ECA 2024 15-16 Euro November Block Overview

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.

For the first time in ECA’s 22-year European archive, the focus of this 2024 two-week November block will be on athletes with racing age 15-16 (nieuwelingen in Dutch). Providing an opportunity for ambitious young riders to gain European race and training experience has been a core tenet of ECA’s philosophy since its inception. ECA is extremely proud to offer this innovative development block in November 2024.

Note:

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.

 Dates:

11 November to 25 November 2024 

• Depart U.S. to BRU (Brussels, BEL) on Monday, 11 November
• Arrive BRU (Brussels, BEL), ideally mid-morning, on Tuesday, 12 November for airport pick up.
• Depart from AMS (Amsterdam [Schiphol], NED), ideally mid-to-late morning, on Monday 25 November to U.S.

Race/Training Program:

• 4 races (16, 17, 23, 24 November)
• 2 forest/skill trainings (13 November, Belgium and 20 November, Netherlands)

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.

Selection:

ECA coaches will select ~8 athletes (4 boys; 4 girls) during the week of 7-11 October based on:

• Completed application by 7 October 2024.
• Domestic race results through 7 October 2024.
• Academic Good Standing
• Readiness
• Past ECA Summer camp progress

Cost (athlete’s responsibility):

• Flights: USA-BRU; AMS-USA itinerary.
• Any baggage and equipment fees.
• Tuition fee TBD.

Additional Asks:

• All athletes must carry international health insurance.
• All athletes must download/use Whats App on their phones for all group communications while in Europe.

Application Link: https://eurocrossacademy.com/eca-2024-15-16-euro-november-block-application-form

Application deadline for 2024 ECA November 15-16 Block: 18:00 (mountain) 7 October 2024.