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Focused on Cross Country riding & Racing for Ages 11-18
Competitive Cycling Options
Four teams, one program
LCW offers four junior mountain bike teams in 2027. They differ in how much of the year a rider commits to, what races they are preparing for, and how much coaching comes with the team. No team is “better” than another; the right one is the one that matches your rider’s goals, schedule, and readiness this year.
- National Team — all-in, year-round preparation to race beyond Minnesota, with preparing for and participating in National and International level racing for the next 1 – 20 years is the goal. These athletes plan on attending USAC MTB Endurance Nationals in July, at least one other US Pro Cup race, and/or other national level races in 2027. (MCA participation is still encouraged, but athletes’ focus is on preparing for a multiple season career.) Application and selection required.
- Performance — MCA-focused riders who want to start racing USAC regional events and build toward Nationals, with the flexibility to choose which parts of LCW programming they use. Application and selection required.
- Comp Team — the foundation of LCW: structured on-bike training to be as prepared as possible for the fall MCA season.
- Devo Team — the bridge from Trail Kids to Comp: middle-school riders getting their first taste of training and racing.
The usual path is Trail Kids → Devo → Comp → Performance → National, but riders can enter any team that fits and can move between teams from one year to the next. Exact session dates, and weekly practice counts are shown are not finalized and will be updated at a later date.
How to join
National and Performance share one application. On the form, riders mark which team they are applying for, or “either.” Applications open [10/7/2026], close [10/31/26 at 11:59pm], and offers go out by [11/18/2026]. Every applicant hears back with a written outcome and a recommended team.
Please make your own copy of the application.
Comp and Devo are registration-only through RunSignUp. Registration opens March 2, 2027. Grouping by age and ability happens at the first practices.
National Team
The National Team is for riders who want to find out how far they can go in the sport, and are ready to organize their year around it. The team prepares riders to race beyond MCA/NICA: regional and national USAC-sanctioned races to build national and UCI points, with USAC MTB Endurance Nationals in July as the peak.
Who it is for. Riders with a 2027 racing age of 15–18 (born 2009–2012) who want to be part of a team that trains together and supports each other, and who are ready to be coached as individuals with their own goals, needs, and schedule. Riders aged 13–14 (born 2013–2014) may be considered on individual and special circumstances. Riders from outside the Twin Cities are welcome, with in-person expectations set individually.
What is included. The whole LCW system: on-bike training sessions, strength sessions, an individual TrainingPeaks plan coached by Coach Greg, and coach support at local and regional races (WORS, Epic, select MMBS, and others). Practices 1-6 days per week. Training camps and National races are optional and available at an extra fee. Not included: travel, lodging, and entry fees for SoHo US Cup and USAC Nationals, which are billed separately as team trips.
What we ask of the rider.
- Commit to the full year: Pre-season (January–March), Session 1 (March–May), Session 2 (June–July), and Session 3 (August–October).
- Regular, focused, intentional attendance at team practices. (athletes from out-side the Twin Cities will have individualized expectations)
- Attend the SoHo US Cup, USAC Nationals, or both.
- Hold a USAC license (by March 1, 2027). Riders aged 17–18 also hold a UCI license and race the UCI category when one is offered at an event.
- Complete 12–16 hours of community service per season.
- Sign the team agreement with a parent or guardian.
How riders are selected. Application, then a coach call, a Team family meeting, and a written offer. Results count for roughly 30% of the decision; goals, coachability, character, giving back, growth outside cycling, and fit make up the rest. Roster: 8–14 riders. Riders who apply and are not selected are offered a place on Performance or Comp, whichever fits.
NATIONAL
PERFORMANCE
Performance Team
Ages 13-18
Performance is for riders whose main goal is still a great MCA season, but who want to start racing USAC events and may go to Nationals, and who need flexibility in how they train. It sits between Comp and National on purpose: the same race environment as National, without the full-year commitment.
Who it is for. Riders with a 2027 racing age of 13–18 (born 2009–2014) who want the same team experience as National: training together, supporting each other, and being coached as individuals with their own goals, needs, and schedule. Typical Performance riders play a spring sport, want to keep a personal coach, or want to try a few USAC regional races before deciding whether Nationals-level racing is for them.
What is included. On-bike training sessions, run alongside National Team riders, plus the option to add any of the following a la carte: (practices 1-6 days per week)
A la carte Options:
- Strength sessions
- A TrainingPeaks plan from an LCW coach (or keep working with your own coach)
- Training camps (extra fee, same as National)
- Coach support at USAC races, charged per race the rider attends
- Or an all-in package: Sessions 1, 2, and 3, strength, and a TrainingPeaks plan, priced the similarly as those items are for a National rider
What we ask of the rider.
- Choose the sessions you will attend (Pre-season, 1, 2, or 3) and commit to those. Starting at Session 2 after a spring sport is fine.
- Hold a USAC license. A UCI license and UCI racing are optional for 17–18 year olds.
- Sign the Performance agreement (lighter than the National contract).
How riders join. Same application form as National, with a shorter review. Roster: 10–15 riders; National and Performance together are capped at 18–24 depending on coaching staff.
National or Performance? The three things that separate them are immediate goals (Nationals as this year’s peak vs. MCA first), the rider’s need for flexibility, and, in some cases, past results. A rider on Performance in 2027 who wants the full commitment is exactly who we hope to see apply to National in 2028.
Comp Team
Ages 12-18
Comp is the foundation of LCW and where most of our riders belong. Its single goal is to have every rider as prepared as possible for the 2027 MCA season.
Who it is for. Riders aged 12–18 who are rising 6th through 12th graders and want to improve their MCA racing. Riders train in age-based groups with ability break-outs, so a strong 7th grader and a first-year 11th grader each get a group that fits.
What is included. On-bike training sessions and practices during Session 1 (April-May) and Session 2 (June–July). Practice 2 days per week. The Comp coaching staff meets weekly to adjust the group training program as the season unfolds.
What is not included. Individual training plans, strength sessions, camps, and USAC race support. Riders who want those should look at Performance.
What we ask of the rider. Show up ready to work and be a good teammate, and follow the LCW code of conduct. No application; register opens, March 2, 2027.
COMP
DEVO
DEVO Team
Ages 11-14
Devo is the step from Trail Kids into team riding. It introduces younger riders to what training feels like and gives them a low-pressure look at racing, in groups built by age and ability.
Who it is for. Middle-school riders aged 11–14 who are comfortable riding singletrack and curious about racing, whether or not they ever plan to race.
What is included. On-bike training sessions and practices during Session 1 (April-May) and Session 2 (June–July). Practices two days per week. (A one-day-per-week option is under consideration.)
What comes next. Most Devo riders move to Comp the following year; some move mid-year if they are ready and there is space. No application; register opens, March 2, 2027.
AQI & High Heat
Click here to see how The Loppet uses current AQI and heat conditions to determine how it may affect upcoming programming, event schedules, outdoor activities, and safety recommendations.
Financial Assistance Information
Financial Assistance
The Loppet provides financial assistance for those in need. To apply, please fill out this Financial Assistance form. Our staff will be in touch with you with next steps once your application has been submitted. *Limitations apply, please see the application form for rules and restrictions. In most instances there will be a $500 financial assistance cap per person/per year.
Refund Policy
The Loppet will issue a full refund of the program fee minus the original processing fee up until 4 weeks before the program starts. Between 4 and 3 weeks from the program start date, a 50% refund will be issued. There are no refunds for any cancellations within less than 3 weeks of the start of a program.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact lcw@loppet.org.
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