:
- Winter Short Track Series, SC
- Tropical MTB Challenge, PR, UCI
- Tennessee National, UCI
- US Cup Arkansas, UCI
- Piney Hills Classic, LA, UCI
- Englewood Open, WI, UCI
- Anglers Ridge, VA, UCI
- USAC MTB National Championship, VA
- USAC Gravel National Championship, VA
- Other regional MTB, road and gravel events in NC, SC, GA, VA, or TN

FAQs:

_ Are there any requirements for being on the team?

Yes. All team riders must display respectful behavior to other humans and commit to our clean sport mandate. We’ll only be accepting riders eligible for UCI race categories in 2025 (17-18, U23 and Elite). However, we may accept riders whose racing age is 16 that have an extraordinary level of maturity and commitment to the sport.

_ Is there a limit to the number of riders allowed on the team?

Yes. We’ll only be allowing 10 riders to join the team for 2025. This limited number allows our coaches to provide excellent, undiluted coaching to all team riders.

_ Are team riders required to race or have a certain number of races per year?

Not exactly, but it’s understood all riders intend to train and race a lot. In other words, it’s expected that all team riders have the highest level of commitment and intend to race the entire season.

_ Do I have to be a FreeFly custom coached athlete to join the team?

This is included. Our custom coaching is the bedrock all other team efforts rest upon.

_What is Custom Coaching?

Custom coaching is, quite frankly, working directly with coach Chris and our other coaches. A detailed training plan is provided, and regular communication with coach is critical. Here, goal setting and commitment are used to greatly enhance the learning experience as well as build advanced fitness. Custom coaching seamlessly integrates team practices and race support with an individual’s goals.

_ What if I don’t need 12 months of custom coaching?

If you don’t need a detailed training plan for the entire year, you can take time away from it as needed. We don’t recommend this during the season but many athletes transition to another sport in the fall or would like less formal structure at some point. We encourage all of our athletes to consider this regardless of age. Because of this, our billing will include a one-time, lump team payment followed by monthly billing for any custom coached time.

_ Is there a deadline to join the team?

Yes. Applications will close September 30th, 2024 and the team will be finalized the first week in October.

_ Is there a deadline for team clothing?

Yes, we plan to have all team clothing orders complete by late October.

_ Can I race for another team but still be on FreeFly Elite Development?

Most of the time, for race types we support, no. Please understand our sponsors allow for the team to operate with reduced costs to athlete families and provide some product support. We ask that you respect these sponsors and use what has been given to you at races and events, including team clothing. However, anything is possible so if you’d like to do this please provide details on why and how you’d like to go about this. For races we do not support, yes. Good examples of this are NICA, cyclocross, track and BMX.

_ What if I already have a primary coach? Can I still be on the team?

Yes, although coaching from team staff is still provided and your overall training plan will be shared with our coaches. All fees will remain the same as stated above. Regular feedback, monitoring and plan integration with team practices and race support will still occur.

_Does your team offer any financial assistance?

Yes! We have a few scholarships available for those in need of financial assistance. If you’re interested please email us for an application.

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