U15 & U19 MTB Athlete Development Programs

Programs for Aspiring Riders & Racers

At Blueprint Athlete Development, our primary goal is to take athletes from a grassroots level to professional competition while having the most fun possible. Our U15 and U19 programs are scaled appropriately to provide aspiring racers with the daily training environments required of a high-performance athlete.

From September through until the end of October, the program focuses on late-season skill refinement and the introduction of race-specific tactics, goal setting, and fall competitions are the focal points at this time of the season. As daylight begins to limit riding opportunities, training transitions to indoor work at our training facility, Union Health & Performance. At this point, the focus shifts to athlete testing, benchmarking, and gap analysis, which informs our training for the transition and base portion of the off-season.

From November through until spring, athletes train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For our U15 athletes, athleticism, mobility and fundamental strength movements are the focus, with additional time spent on individual areas for development. U19 athletes are in a critical window of trainability for coordination, strength and athleticism, and this is the focal point of their winter training. Athletes also have the opportunity to join indoor cycling sessions for added fitness, posture, and cadence training. Monthly training camps and on-bike training ensure that each rider can improve their riding technique and aerobic endurance while beginning to work towards the benchmarks required to compete at a high level domestically and internationally.

As spring approaches, athletes transition to speed and athleticism-based training in the gym, along with more frequent high-intensity cardiovascular and strength-endurance training. Extended weekend camps focus on low-intensity volume training, race tactics and skill development and reintroducing training using Freelap timing as feedback. Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions return, with the addition of a weekend training camp each month. Schedules are adjusted to complement race events.

As spring arrives, programming transitions from technique to competition tactics. Sessions remain on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with the addition of a weekend training camp each month. Athletes have alternative training session options to accommodate their needs where possible.

Summer training sessions are adapted and aligned to accommodate travel and competition schedules. Blueprint Athlete Development staff will attend grassroots events to support athletes in a competitive environment. Canada Cup DH race support is available at an additional cost for U15 athletes. U19 athletes are supported at select Canada Cup and National Championship events, with international and World Cup race support also provided at an additional cost.

Athletes will receive information and updates via weekly email communications. Training schedules, times, and meeting locations can be found here. The U15 and 19 Athlete Development programs are invoiced quarterly and are limited to 8 participants.

"I’ve been training with Joel for several years now, and I love his approach to training because he aims to make you a better rider and an all-around human/athlete. He covers all bases and keeps it fun in the process. If you’re starting racing or chasing down podiums, I highly recommend Blueprint."

– Lucas Cruz, Norco Factory Racing