The Whole Athlete-Specialized Team is a non-profit funded Junior and U-23 development program providing essential support to progress to the highest echelons of the sport. Drawing on the philosophy and training methods of the Whole Athlete Performance Center, young riders receive mentoring and coaching in the form of team training rides, individual and group training programs and training-related services including performance testing, professional bike fitting, nutritional guidance, and training & race camps.

Continuing on their hugely successful partnership in 2010, Whole Athlete and Specialized will continue for 2011 with a Junior and U23 Development Team. With five riders focused on the ProXCT Series, 13 Grassroots MTB racers, and a four-member U23 Road team, Whole Athlete - Specialized will contest a range of events from the Sea Otter Classic to the Cascade Classic Stage Race. Naturally, the squad will also return to US MTB Nationals, where they earned five Championship Jerseys in 2010.

With riders ranging from current Junior 15-16 MTB XC National Champions Kate Courtney and Keegan Swenson to Will Curtis (2010 California High School MTB League Champion) and Zach Valdez (2010 SoCal High School MTB Champ), the squad is a blend of future stars and proven talent. The team is directed by Whole Athlete founder Dario Fredrick, himself the current 2x MTB 40-44 National Champion and Junior Girls’ Team coach Abbie Durkee, current MTB 35-39 National Champion, and receives essential support from presenting sponsor Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as a number of associate sponsors including Mt. Tam Capital, Marin Cyclists, GU Sports, Oakley, WTB, Champion System, Formula, Elemental Herbs, RockTape, NoTubes, Tam Bikes, Rotor USA and Can Do Kid.

Support Junior Development

With young athletes ranging in age from 14 to 19, racing at the regional, national and international levels, our goal is to provide unique opportunities and the highest quality of guidance possible.