Race TEAM
Race TEAM
The SMBA Race Team is an innovative race program designed to balance competitive intensity with a community of adventurous spirits.
Working on individual goals through a collaborative team environment, SMBA race coaching provides athletes a holistic and progressive long-term training model aimed at developing cognitive resiliency and maximizing athletic performance.
The SMBA Race Program is where technical training meets stewardship, determination feeds leadership and athletes work to reach their fullest potential.
IF YOU’RE NEW TO SMBA, PLEASE FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM, @STOWE_MTN_BIKE_ACADEMY
SMBA Race Program Overview
2024
Spring
Weekdays After-School
Spring Session - 8 Weeks (April 22-June 15)
Lamoille, Washington, and Chittenden County Based Practice Locations
Summer
Weekdays + Weekend Races
Summer Session - 10 Weeks (June 17-Aug 24)
Lamoille, Washington, and Chittenden County Based Practice Locations
Travel to pre-ride/practice at select ESC Race Locations - New England
Fall
Weekdays After-School + Weekend Races
Fall Session - 8 Weeks (Sept 2-Oct 26)
Lamoille, Washington, and Chittenden County Based Practice Locations
SMBA Race Team is for race-focused riders ages 10-19.
At Stowe Mountain Bike Academy, we believe in hard work and fun, the training process and effort over outcomes, and a positive team culture that pushes athletes outside their comfort zones to grow their athletic potential. We offer a holistic approach to cycling progression that includes a healthy dose of free riding with friends, technical training and feedback with experienced coaches, individual goal setting, and opportunities to strengthen riders’ bodies and minds.
At Stowe Mountain Bike Academy, our race program stands out - with a focus on individual progression, top-notch coaching, and a supportive team environment, our program is designed to help riders reach their full potential.
Coaching Expertise: Our experienced coaches are dedicated to helping riders improve their skills, fitness, and racing strategies. By providing personalized feedback and guidance, our coaches ensure that each rider trains to their goals.
Training Programs: Our race program offers a comprehensive training plan that includes skills sessions, fitness training, race simulations, and mental preparation. We believe that a well-rounded approach is key to success on the racecourse.
Race Support: From transportation to races to pit support and mechanical assistance, our program offers riders the support they need to focus on their performance. We handle the logistics so that riders can concentrate on racing.
Team Environment: Being part of our race program means being part of a supportive team of like-minded individuals who share a passion for mountain biking. Our riders motivate and push each other to reach new heights, both on and off the bike.
All New Race Program Structure for 2024!
Whether you're new to racing or a seasoned competitor, we have a specialized race program designed to help you achieve your goals.
Head Coaches
Sammy Hedlund - Development
Ross Scatchard - Endurance
Isaac Allaire - Gravity
Development Team
Development Race Program
The Development Race Team at Stowe Mountain Bike Academy is a multidisciplinary cycling program designed to provide participants with a structured and supportive environment to develop their skills, fitness, and confidence in the framework of competitive cycling. This program typically caters to riders who are new to competitive cycling and are looking to transition from recreational riding to organized races.
Riders in the Development program are introduced to several cycling disciplines through training and race opportunities with the average rider expecting to participate in the Development program for 2-4 seasons before specializing into the Endurance or Gravity race program at SMBA.
Enrollment Options: Spring, Summer, Fall, Full-Season
Head Coach: Sammy Hedlund
Gravity Team
Junior & Elite Gravity Race Team
Our Gravity Race Program at Stowe Mountain Bike Academy is tailored for riders looking to take their skills to the next level in downhill and enduro competitions. Led by experienced coaches, this program focuses on refining techniques, building confidence, and mastering the intricacies of gravity-focused disciplines. Becoming competitive in gravity-focused mountain bike racing takes time, dedication, and a holistic approach to skill development, physical fitness, and mental preparation. SMBA offers a race program that fosters regular practice, continuous improvement, and a passion for the sport - all primary components of success!
Enrollment Options:
Junior Team - Spring, Summer, Fall, Full-Season
Elite Team - Full-Season Only
Head Coach: Isaac Allaire
Endurance
Juniors & Elite Endurance Race team
The Endurance Race Program at Stowe Mountain Bike Academy offers a comprehensive training experience for riders looking to enhance their stamina, strength, and overall performance in a competitive environment. Our training regimen includes a mix of long rides to build endurance, interval sessions to improve speed and power, and skills practice to navigate various terrains efficiently. Riders may also participate in a strength program with our partners at Champlain Valley Community Fitness to focus on strength and flexibility to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, athletes learn race strategies, pacing techniques, and mental tips to stay focused during intense races.
Enrollment Options:
Junior Team - Spring, Summer, Fall, Full-Season
Elite Team - Full-Season Only
Head Coach: Ross Scatchard
Assistant Coach: Jonathan Page
Custom Training
custom training plans
SMBA offers programs tailored completely to fulfill the individual needs of each client. SMBA custom programs offer a high degree of independence and personal responsibility alongside a rigorous athletic training format designed to meet performance goals for key events, time lines or seasonal aspirations.
Ongoing communication, program modification, and feedback is cohesively packaged in an athlete-centered regimen.
Using the Final Surge App, SMBA effectively monitors athlete performance, recovery, and feedback data. Additionally, athletes can auto-sync planned and completed data from popular platforms such as Garmin Connect, Strava, TrainerRoad and more to track progress through pace, heart rate, power, cadence and other metrics.
Team Portal
Team Portal
Race Team Members login for latest announcements, SMBA resources, and schedules!
When your application to the SMBA race team is submitted and approved, you’ll receive a welcome letter with a password to the Race Team Portal.
Program Information
Communication
Coaches Communication email
Coaches’ Communication emails will be sent each Monday. These will include announcements, reminders, upcoming races, and highlights.
Team Portal
The content of each Coaches Communication email will be posted on the password-protected SMBA Team Portal for review. The portal will also include the Team Calendar and race registration info.
Each team usilizes a WhatsApp group for more immediate communications. For example: “Andy will be 10 minutes late to practice today, sorry!”. This platform can also serve for parent coordination and ride sharing.
Practice/Race Calendar
The team calendar can be found in the Team Portal on the SMBA website. Practcies is posted in 4-6 week blocks. Locations and coaching staff included.
**The schedule is always subject to change depending on current weather conditions and trail closures.
Races
The SMBA Race Team primarily participates in two race leagues: Vermont Youth Cycling (VTYC) and Eastern States Cup (ESC). Depending on each team’s racing focus and training objectives, participation in other race opportunities and events are incorporated in the race calendar.
Vermont Youth Cycling - Website: https://www.vtyouthcycling.org
Through safe and fun interscholastic group rides and races, Vermont Youth Cycling (VTYC) educates and empowers young riders to improve their skills and health while building both a stewardship ethic for the trails and a caring community.
Eastern States Cup - Website: https://www.easternstatescup.com
“The MAXXIS Eastern States Cup (ESC) is dedicated to securing the future of gravity mountain biking on the East Coast by uniting racers, venues, and sponsors as integral partners. Our mission is to provide a format that caters to all groups, promoting the growth of gravity mountain biking and offering challenging races, manageable venues, cost-effective sponsor opportunities, and a fun and comfortable environment for all. We strive to bring together racers and venues while minimizing travel costs, provide venues with a positive return, and optimize sponsors’ investments by promoting their products to our dedicated community.”The SMBA Race Team program includes race support and coaching at Eastern States Cup (ESC) Enduros, the VTYC series, Catamount Wednesday Night XCs, and Thursday VT Grassroots Enduro races.
Policies and Guidelines
Please review the policies below prior to attending practice. Email info@stowemtb.com with any questions
Links
Tuition Prices
Apply
Thank you for interest in the smba race program
Applications are due Tuesday, April 11th for Preseason/Spring season.
The application deadline is rolling for Spring/Summer/Fall seasons as long as there is space on the team.
To provide the best coaching experience we can, spaces on the SMBA Development and Elite Race Teams are limited.
Application Process:
New Athletes (all race programs):
Complete the Race Team Application
Race team coaches will review application and determine rider placement
Rider will receive an email with an invitation to join and register for Devo or Elite team
Returning Athletes (all race programs):
Complete the Returning Athlete Form
A coach will connect to review the riders responses or rider will receive an email with an invitation to join and register for Devo or Elite team
All Accepted Athletes - To Do’s!
Create a Mindbody Account or Login (see instructions below) to register and pay*
Complete Waivers (see note below)
Review Program Equipment Requirements
Read the Race Code of Conduct, Trail Conduct and the IMBA Rules of the Trail policies linked on the General Program Information Tab. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to these policies. Acceptance of all SMBA policies is implied when registration is complete.
For questions about this program, please email Sammy Hedlund at sammy@stowemtb.com
*Please contact Shannon Walton for questions about scholarships and payment plans
General Registration Information:
All registrations require a Mindbody account. Mindbody is a secure booking tool and database.
Mindbody questions? Please contact Shannon at shannon@stowemtb.com
Space in our progression program are limited BUT please add your rider to waitlist if your desired session is full. The waitlist will help us determine where to place additional coaching staff.
Mindbody Registrations Tips:
You can access Mindbody selecting “My Account” to the right, the button below or from the link at the bottom of our webpage under the “Client Portal” section.
When creating a profile, enter your information then add your rider's information under Family Relationships in your profile so you can select them for the
program. It is helpful if you complete all profile information (you may add your cell phone or email as the rider’s contact information). When printing attendance sheets, SMBA administrators will see the contact information in the rider’s profile.
Go to ENROLLMENTS tab for all progression and camp registrations. Go to the APPOINTMENT tab for all private lessons, guided rides, clinics or sports psychology registrations/bookings.
When enrolling or booking an appointment, Add the Participant’s Name to the enrollment.
Complete purchase.
Waivers:
Complete the waivers via the “sign our waiver” button at the bottom right of our webpage.
New waivers per participant are required each calendar year. If you have already completed waivers in the current calendar year you do not need to complete again when registering for additional programs for the same participant.
For 2023, your media consent is implied as a participant of any SMBA program or activity. If you do not wish to have your or your rider’s image used by SMBA, please send an email to info@stowemtb.com with the subject “No Media Consent.” For more information on our Media Consent Policy, click on the General Information tab.