Whole Athlete presented by DNA Cycling Entering its ninth season, the Whole Athlete Team is one of the longest-standing Junior/ U23 MTB development programs in the U.S. What started as a program for dedicated high school kids to experience national level competition has evolved into a world-class development team. Over an eight-year span the team has helped some of the brightest talent in the U.S. take that next step in cycling, while experiencing worldwide success along the way. Notable accomplishments include:
The team's success is built upon the bedrock of it's donors, sponsors, and of the entire cycling community. And for 2017, longtime clothing provider DNA Cycling steps up as presenting sponsor. The team is grateful for the support! Together, Whole Athlete, DNA Cycling, and all the sponsoring partners look to build on past achievements with a roster of impressive young athletes. 2017 promises to be yet another memorable season.
Anders Johnson - U23
Johnson joined the Whole Athlete Team in the winter of 2014, and promptly won the inaugural US Junior Fat Bike National Championships in his home state of Utah. He went on to repeat his title again the following year, also landing on XC National Championships podiums no fewer than three times over the two-year span. Johnson was also named to the 2015 US World Championship Team after a stellar summer Junior campaign. 2017 will see Johnson take that next big step as he moves up to the U23/ Pro level. Focused on gaining valuable experience in the ProXCT, his major target will be the U23 National Championships in West Virginia.
Urban has been rising within the Whole Athlete program since 2014, having earned National Championship podiums five times since then. She has been named to the US World Championship Team in both of her Junior 17/18 seasons, and in Urban's final Junior season she earned the Women's Cat 1 2016 Short Track National Title. For 2017, Urban takes the Pro-leap as a U23, tackling the Elite Women's field in the ProXCT series. Her main goals include the U23 National Championships and selection for U23 World Cups.
Rowton enters his second Junior year in the Whole Athlete program, looking to build on his experience both at the national and international levels. After racing with the National Team in Europe in the Spring of 2016, Rowton is keen to continue his growth as an international competitor. Rowton has his sights set on the 2017 Junior National Championships and World Championship Team selection. He will focus on gaining valuable points at UCI Junior Series races both in the US and abroad to maximize success in international competition.
Vermaerke joins the Whole Athlete program this season after winning the 2016 Junior 15/16 XC National Title, and gaining valuable experience in European road races. Now 17, he will be splitting his time between road and MTB XC racing in both the US and abroad. Vermaerke's targets include road and XC Junior National Championships and the XC World Championships. He will gain as much international experience as possible this season prior to his final year as a Junior 17/18.
Simmons heads into his second season with Whole Athlete after winning the Junior 15-18 Short Track National Title in 2016, and gaining key experience in international competition. Simmons will continue to build his experience in XC and dabble in road racing as well. And if that weren't enough to fill his plate, Simmons will be representing the U.S. at the Ski Mountaineering World Championships later this month. 2017 goals for Simmons include the XC National Championships in West Virginia in July, and gaining experience on the road prior to his final two seasons as a Junior 17/18. Next up for Whole Athlete p/b DNA: Stay tuned for more exciting news! A non-profit Junior / U23 development program, the Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team's mission is to invest in the future of our youth and the sport of cycling by developing young athletes at the national and international levels with dedication, integrity, and fun. Our mission is enabled by coaches, mentors, volunteers, and donors of the Velo Development Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The 2017 Whole Athlete p/b DNA Team is a non-profit program of the the Velo Development Foundation, generously supported by Whole Athlete, DNA Cycling, Specialized Bicycle Components, Quarq Powermeters, ProBar, Osmo Nutrition, Oakley, Tam Bikes, Rock Tape, All Good Brand, DZ Nuts, Crank Brothers Pedals, Enduro Bearings, ESI Grips, Bungalow Munch Organic Granola, and Mellow Motors. |
