Advanced Racing Camps

Our race-proven professional coaches and special guests will guide riders through line choice, trail vision, energy conservation, and making a new trail ride fast and fun like an old favorite. Their years of valuable race experience will be consolidated and passed on to riders through skill sessions as well as conversations about the mental and psychological way of approaching bike racing. This week will incorporate some Enduro (pedal up, race down) and some DH (chairlift up, race down) days to cover the best variety of terrain available. Expect three liftserve days, one pedal, and one shuttle day.

Gravity Race Camp: Devo

This camp is designed for 14-18 year-old athletes competing in U15/16 and above categories in Enduro and/or Downhill in races such as Eastern States Cups, Enduro World Series and Junior 17/18 category in USA Cycling National Downhill Series.

SMBA and guest coaches will provide technical training, strength and conditioning in a structure deliberate to each athlete’s goals with training and racing strategically managed to aid athletic progression, avoid burnout and injury, and build camaraderie with peers and the greater race community.

Throughout the week, we will ride several different areas and get to know the trails better through guided trail analysis, skills practice, memory and trail landmark detection, and also lots of sessioning and repetition to lock in new skills. Skills covered will include: line choice, trail vision, cornering, braking, pressure control, and how to conserve energy and maximize speed and boost general fun on bikes.

What to Expect:

• Expert Instruction: Our highly experienced coaches will share their valuable knowledge and race-winning strategies to help you fine-tune your skills. We'll cover everything from bike setup and handling to efficient climbing (important in all Enduro race formates) and technical descents - including berms, jumps, drops, gaps, flat cornering and rocky terrain.

• Bike Setup and Repairs: Shop partners will walk through common bike repairs, what should be in our tool kits for race day, and our PT partner will review our bike setup to ensure a proper fit.

• Physical Conditioning: Racing requires a high level of fitness, and our camp includes comprehensive training plans and workouts tailored to improve your endurance, strength, and speed beyond your week with us. Our coaches will help you understand the importance of interval training for fitness, recovery, and building a solid foundation to optimize your race performance.

• Course Familiarization - line choice, trail vision: Knowing the racecourse is crucial for developing effective race strategies. Our coaches will share their techniques for reviewing a race course and how they chose and ride their line choice including cornering, braking, pressure and speed control.

• Race Simulation and Mental Performance Skills Training: To truly prepare yourself for the intense atmosphere of race day, we will recreate race scenarios during the camp. This will not only provide you with the opportunity to practice your skills but also help you manage the psychological pressures and decision-making required in high-pressure situations. Meet with our Partner - Ultimate Mental Edge - a Sports Psychology Consulting firm designed to help athletes improve their performance through mental preparation and skills training.

• Peer Support and Networking: This camp provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow riders who share your passion for mountain bike racing. The supportive environment will offer motivational camaraderie and the chance to exchange experiences, tips, and encouragement.

Are you ready to take your cross-country MTB racing skills to the next level? Look no further than this new camp featuring special guest coach, pro-cyclist Kelly Catale (@kelly.catale) - former #TeamUSA member, Mental Health Advocate, SSMTB National Champion🇺🇸🥇, 3x XCM, and joined by SMBA’s own USA Cycling National Cyclo-cross Champion Coach, Jonathan Page.

We are thrilled to announce this exciting opportunity for riders to immerse themselves in the world of competitive mountain biking.

Endurance Race Camp: Elite

This camp is designed for race motivated 14-18 year-old athletes competing in xc mtb races through their school, Vermont Youth Cycling, New England Youth Cycling or aspiring to USA Cycling Cross-Country MTB National Championships. The SMBA Endurance Race Camp offers a comprehensive program designed to improve your racing techniques, enhance your physical fitness, and develop your mental stamina. We believe in offering a well-rounded experience that combines on-bike training, skill sessions, race strategy discussions, and expert guidance from our experienced coaching staff. This endurance focused camp will cover some of the best trails in our local areas. During the camp, you will have access to Stowe's expansive trail network, which provides the perfect terrain for cross-country training. In addition to fun rides on a variety of trails, we will work on efficient climbing, smooth descending, incorporating intervals and sprints, and getting faster while having fun!

Our knowledgeable coaches will tailor the training sessions to meet the needs of participants, ensuring that all riders benefit from the program. Riders will learn advanced technical skills and efficient pedaling to get the most out of each ride as well as exercises to build strength and conditioning beyond our week together. Training plans, nutrition, and hydration before, during, and after your racing season are topics that will also be discussed this week.

Riders can expect a mix of technical skill training, race specific training (starts, passing, “punching” steeps, attacking the front, and pacing), and will cover an average of 12-16 miles per day.

Small Groups of similarly skilled riders will be formed if needed.

Training and Skill Development:

• Race Strategy and Tactics: To succeed in cross-country racing, having a solid race strategy is crucial. Our expert coaches will share their wealth of experience and knowledge, teaching you how to approach different race scenarios and make strategic decisions on the fly.

• Technical Skills: You will learn about pacing, passing techniques, line selection, and how to conserve energy during long-distance races. With these strategies in your arsenal, you'll be ready to take on any race with confidence.

• Mental Strength and Sports Psychology: Mountain bike racing is not just about physical fitness; it also requires mental strength and focus. Our camp will include sessions on sports psychology, helping you develop a strong mental game. You will learn techniques to manage race-day nerves, maintain focus during challenging sections of the course, and stay motivated throughout your race season.

• Bike Maintenance and Equipment Tips: A well-maintained bike plays a vital role in race performance. Our camp will include workshops on bike maintenance, teaching you essential skills such as basic repairs, trailside fixes, and proper bike cleaning. Additionally, our expert staff will provide insights on equipment selection and setup, helping you optimize your bike for racing success.

• Physical Conditioning: Racing requires a high level of fitness, and our camp includes comprehensive training plans and workouts tailored to improve your endurance, strength, and speed beyond your week with us. Our coaches will help you understand the importance of interval training for fitness, recovery, and building a solid foundation to optimize your race performance.