ECA 2026 17-18 Euro December 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.

With over two decades of Euro kerstperiode experience, the focus of this ECA 2026 December block will be on athletes with UCI racing age 17-18. 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. After our best all-around performance block ever in 2025 (both from an athlete and staff level), ECA is extremely proud to offer this innovative development block again in December 2026.

 

Please submit 2026 ECA 17-18 December Euro Block Application anytime between now and deadline: 18:00 (Mountain) on Monday, 16 November 2026. This application form is non-binding. Selection will be done by ECA Coaches during the week of 16-22 November.

 

As with all of our programs, ECA Euro blocks provide top level coaching, optimal performance environment, and holistic (academic/cultural) student-athlete cultivation. All ECA coaches are SafeSport-trained, and ECA adheres to all USAC and UCI codes of conduct.

 Dates:

16 December 2026 to 4 January 2027

  • Depart to BRU (Brussels, BEL) on Wednesday, 16 December.
  • Arrive BRU (Brussels, BEL), ideally early morning, on Thursday, 17 December for airport pick up.
  • Depart from BRU (Brussels, BEL), ideally mid-to-late morning, on Monday, 4 January.

 

Race/Training Program:

  • 5-8 races (TBD)
  • 2-3 weekday forest/skill trainings.

 

Staff:

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

 

ECA 17-18 December Block Selection Guidelines 2026:

ECA coaches will make selections of 10-12 junior 17-18 athletes (5-6 male; 5-6 female) during the week of 16-22 November 2026 based on:

  • Completed and submitted application by Monday, 16 November 2026 (18:00 Mountain time).
  • Head-to-head race results against strong peer 17-18 athletes at UCI races through 15 November 2026. Ideally, including result(s) from the following race weekends: Rochester (19-20 September); Baltimore (3-4 October); Cincy (17-18 October); and Pan Ams (7-8 November).
  • Consistency and trending upward results at UCI races through 15 November 2026.
  • Academic and Administrative Good Standing. Pre-approval for school absences required. 
  • ECA Summer camp progress and ECA summer camp coaches’ recommendation.
  • 2025 US National Championship result.
  • Note: per Belgian Federation race registration guidelines, to be considered for ECA December block, all athletes must have earned UCI points.

 

Cost (athlete’s responsibility):

  • Flights: North America-BRU; BRU-North America itinerary.
  • Any baggage and equipment fees.
  • Tuition fee TBD.
  • Race entry fees, if applicable.
  • Laundry expenses.

 

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/2052-2/

Application deadline for 2026 ECA December 17-18 Block: 18:00 (Mountain), Monday, 16 November 2026.