Developing Missouri's U23/Junior MTB Athletes

South Side XC Devo is a Junior and U23 off-road cycling development team built for motivated athletes who want to grow as riders, racers, teammates, and people.

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We help athletes take the next step beyond local and school-based racing through coaching, skills development, race preparation, team support, and a positive environment focused on confidence, resilience, and long-term growth.

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Cycling is more than training and racing. It teaches athletes how to work hard, handle setbacks, support teammates, take ownership of their performance, and chase big goals one step at a time.

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Who Should Apply?

South Side XC Devo is for athletes who love mountain biking and are ready to grow.

You do not need to have everything figured out before applying. We are not only looking for podiums or race results. We are looking for athletes who are:

• Coachable

• Committed

• Respectful

• Willing to communicate

• Excited to learn

• Ready to work hard

• Supportive of teammates

• Interested in local, regional, or national race opportunities

 

If you want to become a stronger rider and a more confident competitor, this team may be a good fit.

 

Our Team Pathway

South Side XC Devo offers three team levels so athletes can grow at the right pace.

 

Development Team

For riders who are ready to learn how to train, race, and prepare with a team.

Development Team athletes begin training in March and build toward local racing opportunities from May through August. This level focuses on skills, endurance, confidence, race-day basics, nutrition, team expectations, and understanding the USA Cycling pathway.

This level is about learning the process.

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Regional Team

For committed athletes who are ready for structured training and a stronger regional race calendar.

Regional Team athletes are typically USA Cycling Cat 2 racers working toward Cat 1-level competition. They receive individualized coaching, attend skills camps, participate in team rides, and race selected regional events that expose them to stronger competition and more technical courses.

This level is about committing to the process.

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National Team

For experienced Junior and U23 racers who are ready to pursue national-level goals.

National Team athletes are preparing for high-level events such as USA Cycling National Championships, High School National Championships, Collegiate Championships when applicable, and other appropriate national races. These athletes receive the highest level of individualized coaching, race planning, and team support.

This level is about executing the process at the highest level.

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Built to Support the Next Steps to Advanced Off Road Racing

South Side XC Devo is not here to replace NICA/MICL. We believe NICA has created an important foundation for youth mountain biking in Missouri. Our goal is to build on that foundation and create a safe, healthy, and intentional next steps for athletes who are ready for more.

We want our athletes to continue giving back to their local teams as mentors, leaders, volunteers, and positive examples.

 

What We Expect

All South Side XC Devo athletes are expected to represent the team with respect, effort, and professionalism.

Athletes should be ready to communicate with coaches, follow team expectations, arrive prepared, support teammates, wear team kit when representing the team, and show good sportsmanship on and off the bike.

Most importantly, athletes should be ready to grow.

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Ready to Apply?

We are looking for athletes who are committed, coachable, respectful, and excited to be part of something bigger than themselves.

If you are ready to take the next step in mountain biking, we invite you to apply.

 

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Questions?

Contact us at xcteam@southsidecyclery.com