2024 ECA Dublin World Cup Block

EuroCrossAcademy (ECA) has been developing strong cyclocross athletes with full-immersion racing blocks in the heart of European veldrijden since 2003. Under the direction of Director Geoff Proctor and top experienced coaches, the blocks incorporate all key components of ECA’s holistic curriculum, centering on performance, development, and personal integrity. A daily routine of training/racing, networking and coordinating with area pro and development teams and coaches, group and individual meetings, house chores, group activities, regular study/academic hours, and cultural experiences all facilitate expeditious development for aspiring young cyclocross riders, ages 15-20.

Following the success of last year’s Dublin trip, ECA is pleased to announce a return to the Emerald Isle for the first youth world cup of the season. This block—from 27 November through 2 December 2024—is open to riders from any category with priority to top performing juniors and on the condition that they are selected by their national federation. The focus of the block will be to provide athletes with the opportunity to gain world cup experience/preparation/qualification ahead of the December youth world cups and, potentially, the World Championships later in the season.

Dates:

27 November to 2 December 2024 

• If departing from U.S., depart to DUB (Dublin, IRE) on Tuesday, 26 November.
• Arrive DUB (Dublin, IRE), ideally mid-morning on Wednesday, 27 November for airport pick up.
• Depart from DUB (Dublin, IRE), ideally mid-to-late morning on Monday 2 December to U.S.

Race/Training Program:

• 1 world cup race (Sunday, 1 December 2024)
• 1 world cup training on course (Saturday, 30 November 2024).
• 3 training days (Wed-Thur-Fri)

Staff:

• Geoff Proctor, Director, ECA
• Roger Aspholm, ECA Lead Coach, FinKraft Junior Cycling Team
• Mechanics, Soigneur, Support Crew TBD.
• Note: all ECA staff Background Checked; SafeSport certified; onboarded by USA Cycling.

Step-by-Step Process for Dublin World Cup:

1. Complete ECA application.

Link: https://eurocrossacademy.com/2024-eca-dublin-world-cup-application-form/

ECA Application Deadline: 18:00 (Mountain) 28 October 2024.

All Dublin World Cup selected athletes:

• Must hold a valid passport (whose expiration date is AFTER March 1, 2025);
• Be in good standing with their federation;
• Be in good standing with their federation’s Center for SafeSport;
• Be in good standing with their federation’s Anti-Doping Agency;
• Be in good standing with the UCI;
• Carry international health insurance.

2. Begin researching flights based on ECA guidelines/dates/times listed above.

3. For athletes of federations other than USA Cycling (USAC):

a. Complete any necessary requirements, confirm selection with your federation, and then notify ECA by email [eurocrossacademy@gmail.com] by 3 pm (Mountain Time) on 8 November 2024.

4. For USAC athletes:

a. Consult the 2024-25 UCI World Cup Selection Guidelines:

Link: https://assets.usacycling.org/prod/documents/Selection-Criteria/2024-2025-UCI-World-Cup-Selection-Guidelines.pdf

b. Petition to participate in Dublin World Cup at least 3 weeks prior to event. Petition deadline: 3 pm (Mountain Time) on 8 November 2024):

Link: https://www.teamworksapp.com/ext2/f62a880f-89c1-4e38-b02b-442c0a463803

Hotel Address: Pending.

Director: Geoff Proctor, EuroCrossAcademy (ECA).

c. Complete required USAC athlete compliance paperwork prior to applying for USAC Mudfund Athlete Stipend Grant (ASG).

Contact USAC’s Kelsey Erickson for specifics: kerickson@usacycling.org

d. Consult and Submit USAC Mudfund ASG Application as soon as possible. The first application deadline is 15 October 2024. Application window closes 31 December 2024).

Link: https://www.teamworksapp.com/ext2/8e9bc6fe-0041-4053-9906-370b3b0b6b49

e. Submit USA Kit/Clothing Request to USAC at least 3 weeks prior to event. Clothing Request deadline: 3 pm (Mountain Time) on 8 November 2024).

Link: https://www.teamworksapp.com/ext2/dcfc864f-3b4c-466d-8ef3-7b8d31239560 

Note: “If an athlete has not received an Athlete Stipend Grant then they will be responsible for the cost of the clothing they order.”

f. Per 2024 USAC World Cup document: “World Cup Pre-qualified athletes will be determined by the latest UCI Individual rankings posted before the registration date (typically, on the Tuesday, 12 days before each World Cup event.” [so, for Dublin: Tuesday 19 November 2024]

g. Per 2024 USAC World Cup document: “The announcement of each USAC World Cup Roster will be released two Wednesdays prior to each World Cup event (typically, eleven days prior).” So, confirmation of USAC Selection to Dublin World Cup roster will be released on Wednesday, 20 November 2024.

h. Communicate by email to ECA [eurocrossacademy@gmail.com] by noon (Mountain Time) on 20 November 2024:

• Your confirmed selection by USAC and commitment to compete in the Dublin World Cup.
• Your flight itinerary based on the guidelines/dates listed above.
• Mail your ground fees USD check (cost: TBD; payable to “EuroCrossAcademy”) to ECA, postmarked no later than on 21 November 2024.
• Mailing address: EuroCrossAcademy, 1822 Dry Gulch Drive, Helena MT 59601 USA.

i. Additional notes:

• All flight and baggage fees are the responsibility of the athlete.
• All athletes must download/use Whats App on their phones for all group communications while in Ireland.
• In all of its programs, ECA offers professional expertise and direction from current and past professional mentor-coaches and pro riders. All ECA coaches are SafeSport-trained, USA Cycling-Background Checked, and ECA adheres to all USAC and UCI codes of conduct.

UCI Cyclocross World Cup MJR, Dublin, IRE 2023