Our Team Pathway

South Side XC Devo offers three team levels so athletes can grow at the right pace. Team placement is based on readiness, not status. We consider race experience, technical ability, training consistency, communication, maturity, family support, travel availability, and long-term goals.

Development Team

Regional Team

National Team

Learning the Process

For riders who are ready to learn how to train, race, and prepare with a team while keeping the sport fun, positive, and age appropriate.

Committing to the Process

For committed athletes who have progressed beyond the beginner stage and are ready for structured training, greater accountability, and a stronger regional race calendar.

Executing at the Highest Level

For experienced Junior and U23 athletes who have earned, or are prepared to race at, the USA Cycling Cat 1 level and are ready to pursue national-level goals.

Best For

Athletes newer to structured training, newer to USA Cycling, or ready to add local racing and team-supported development alongside their NICA experience.

Best For

USA Cycling Cat 2 athletes working toward Cat 1-level racing and higher-level regional competition.

Best For

Experienced Junior and U23 athletes prepared for Cat 1-level racing, national-level goals, and championship preparation.

Program Focus

Skill development
Endurance and confidence
Race-day basics
Nutrition and hydration education
Team expectations
USA Cycling pathway introduction

Program Focus

Year-round development
Individualized coaching
Skills camps and team rides
Regional race preparation
Cat 2 to Cat 1 progression
Race strategy and accountability

Program Focus

National-level performance planning
Advanced race preparation
Weekly communication and check-ins
Championship preparation
Travel and recovery planning
Professional sponsor representation

Race Pathway

Selected local races from May through August, including opportunities that help athletes understand how NICA, local racing, and USA Cycling can work together.

Race Pathway

Selected regional races such as US Pro Cup in Fayetteville, Iron Mountain in Arkansas, Englewood in Wisconsin, the ICC Challenge, the Missouri State Championship, and other USA Cycling-sanctioned regional races.

Race Pathway

USA Cycling National Championships, High School National Championships, Collegiate Championships when applicable, selected regional events, and other appropriate national-level races.

What Athletes Receive

Basic training plan and development guidance
Skills practices and team rides
Nutrition and hydration education
Race-day support for 3–4 local races
Team race kit and practice jersey
Team podium shirt and discounted team apparel
Supportive coaching focused on fundamentals

What Athletes Receive

Individualized monthly training plan
Training adjustments with two weeks’ notice
Skills camps and team training opportunities
Race-prep meetings before key events
Team-supported regional race calendar
Team race and practice kits
Sponsor and product support or discounts when available

What Athletes Receive

Highest level of individualized coaching
National-level race planning and season development
Weekly communication and performance check-ins
Advanced race preparation and strategy
Support at selected regional and national races
Team race and practice kit
Sponsor and product support or discounts when available

Cost

Team Fee: $300

Coaching Fee: $50/month

Program Length: March–August

Estimated Coaching Cost: $300

Estimated Total Program Cost: $600

Cost

Team Fee: $500

Coaching Fee: $100/month

Program Length: Year-round

Estimated Annual Coaching Cost: $1,200

Estimated Total Annual Program Cost: $1,700

Cost

Team Fee: $1,000

Coaching Fee: $200/month

Program Length: Year-round

Estimated Annual Coaching Cost: $2,400

Estimated Total Annual Program Cost: $3,400

Additional Costs to Plan For

Team fees and coaching fees do not include every cost associated with racing. Families should also plan for USA Cycling license, race registration fees, travel and lodging, meals and race nutrition, bike maintenance and repairs, replacement parts and tires, team apparel beyond included items, optional additional races, and national championship travel when applicable.

South Side XC Devo will work to reduce barriers when possible through sponsorship, fundraising, scholarships, and team support. Financial aid may be available based on need, athlete commitment, and available team funding.