ECA 2026 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 third consecutive season in ECA’s 24-year European archive, the focus of this 2026 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 again in November 2026.

 

Please submit 2026 ECA 15-16 November Euro Block Application anytime between now and deadline: 18:00 (Mountain) on Monday, 5 October 2026. This application form is non-binding. Selection will be done by ECA Coaches during the week of 5-11 October.

 

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, and ECA adheres to all USAC and UCI codes of conduct.

Dates:

10 November to 23 November 2026

  • Depart U.S. to BRU (Brussels, BEL) on Tuesday, 10 November
  • Arrive BRU (Brussels, BEL), ideally early morning, on Wednesday, 11 November for airport pick up.
  • Depart from BRU (Brussels, BEL), ideally mid-to-late morning, on Monday 23 November to U.S.

 

Race/Training Program:

  • 4 races (14, 15, 21, 22 November)
  • 2 weekday forest/skill trainings (Thursday, 12 November in The Netherlands; Wednesday, 18 November in Belgium)

 

Staff:

  • Geoff Proctor, Director, ECA
  • Roger Aspholm, ECA Lead Coach, FinKraft Junior Cycling Team
  • Mechanics, Soigneur, Support Crew TBD.

 

2026 ECA 15-16 November Euro Block Selection Guidelines:

ECA coaches will make discretionary selections of 10-12 athletes (5-6 boys; 5-6 girls) during the week of 5-11 October 2026 based on:

  • Completed application by 5 October 2026 (18:00 Mountain time).
  • Head-to-head race results against strong peer 15-16 athletes at races through 4 October 2026. Ideally, (but not mandatory) result(s) from Rochester (19-20 September), Roanoke (26-27 September), or Baltimore (3-4 October) weekends.
  • Consistency and trending upward results at regional and national-level races through 4 October 2026.
  • Academic and Administrative Good Standing. Pre-approval for school absences required. 
  • ECA summer camp progression and ECA summer camp coaches’ recommendation.
  • 2025 US Cx Nationals result.

 

Cost (athlete’s responsibility):

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

 

Additional Asks:

  • All athletes must hold a valid passport (whose expiration date is AFTER March 1, 2027); 2) be in good standing with their federation; 3) be in good standing with their federation’s Center for SafeSport; 4) be in good standing with the UCI; and 5) be in good standing with their federation’s Anti-Doping Agency. 
  • All athletes must have health insurance and are highly encouraged to purchase international emergency travel insurance for the dates of the trip. Inquire with your insurance carrier. Normally, this is a fairly inexpensive add-on (e.g. Blue Cross Blue Shield Geo Blue plan).
  • All athletes should download/use Whats App on their phones for all ECA team communications while in Europe.

 

Application Link: https://eurocrossacademy.com/2059-2/

Application deadline for 2026 ECA November 15-16 Block: 18:00 (Mountain), Monday, 5 October 2026.